DIY RV Closet Organizer Ideas

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Living in an RV often means dealing with limited storage space, especially when it comes to closets. However, with some creativity and a bit of effort, you can turn that tiny closet into a highly organized space. DIY closet organizers can help you maximize every inch, making it easier to find what you need and keep things tidy. From adding shelves and hooks to repurposing everyday items, the possibilities are endless. These ideas can help transform your RV closet from chaotic to orderly, making life on the road much more enjoyable. Let's get started on those DIY projects!

Getting Ready for Your Project

1. Measure the Space: Use a tape measure to get the dimensions of your closet. Write down the height, width, and depth.

2. Plan Your Design: Sketch a rough design of how you want the organizer to look. Decide where shelves, rods, and bins will go.

3. Gather Materials: Collect all necessary materials like wood, screws, brackets, and tools. Make sure everything is within reach.

4. Clear the Area: Remove all items from the closet. Clean the space to ensure a smooth installation process.

5. Safety Gear: Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands. Keep a first aid kit nearby just in case.

6. Set Up Workspace: Arrange a workspace with a sturdy table or workbench. Ensure good lighting and ventilation.

7. Cut Materials: Use a saw to cut wood pieces to the required sizes. Sand the edges to avoid splinters.

8. Pre-drill Holes: Mark and pre-drill holes in the wood to make assembly easier and prevent splitting.

9. Assemble Components: Start putting together shelves, rods, and other parts according to your design.

10. Install Organizer: Securely attach the assembled components to the closet walls using screws and brackets.

11. Test Stability: Give the organizer a gentle shake to ensure everything is stable and secure.

12. Organize Items: Place your clothes, shoes, and other items in the new organizer. Enjoy your tidy RV closet!

What You Will Need

1. Measuring Tape: Essential for measuring the dimensions of your closet space accurately.
2. Plywood Sheets: Used to create shelves and dividers. Choose a thickness that can support the weight of your items.
3. Screws and Nails: Needed to secure the plywood sheets and other components together.
4. Screwdriver: For driving screws into the plywood and other materials.
5. Hammer: Useful for driving nails into place.
6. Saw: Required to cut the plywood sheets to the desired size.
7. Sandpaper: Smooths the edges of the cut plywood to prevent splinters.
8. Wood Glue: Provides additional strength to the joints and connections.
9. Paint or Stain: Optional, but can be used to finish the plywood for a polished look.
10. Paintbrushes: For applying paint or stain to the plywood.
11. Brackets and Supports: Used to reinforce shelves and ensure they can hold weight.
12. Level: Ensures that your shelves and dividers are installed straight.
13. Drill: Needed for making pilot holes for screws and other hardware.
14. Storage Bins or Baskets: Helps organize smaller items within the closet.
15. Hooks and Hangers: Useful for hanging clothes and accessories.
16. Closet Rod: For hanging clothes on hangers. Choose a sturdy material like metal or thick wood.
17. Drawer Slides: If you plan to include drawers in your organizer, these will allow them to open and close smoothly.
18. Pencil: For marking measurements and cutting lines on the plywood.

These materials and tools will help you create a functional and organized closet space in your RV.

How Much Time and Skill Are Needed?

Skill Level: Intermediate

Time Required: 4-6 hours

1. Measure and Plan: 1 hour
2. Gather Materials: 30 minutes
3. Cut and Assemble Shelves: 2 hours
4. Install Shelves and Rods: 1 hour
5. Organize and Adjust: 30 minutes

Follow These Steps

1. Measure Your Closet Space

   • Use a tape measure to find the height, width, and depth.
   • Write down these measurements.

2. Plan Your Organizer Layout

   • Sketch a simple design on paper.
   • Decide where shelves, rods, and bins will go.

3. Gather Materials

   • Shelving: Buy pre-made shelves or cut plywood to size.
   • Rods: Purchase metal or wooden rods for hanging clothes.
   • Bins and Baskets: Get plastic or fabric bins for smaller items.
   • Brackets and Screws: Ensure you have enough to secure shelves and rods.

4. Install Shelves

   • Mark where shelves will go using a pencil.
   • Attach brackets to the wall with screws.
   • Place shelves on brackets and secure them.

5. Install Hanging Rods

   • Mark rod positions on both sides of the closet.
   • Use a level to ensure rods are straight.
   • Attach rod brackets and insert rods.

6. Add Bins and Baskets

   • Place bins on shelves for easy access.
   • Use baskets for items like socks, underwear, or accessories.

7. Label Everything

   • Use labels to identify what goes where.
   • Stick labels on bins and shelves.

8. Organize Your Clothes

   • Hang clothes on rods.
   • Fold and place other items in bins and on shelves.

