Van Life Storage Ideas
A carefree life on the road in a campervan is an appealing idea for many. But it’s not without its own problems. You’re reducing your living space, so organization is a must.
Before you start organizing your campervan, sort through the items you have inside. There may be clothing, ornaments, or equipment that you won’t need for a long time – like winter jackets during summer. Consider a storage unit to keep items you won’t need in the near future to make space in your van.
Fortunately, there are lots of clever contraptions out there to make your van tidy and comfortable. Thinking outside the box can create some ingenious storage solutions to make your next road trip a comfortable one. Here are eight van life storage ideas to give you inspiration and make the most out of your van.
Flip Top Bench Storage
A bench with a hinged flip top is a great way to store items you might not need daily. Hide away shoes, batteries, paper towels and tools you may need for making repairs.
Cover your bench with a mattress or cushions to keep it hidden and maximize the space you have. You’ll still be able to access the important stuff while keeping your van looking smart.
Wheel Well Storage Compartments
With space at a premium, you’ll want to be rid of dead space and make the most of potential storage areas. Wheel well storage compartments are a practical and ingenious method of avoiding clutter.
Like a flip top bench, they are very useful for tucking away items you’re not always using, like camera equipment and gym gear. Invest in universal fitting boxes which fit over either wheel well. Cargo management tracks anchor them to the floor and bungee nets attach to bed frames to secure them.
Packing Cubes
Common sense tells us ‘less is more’ when it comes to van life and storage ideas. But it pays to spend time getting some packing cubes. They can help keep things organized. Label your cubes and you’ll find it easier to find clothes than you would by cramming them into a closet.
Avoid throwing clothes all over your van as you search for that elusive jumper you need. Packing cubes, like the best campervan essentials, can be out of sight and out of mind.
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Mesh Pouches
Do you look around your van and feel there’s no space left to fill? If so, it’s time to create some more with a few mesh pouches. Cheap and very effective, you can place them anywhere. They’re durable, long-lasting, and perfect for above your doors, beds, and on the back of seats.
Small essential items such as phones, sunglasses, and tickets can sit in them. Plus, you won’t need to worry about the contents getting damaged as you drive on bumpy roads.
Closet Space in Top Hopper
Deep and very wide, there’s a lot of storage space here, right above the driving seat. The top hopper could be work as a pantry – with so much space up there, you can pack a lot of provisions for a long road trip.
If you’re worried about all the clothes you’re bringing with you, top hoppers are ideal for storage. Insulate with foil tape and ensure the shelves have lips, so items don’t fall out when on the road. You can build an effective door with some plywood and an assortment of hinges, latches, and sash locks.
Hooks
Never underestimate the importance of hooks for helping save space in your van. The more items you can hang out of the way, while keeping them accessible, the better. Cup hooks screw into wood and are great for hanging cups and mugs, but also keys and compasses.
If you want to go the extra mile, add anchor points. They’re tougher and have closed loops for extra security. Clip them around your van with carabiners. You can add as many hooks on to your van as you like for keeping items out of the way but within grabbing distance.
Pop-Up Shelving
Large cabinet doors can create extra table space via spring-loaded hinges. They can even be sturdy enough to cook on. Shelves are an important way of keeping order in your van. If they can be folded away when not in use, even better.
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Hook and Loop/Velcro
An integral part of your checklist for life in a van. Travelling by RV may not always be smooth. You could have to stop with no warning or face tough weather that makes the roads dangerous. So, you don’t want to put anything at risk and end up with a mobile home of damaged goods swimming at your feet.
Which is where Velcro and hook and loops come in. Are your van curtains getting in the way, covering your window when you don’t want them to? Fasten them with hook and loop straps to the interior on each side of your window. Then you can enjoy those breath-taking views unhindered.
Velcro brand fasteners can secure personal items such as TV remotes and phones. To keep the kids occupied on long journeys, fasten a tablet to a back seat. Then they can enjoy their favorite movies or TV shows and you can enjoy the quiet.
If you’re taking to life on the road for a short or an extended trip, keep your personal possessions in a storage unit. Space is at a premium in a converted van or camper, so you’ll need to travel light. First, find out how much space you’ll need, pack everything up, then drop it off at a conveniently located self-storage unit.
