How do you organize and secure your cabinet contents? Post pictures and show us!

[RV Accessory Pro]

This is my outside supplies cabinet, previously useless pegboard. The shelves were just tempory mock-ups but that was three years ago, so I guess they are good enough. The inventory varies depending on trip duration and any pending road-projects. There’s also a 120v outlet here for chargers, etc.
View attachment 20161
Tool storage - this tool chest is only 12” deep (had to remove the lid) so it fits perfectly. It also resided in my two previous coaches. I toyed with the idea of a taller box but stayed with this one and installed the shelf above which is quite handy. I moved the light to the underside of the shelf and there is a factory 120v outlet above the shelf.
View attachment 20162
I also boxed in the area around my DEF tank and installed the sewer hose bin on the left and created more storage on the right, and added a light. There was a lot of wasted space here and I like having Stinky out of the wet bay. I’ve since added a 120v outlet in this space too.
View attachment 20163
The longer you have a rig, the more you’ll figure out about storage and mods that make it all easier and more organized. I still have more plans for this one.

Very well organized and can easily find stuff. I like the outside supplies cabinet ideas. they keep everything in one place.

 

[Yorick1973]

This is my outside supplies cabinet, previously useless pegboard. The shelves were just tempory mock-ups but that was three years ago, so I guess they are good enough. The inventory varies depending on trip duration and any pending road-projects. There’s also a 120v outlet here for chargers, etc.
View attachment 20161
Tool storage - this tool chest is only 12” deep (had to remove the lid) so it fits perfectly. It also resided in my two previous coaches. I toyed with the idea of a taller box but stayed with this one and installed the shelf above which is quite handy. I moved the light to the underside of the shelf and there is a factory 120v outlet above the shelf.
View attachment 20162
I also boxed in the area around my DEF tank and installed the sewer hose bin on the left and created more storage on the right, and added a light. There was a lot of wasted space here and I like having Stinky out of the wet bay. I’ve since added a 120v outlet in this space too.
View attachment 20163
The longer you have a rig, the more you’ll figure out about storage and mods that make it all easier and more organized. I still have more plans for this one.

That is so helpful @Rich W. !!! Thank you so much. It already gave me a couple of ideas I want to implement as it is fitting for my setup - that is, the use of shallow shelves. Did you build that yourself?

 

[Yorick1973]

Eek! Sorry that photo is so huge but this Gorilla Grip will be your best friend. Line shelves, separate cookware, glassware, anything that rattles and it helps things stay in place as you’re underway. It’s awesome and I always keep extra rolls bc you never know when you’ll need it!

Thanks @LoweCountryCamping , that is very useful. I'm ordering them asap.

 

[Yorick1973]

Thanks for the question! I definitely understand the challenge of keeping cabinets and their contents organized and secure while on the road. Here are a few tips on how I've set up my RV:

• Use shelf liners or non-slip mats - These help keep items from sliding around on cabinets and drawers. I line all my shelves and drawers with a soft rubber liner.
• Use containers/bins for loose items - Any small items like spices, snacks, toiletries, etc. I keep in plastic bins or containers with lids. This corrals all the little things in one place.
• Use heavy duty Velcro - For lightweight items I can't put in a container, I use heavy duty Velcro strips. These hold everything securely in place but are still removable.
• Use latches on cabinet doors - Installing simple latches helps keep cabinet doors closed tight so their contents don't rattle around.
• Pack strategically - I put heavier items on lower shelves and lighter items up high. This helps minimize shifting when driving.
• Wrap or secure glass/fragile items - I wrap dishes and cups with towels or packing paper to cushion them. You can also use non-skid drawer liner inside cabinets to keep glassware and plates in place.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I'm happy to share more tips on keeping an RV organized on the go.

Love these @RV Accessory Pro! I'm taking notes of these asap. I just ordered non-slip shelf liners that are just the right size for my shelves.

I'm going to get some small containers and bins. I'll check the thrift shop first Tuesday then get additional online if needed.

Velcro? Genius! I can already see some application for this. I'll purchase some strips to have on hand ready to use when needed.

Latches - check! My cabinet doors already have them.

My wife and I will be discussing how best to pack our items once we have everything in place.

I'm still thinking through the dishes and glasses. I have not purchased them yet. Considering going with plastic microwavable ones initially.

 

[Yorick1973]

Some people use museum putty to keep things in place on counters. It works well and doesn’t leave any marks. I was keeping a house plant and coffee maker in place with it for a while.

Wow! Never heard of museum putty until now. Definitely adding that to my list of ready supplies and already know a few places to use it.

