Time to get excited! Spring is the time to dust off the cobwebs, clear the clutter, and get ready to hit the road. But before you set off on your first adventure of the season, taking the time to declutter, deep clean, and organize your RV can make a world of difference. A fresh, streamlined RV means less frustration, safer travels, and more time spent enjoying your trip—not searching for that one item you swore was in the top cabinet.
From clearing out what you don’t need to optimizing your storage space, here’s how to get your RV road-ready for a smooth and stress-free season.
Declutter—What Didn’t You Use, Need, or Love?
The first step to a clean and organized RV is getting rid of the clutter that accumulated over the past season. That could mean unused kitchen gadgets, clothes you never wore, or tools gathering dust. Whatever it is, clearing out the excess will make everything easier to find and give you back much-needed space.
It may seem tedious, but taking the time to systematically go through every space is well worth the effort. Start with one area and work through your entire RV, including:
- Cabinets & drawers
- Under-bed storage
- Kitchen & fridge
- Bathroom shelves
- Outdoor compartments
To help determine what you need, it’s helpful to ask yourself some simple questions:
- Did I use this last season?
- Do I really love this item, or is it just taking up space?
- Does this serve a real purpose, or is it redundant?
Some items you’ll likely want to ditch include:
- Expired pantry items, old spices, and half-used condiments, especially if they’ve been left in storage for several months.
- Clothes that don’t fit your RV lifestyle or, for that matter, you. Even if you spent good money on these items, if you didn’t reach for them last season, they don’t need to take up your precious storage space.
- Duplicate tools or kitchen gadgets. After all, how many spatulas do you really need?
- Bulky or awkwardly shaped items that never seem to have a home or tend to bounce around.
Taking Time To Systematically Go Through Every Space Is Well Worth The Effort
You can give gently used items a second life by donating them to local shelters, thrift stores, or RV parks with community swaps. You may even be able to recoup some cash by selling any high-quality gear you no longer need. And, of course, there are items that have seen their useful life and may need to be recycled or otherwise responsibly disposed of.
The Deep Clean—A Fresh Start for Your RV
Once you’ve cleared out the clutter, it’s time for a deep clean. After months of storage (or heavy use), dust, grime, and forgotten crumbs can take over. A good scrubbing will refresh your space and make your RV feel brand new. Again, work through your RV systematically so no surface is left untouched:
Kitchen & Fridge
- Toss expired food and clean shelves.
- Wipe down cabinets, counters, and appliances.
- Reevaluate food storage—consider stackable bins to save space.
Bathroom Refresh
- Discard old toiletries and restock essentials.
- Deep clean sinks, showers, and toilets.
- Check for leaks or needed repairs.
Living Areas
- Wash rugs, curtains, and bedding.
- Vacuum and mop all floors.
- Wipe down windows to let in more natural light.
While you’re cleaning, watch for signs of unwanted guests, like insects or rodents, that may have snuck in during winter storage.
Organize: Everything in Its Place
Now that your RV is clean and clutter-free, it’s time to organize for efficiency. A well-organized RV means less time searching and more time adventuring. Set yourself up with smart storage solutions, such as:
- Clear bins for food, gear, and small items so you can see what’s inside at a glance—no more digging or pulling everything out!
- Label everything to make finding essentials quick and easy.
- Invest in drawer dividers to keep utensils, tools, and other small items in order.
- Hang frequently used items on hooks or pegboards to free up drawer space.
As you pack for your next adventure, keep easy access top of mind. For instance, keep your most-used items within reach, not buried in a drawer. Consider installing hanging organizers for toiletries, shoes, or kitchen supplies. You can store seasonal or backup items in harder-to-reach areas.
One of the best things you can do for your future self is to dedicate a spot for emergency tools and first-aid kits so you can grab them quickly when you need them.
Next, head outside and make sure you’re organized to quickly set up camp. For example, neatly pack hoses, leveling blocks, and camp chairs so they’re easy to grab without rummaging through a chaotic storage bin.
Bonus Tips for a Smooth Takeoff
Now that your RV is decluttered, cleaned, and organized, it’s time to put the finishing touches on your spring prep. A few extra steps can help ensure your first trip of the season goes off without a hitch. From testing out your setup to restocking essentials, these simple checks will save you time, hassle, and last-minute scrambling when it’s time to hit the road.
- Restock Essentials: Check your first-aid kit, batteries, fire extinguisher, and must-have pantry staples.
- Inspect Your Gear: Make sure awnings, kitchen appliances, outdoor accessories, etc., are in good working order before you hit the road.
- Do a Dry Run: Spend a night in your RV before your first big trip to ensure everything is where it needs to be.
Hit the Road Feeling Lighter and More Organized
It may not be the way you want to spend the weekend (we’d all rather hit the road for the first adventure!). But spending a weekend decluttering, deep cleaning, and organizing your RV now will pay off in the long run. Not only will your space feel lighter, fresher, and more functional, but you’ll enjoy stress-free travels where everything is easy to find. No more digging through drawers for your favorite sauce, hunting for a screwdriver, or realizing too late that your base layers are buried at the bottom of a bin.
By making spring cleaning an annual tradition, you’ll set yourself up for happier, more relaxed adventures all season long. So, grab your cleaning supplies, put on your favorite playlist, and get ready for a smoother ride ahead!
