If you’re a proud owner of a camper van, you know how important space is. Limited square footage means every nook and cranny counts, making organizational skills crucial. But fear not, fellow van lifers, as we’ve got you covered with nine camper van storage ideas to help you maximize your space and declutter your home on wheels.
From using vertical space to being mindful of weight distribution, this article will guide you through different ways to store your belongings efficiently. Discover how investing in collapsible items can save space and how organizers and containers can help declutter your living quarters.
Whether you’re a seasoned van lifer or just starting to explore life on the road, optimizing your camper van storage is always a work in progress. Let’s dive into these smart storage solutions that will make your life on the road more comfortable and organized.
Why Storage Matters
Space is limited when living in a camper van or small RV. If not properly organized, the clutter can quickly take over, leaving little room for you to move around comfortably. But it’s not just about tidying things up – optimizing your space has practical implications too.
For one, having well-thought-out storage solutions can provide easier access to your belongings. This way, you won’t have to rummage through piles of clothes or utensils to find what you need. It can also help with weight distribution in your van, which is especially important if you plan on taking longer trips.
Additionally, a clutter-free space can positively impact your mental well-being. It can reduce stress and make your van feel more like a home. Plus, you’ll have more room for activities like cooking, relaxing, and entertaining guests.
Camper Van Storage Ideas
No RV conversion is complete without considering some unique camper van storage ideas. Whether you build under-bed storage or optimize your van layout, incorporating storage into any rehaul or redesign will make van living a whole lot easier. Follow these van life tips to ensure you’re properly optimizing space.
- Utilize Wall Space
Vertical storage is essential in a camper van, where every inch counts. Install shelves, cabinets, or hanging organizers on the walls to store items such as utensils, toiletries, and clothing. Where you can, extend the shelving and storage to the ceiling, but be mindful not to clutter the walls too much, as this can tend to make the space feel smaller than it actually is.
- Get Under Bed Storage
Beds take up quite a bit of space in a camper van, but you can make the most of it by using the area underneath for storage. Invest in drawers or boxes that easily roll in and out to store bulky items such as bedding, shoes, and luggage. If you can, when undergoing any RV conversion, build your own under-bed storage to ensure you’re using every inch of space possible.
- Use Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a total game-changer for camper van organization, especially if you have a small RV like class B camper vans. These small, rectangular bags provide separate compartments for clothing and accessories, making it easy to find what you need without digging through your entire wardrobe. Label them with colored tape to make them even easier to organize.
- Install Hooks and Racks
Hooks and racks are useful for hanging everything from coats to cooking utensils. Install them in convenient locations, like near the door or above the stove, for easy access. However, be mindful of making your walls look too cluttered.
- Use Multi-Purpose Items
Make the most of what you have by finding items that serve multiple functions. For example, a cutting board can also act as a serving tray or a sink cover. Or, a slide-out kitchen table can be the base of a guest bed or the kitchen counter itself.
- Invest in Foldable Items
In a small space, it’s important to have items that can fold down or collapse when not in use. Think collapsible bowls, foldable chairs, and a pop-up laundry hamper. Perhaps one of the most useful foldable items, however, is a folding, collapsible closet rack that you can fold down to increase your closet’s space immensely whenever needed.
- Keep Things Secure
Things tend to shift and move around when traveling. Keep your belongings safe and secure by using bungee cords, tie-downs, or non-slip liners to keep items in place. While this isn’t necessarily a storage hack, it does help ensure everything stays organized, which is key when optimizing a small space.
- Use Vacuum Sealed Bags
A vacuum-sealed bag can compress bulky items, such as bedding or clothing, to save valuable space in your camper van. While this means you’ll need a vacuum on board to compress the bags each time you open them, you can easily find portable travel vacuums that are small enough to store with other cleaning items you carry.
- Install a Ceiling Cargo Net
Do you have a lot of large, bulky items you can’t find places for? Install a cargo net on the ceiling to store larger items such as blankets, towels, and sporting equipment. While this might take away some precious head space, you can decorate the cargo net with fairy lights or other small decorations to improve the look and make the space feel cozier.
Consider Smart Technology
While these nine camper van storage ideas are a great starting point for optimizing your camper van’s space, it’s helpful to also consider how using smart technology could enhance your life on the road, too.
From intelligent assistants that can help you turn things on and off to robot cleaners that’ll keep your space clean for you, there are plenty of gadgets and gizmos that can help automate van living.
Unsure where to start? Browse our IoT articles for more inspiration on connected home technology and gadgets.