How to organize a small space such as an RV can sometimes be a tricky task. Knowing the layout of the unit and keeping images and logs of supplies will save time and energy by not having to dig through cabinets or flip up seat cushions to find something.
Create an RV Binder
When traveling away from home, having the necessary documents on hand will help RVers avoid stress and frustration in the case of an emergency or when trying to keep a fully stocked trailer or motorhome. Keeping everything organized in a 3-ring binder will make the information easy to find and refer to when needed.
Items to keep in an RV binder include:
- packing/clothing checklist
- food/grocery checklist
- supply checklist
- maintenance receipts
- insurance information
- maps
- campground reservations and contact details
- activity flyers
- emergency phone numbers
- a drawing of interior spaces
- inventory list of onboard supplies
Sketch or Print a Layout of Interior Spaces
It doesn’t take an artist to get a general idea of how the inside of an RV is set up. The important thing is having a picture to reference when organizing, not the quality of the drawing itself. Having drawings of multiple areas will keep each layout clear and to the point.
2 primary drawings to have in the binder include:
- a layout zoning the purpose or primary use of the space such as cooking, sleeping, dining, bathing, or lounging. When space is designated to meet a certain need, supplies for that zone can be stored in or near the area. Simple examples are toiletries and towels in the bathroom cabinets and blankets and pillows in the cabinets closest to the beds.
- a drawing of the design of lower and upper cabinets and drawers – including spaces below seating areas. This task may take up to 3 separate sketches of upper, lower, and hidden storage. This process is comparable to recreating the floor plan on the manufacturer’s website or sales flyer – if possible, print out multiple copies of the online manufacturer’s image to use for reference instead of drawing by hand.
Inventory Supplies
Now that the sketches are complete and placed in the binder, it is time to make a log of what is in each cabinet, how much of each, and a running list of what is needed. For example:
Kitchen Cabinet #1
- 6 dinner size plates
- 6 soup/cereal bowls
- 4 coffee mugs
- 6 drinking glasses
- 2 divided dishes (kids)
**Add to “buy list” small cups for kids
This list is helpful when the time comes to store the RV for long periods of time, or for when the rig has not been used consistently in a given season. Continue this for each zone of the RV making sure to keep supplies nearest to the area in which they will be used. To make the most of usable space, buy double duty products such as all purpose cleaners for the kitchen and bath, or come up with creative ways to use everyday items – zipper bags not only make convenient and disposable food storage, they are also great for marinating meats or as a pastry bag!
Place all finished logs and other important documents into an appropriately sized 3-ring binder and keep it inside the trailer or motorhome where it can be easily referenced.
