If you’ve ever walked into your cruise cabin, looked around, and thought, “Wow… this is cozy,” you’re not wrong. Staterooms are designed to be efficient, but they’re definitely not spacious. The good news? With a few smart storage tricks, you can turn that compact space into a surprisingly organized little home at sea.

This week, we’re taking it step-by-step from the moment you roll your suitcase onto the ship to the moment you pack it back up again.

Step 1: Before You Even Pack (Future You Will Thank You)

Organization starts long before embarkation day.

Bring a few small items that instantly multiply your storage options:

Magnetic hooks I personally purchased these ones and they were amazing! We used them to hang towels, bags and hats. They are so strong! I hung a backpack on it that I used while in port.

A slim over-the-door organizer (game changer!) This is great even afterwards your cruise for extra bathroom or bedroom storage.

Magnetic retractable clothesline This clothesline can be used within your cabin or on your balcony. Hang bathing suits, towels and accessories to dry. If you already have magnetic hooks this one is super lightweight and doesn't require clothespins due to the design.

Hanging storage organizer (optional, but great for long sailings)

Laundry Storage Bags These bags roll up smaller than a cellphone and are perfect for keeping all your dirty laundry in one spot instead of taking over the whole room.

None of these items take up much room in your luggage, but together they give your cabin a sense of order. Suddenly, everything has a place.

Step 2: The First 15 Minutes in Your Cabin

The first few minutes set the tone for your entire cruise. Most people toss their bags on the bed and start digging through them like raccoons. Don’t be those people.

Here’s the smoother way:

✔️ Unpack Right Away

Your cabin will feel bigger the moment your suitcase is empty. Use the drawers for smaller items, and put bulky things like sweatshirts, jeans, and tote bags in the closet.

✔️ Use the “Hidden” Storage Spaces

Cruise lines are sneaky…in a good way. Look for:

The shelf above the closet

The drawers under the sofa

The nightstand cubbies

The space behind mirrors

The giant under-bed area (perfect for storing suitcases)

✔️ Set Up Your “Drop Zone”

Pick one small area, usually the desk or dresser to place your keys, cruise card, sunglasses, lanyard, and sunscreen. This prevents the daily scavenger hunt where you convince yourself your SeaPass card has vanished forever. This was our “Drop Zone” (a before pic!) when we were on the Valiant Lady (Virgin Voyages).

Step 3: Make the Walls Work for You

Here’s where the magic happens.

Cruise cabin walls are metal, which means they’re basically giant magnetic bulletin boards. Hang magnetic hooks and you get instant storage for:

Hats

Wet swimsuits

Lightweight bags

Sun shirts

Lanyards

Charging cords

This instantly clears surfaces and keeps things from piling up on every flat space in sight.

Consider using one hook for a “Tomorrow Pile” excursion tickets, outfits, or things you need in the morning. Wake up feeling like the organized version of yourself.

Step 4: Conquer the Bathroom (The Tiniest Room of All)

Cruise bathrooms are compact, but they’re also secretly well-designed.

Here’s how to make the most of them:

✔️ Use an Over-the-Door Organizer

Put toiletries, sunscreen, medications, and hair products in the pockets. It clears the sink counter instantly.

✔️ Look for the Shelves You Didn’t Notice

Many cabins have small shelves on the walls or beside the mirror. Perfect for:

Deodorant

Roll-on perfumes

Travel-sized skincare

Seasickness patches

✔️ Keep “Wet Stuff” Contained

Use one designated corner for wet swimsuits, washcloths, and shower products. Your floor will thank you.

Step 5: Daily Maintenance (But Make It Easy)

You don’t need to go full Marie Kondo every day, but a 2-minute reset helps keep the space calm, not chaotic.

Try:

Putting dirty clothes in one bag

Returning toiletries to the organizer

Hanging up tomorrow’s outfit

Keeping chargers plugged into one spot

It’s small things that make a small space feel manageable.

Step 6: When It’s Time to Pack Up Again

Departure day always sneaks up faster than you think.

A few tips to make leaving less stressful:

Start by gathering everything from hooks and organizers

Pack toiletries last—they always take the longest

Use the under-bed space to keep your suitcase open while organizing

Keep one tote bag (this one is great because it folds up small in your luggage) empty for souvenirs, damp clothes, or last-minute items

You’ll be fully packed before your neighbor has even found their second flip-flop.

Final Thought

Cabins may be compact, but they don’t have to feel cluttered. With a little planning (and a few magnets), your room can become a surprisingly spacious and peaceful home base between all your adventures on board.

And honestly… the less time you spend digging through piles of stuff, the more time you get to enjoy sunsets, snacks, and sail away cocktails.

Until next week,

Tara

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