9. Add Hooks for Extra Storage

   • Attach adhesive hooks to the inside of the closet door.
   • Use hooks for hats, scarves, or bags.

10. Check Stability

    • Ensure all shelves and rods are secure.
    • Make adjustments if anything feels loose.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

Measure your closet space before buying or building anything. This ensures everything fits perfectly. Use adjustable shelves to maximize space and accommodate different items. Over-the-door organizers can hold shoes, accessories, or small items, saving floor space. Vacuum-sealed bags help store off-season clothes compactly. Hooks and pegs on walls or doors can hold hats, bags, or jackets.

Common mistakes include overloading shelves, which can cause them to sag or break. Avoid using bulky hangers; slim, non-slip hangers save space. Don’t forget to secure everything; RVs move, so items can shift or fall.

For alternatives, consider using plastic bins instead of wooden drawers; they’re lighter and easier to clean. Tension rods can create extra hanging space without permanent installation. Fabric shelves are lightweight and can be easily moved or adjusted.

How Much Will It Cost?

Materials:

• Wooden boards: $30-$50
• Screws and nails: $5-$10
• Closet rods: $10-$20
• Hooks and brackets: $10-$15
• Paint or stain: $10-$20
• Storage bins: $20-$40
• Shelf brackets: $10-$15

Tools:

• Drill: $30-$50
• Saw: $20-$40
• Measuring tape: $5-$10
• Level: $10-$15
• Screwdriver: $5-$10
• Sandpaper: $5-$10

Total Cost: $170-$305

Budget-friendly alternatives:

• Repurpose old wood: Free or low cost
• Use plastic bins instead of wooden shelves: $10-$20
• Buy second-hand tools: Save 50% or more
• Skip paint or stain: Save $10-$20

Different Ways to Customize

Shelving: Use wooden shelves for a rustic look or metal shelves for a modern feel. Adjustable shelves can adapt to different storage needs.

Hanging Rods: Install extendable rods to maximize space. Double rods can create more hanging space for shorter items like shirts and pants.

Bins and Baskets: Choose fabric bins for a soft touch or plastic bins for easy cleaning. Wicker baskets add a natural element.

Hooks and Pegs: Use adhesive hooks for easy installation or screw-in hooks for heavier items. Pegboards can hold various accessories.

Drawers: Build wooden drawers for a classic look or use plastic drawers for a lightweight option. Sliding drawers can save space.

Closet Dividers: Use acrylic dividers for a sleek appearance or wooden dividers for sturdiness. Adjustable dividers can fit different-sized items.

Lighting: Add LED strip lights for energy efficiency or battery-operated puck lights for convenience. Motion-sensor lights can save power.

Mirrors: Install a full-length mirror on the door or use small mirrors inside for quick checks. Foldable mirrors can save space.

Color Schemes: Paint shelves and walls in neutral colors for a clean look or bright colors for a cheerful vibe. Patterned wallpaper can add flair.

Labels: Use chalkboard labels for easy changes or printed labels for a polished look. Color-coded labels can help organize by category.

Eco-Friendly Ideas

Use reclaimed wood for shelves and dividers. Old pallets or leftover wood from other projects work great. Sand and paint them to match your RV's interior.

Repurpose cardboard boxes for drawer organizers. Cut them to fit your drawers and cover them with fabric or decorative paper.

Utilize fabric scraps to create hanging organizers. Sew pockets onto a fabric strip and hang it on a rod or hook.

Transform old baskets into storage bins. Line them with fabric or paint them to give a fresh look.

Use glass jars for small items like screws, buttons, or jewelry. Attach the lids to the underside of a shelf for easy access.

Create hooks from old utensils. Bend forks or spoons and screw them into the wall for hanging belts, scarves, or keys.

Repurpose plastic bottles by cutting off the tops and using the bottoms as small containers for toiletries or office supplies.

Use old magazine holders for vertical storage. Attach them to walls or inside closet doors to hold shoes, rolled-up clothes, or accessories.

Turn wine crates into stackable storage. Sand and paint them, then use them to store folded clothes or shoes.

Recycle tin cans by cleaning and painting them. Use them to store pens, brushes, or other small items.

Making the Most of Your RV Closet

Creating a DIY RV closet organizer can transform your space. With some creativity and effort, you can maximize storage and keep things tidy. Use adjustable shelves, hanging organizers, and storage bins to fit your needs. Don’t forget to utilize vertical space and door backs for extra storage. Labeling everything helps you find items quickly.

Remember, the goal is to make your RV feel like home. A well-organized closet means less time searching for things and more time enjoying your travels. So, grab those tools and get started on your DIY project. Your future self will thank you.