 

[Yorick1973]

We put dish towels and hot pads between the pots and lids in the drawers under the stove and paper plates between the real ones in the cabinets. Also use cardboard separators between glasses. We like real cookware and tableware when traveling so we are always finding ways to elimate rattles and avoid breakage.

And here’s a valuable tip: don’t store heavier stuff in high cabinets inside, such as above the sofa. Any swaying while crossing uneven ground, even at very low speeds, is exagerated higher up, so things can be ejected (like an expensive camera and lens) even if the cabinet door seems secure. I got lucky and my camera and lens bounced off the sofa and landed on a dog bed instead of the tile floor, but it could disastrous.

Great tips, @Rich W.! Thanks. Good thing the dog was not on the bed at the time. Hahahaha!

 

[Yorick1973]

View attachment 20172View attachment 20173View attachment 20171
My wife uses a lot of plastic tubs and on travel days she adds some foam board. Also use reusable zip ties for cabinets.

Thanks @Russellvh . That's helpful. Hmmm... reusable zip ties. I'll pickup a few. So, do you and the wife use the zip ties for anything else? [Wink, wink]. Hahahaha!

 

[Yorick1973]

We use small storage tubs and we have a set of spring loaded bars for securing items in the fridge. We have wide velcro straps the we us to secure the fridge and ddouble doors to the bathroom storage area. These item along with strateigc placeing of items in the cabinet.View attachment 20184

Tension rods. Love it. I'll order a few. Thanks, @Wemustrv .

 

[Yorick1973]

Bins, bins, bins. It helps organize. Easy to pull out to reach the items in the back. I have them everywhere - in the fridge, under the bed, bathroom, drawers, medicine cabinets. Someone should probably take my label maker away from me, but I love it so.

View attachment 20188View attachment 20189View attachment 20190View attachment 20191

I just have one word reaction: Wow!

You just gave us a goal - to organize as well as you. Amazing! Thanks so much, @ARD .

 

[Russellvh]

Thanks @Russellvh . That's helpful. Hmmm... reusable zip ties. I'll pickup a few. So, do you and the wife use the zip ties for anything else? [Wink, wink]. Hahahaha!

They don’t make them in a fur lined option yet.

 

[Yorick1973]

@ARD , I went to the local thrift shop and found some really nice bins in two categories of sizes the should fit well in our RV. Thanks for the idea. We'll post pictures soon. I hope to make you proud.

I may even go buy a label maker.

 

[bpaikman]

i don't throw away ANY container without first assessing its value for organizing. I prefer the clear plastic organizers, but they can get expensive, and I decided to make my own temporary organizers our of old kleenex boxes, clear plastic pastry lids, etc...until I figure what works, and then replace them with nice clear plastic. The problem is finding the sizes I need in the expensive boxes - I can 'custom build' to exact size with my scrap stuff. I'll add photos later when the sun (and Bob) is up.

 

[Rich W.]

i don't throw away ANY container without first assessing its value for organizing. I prefer the clear plastic organizers, but they can get expensive, and I decided to make my own temporary organizers our of old kleenex boxes, clear plastic pastry lids, etc...until I figure what works, and then replace them with nice clear plastic. The problem is finding the sizes I need in the expensive boxes - I can 'custom build' to exact size with my scrap stuff. I'll add photos later when the sun (and Bob) is up.

Most of mine are the plastic bins that gun nails and deck screws come in when from HD. Also the bins black tank pods come in. I don’t think any of them were purchased new for the purpose. I also use them in the medicine cabinet to keep all the small things neat and orderly in there, and contain liquid items in case heat, movement, or elevation changes cause a leak.

 

[Rich W.]

That is so helpful @Rich W. !!! Thank you so much. It already gave me a couple of ideas I want to implement as it is fitting for my setup - that is, the use of shallow shelves. Did you build that yourself?

Yes. The higher end coaches come with similar but more elegant shelves (brushed stainless or aluminum?) in that location. Mine were just meant to serve as mock-ups and provide temporary duty for one trip, but as I said, that was a couple years ago, so apparently painted plywood is sufficient.

Original installation:

Peg board turned around:


From a 2019 Essex:

For interested Newmar owners, when I had my peg board out for some plumbing work I discovered that the back side is covered with the same grey automotive carpet as found in the bays and since the peg board is basically useless in this application, I turned the whole thing around and it has a much more pleasing appearance.

 

[ARD]

I may even go buy a label maker.

Bahahah. They are addicting. You will want to label everything, but it does help when you have big bins in your storage bays below.

That's awesome you were able to find bins. Looking forward to seeing your photos.