Tips for using cabinet sides for RV storage solutions

By Gail Marsh
Many folks complain about the lack of usable storage space inside their RVs. I’ll bet that if you scan your RV interior right now, available space will look you right in the eye! Not convinced? Here are some tips for using cabinet sides for RV storage.

Note: Every RV is different, with different floorplans, varying materials, and a multitude of cabinet configurations. While you may not be able to use all of the following tips, I hope you’ll discover at least one or two that are helpful.

Match space to use

Utilizing the sides of cabinets is a great way to free up drawers, cupboards, and other storage spaces for other necessities. Once you’ve identified usable spaces at the end of cabinets, think about how you typically use that area of your RV. Then add hooks, shelves, or other items for storage solutions.

Note: When screwing accessories to cabinet side panels, you may need to add reinforcement wood to the inside of the cabinet for strength, especially if the panel is very thin and your “add-on” will carry a bit of weight.

RV cabinet storage in the kitchen

We have available cupboard side space around our RV’s stovetop. Because there is frequently something cooking on the stove top, I need to use caution when fastening items to these cupboard panels.

• Knife solution. By mounting a magnetic strip to the side of the cupboard, I could free up valuable counter space and keep the knives close at hand, while protecting small fingers from injury.

• Measuring tools. A well-placed hook or multiple hooks can hold measuring cups and spoons in this area, as well. The measuring tools can be close at hand for cooking and baking needs, while saving space in the RV kitchen drawers.

• Spice cupboard. Our Vilano fifth wheel RV features a space for spices at the end of our kitchen island. You could replicate this idea with these shelves for your spices at the end of your RV’s kitchen island or other side cabinet panels, as well.

• Dish towels and potholders. A well-positioned hook or towel rack at the end of a kitchen cupboard or island can hold towels as they dry or keep potholders within reach.

• Cookbooks. A shelf like this one can hold cookbooks on the side of a kitchen cabinet for quick reference.

Galley and living area

• Remote. Apply Velcro to the side of the sofa’s base cupboard or TV cupboard, along with Velcro on your television remote, so you’ll always know where to find it.

• Tchotchkes. Doodads, knick-knacks, or whatnots. No matter what you call them, these sentimental trinkets make an RV feel like home. With few horizontal spaces to display them, consider attaching shelves to the side of a cabinet.

• Keys and more. Many RVers add hooks or baskets to the side cabinet panel nearest the RV’s exit door. This provides access and storage for keys, sunscreen, pet leashes, sunglasses, and more.

• Shoes. Fasten two bungee cords horizontally across the galley cabinet’s side panel or another cabinet close to the exit door. Use the cords to help keep footwear contained as you slip them through the cord.

Bathroom

• Dental care. Apply Velcro to the side of the bath wall cabinet and to the side of a plastic cup. Store toothbrush and toothpaste inside the cup when not in use. Use this same idea to fasten small baskets to contain other small bath items.

• Towels. Our first RV bathroom did not have any towel racks on the walls. So we fastened hooks on the side of our sink base cabinet. Our space proved too narrow for an actual towel bar, but if your RV allows for it, you can fasten a towel bar to the cabinet’s side panel.

And more…

A cork bulletin board, chalkboard or whiteboard can be permanently mounted to the side of a cabinet. Use this “central hub” as a collection point for notes, lists, brochures, and other items.

A wine rack like this one can keep your favorite beverage ready for Happy Hour.

Changeable artwork frames like these allow you to easily switch out your (grand)child’s artwork. Such frames work well on the side panels of upper cabinets.

Can you think of additional tips for using cabinet sides for RV storage solutions? Please share your suggestions in the comments below.

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