A camper van often comes with storage issues. That’s because there are so many necessary items and tools to fit in a limited space. This is more applicable if you are a full-time van lifer. However, with some clever campervan storage ideas, such issues can easily be mitigated.
For example, you can use packing cubes to organize your belongings. Installing under-bed drawers and making use of overhead space for extra rooms are also great hacks. Besides, hanging storage options can optimize the available area, while vertical units efficiently sort essentials. Don’t forget the backdoor and external van spaces for additional storage capacity.
In this article, we will look at every aspect of eleven fantastic storage solutions, including the aforementioned ones, for your campervan. By the end, you will not have to worry anymore about taking that one extra thing with you!
11 Amazing Space-Saving Campervan Storage Ideas
After countless van builds and tours, we are confident that we can help you stay organized and make the most of your campervan space. To assist you, we have compiled a list of storage hacks and tips. Check them out to get the most out of that cramped space you usually get inside a van.
1. Packing Cubes and Clothes Storage Bags
You can put underwear, bras, and socks in their own small cubes, which stack neatly on top of each other. These help you use places that are hard to access. You can get to one thing faster by pulling out just the packing cube you need instead of a pile of separate items. Similar system can be utilized for pants, shorts, and t-shirts.
If you travel full-time, you will definitely bring summer and winter clothes. Use vacuum storage bags that fit under the bench seat to put away off-season items. It is amazing how much you can fit into one of these when all the air is removed!
Make sure everything you pack is completely dry. Otherwise, you will have condensation in your cupboards and moldy clothes. Before you buy packing cubes, measure the cupboard where they will be placed. Then, look for the best sizes to maximize the available space.
2. Shoe Storage Ideas
You might need shoes for hiking, running, biking, canyoning, going to the beach, going out to eat, and more. To avoid stress and mess while camping, keep your shoes in order and out of the way. Here are some ideas that might be useful.
- Box for shoes: A designated shoebox will ensure that everyone knows where the shoes should be placed.
- Elastic bands: Place heavy-duty elastic bands around each pair of shoes to strap them together. That flip-flop will be safe now!
- Vertical shoe hanger: Use the height of your camper to your advantage and keep your shoes off the ground with vertical space savers.
- Under the passenger seats: Keep things simple by putting shoes under the seats or in the door pockets of your van.
3. Step-up Storage (Stairs for Bed)
By adding steps, you can make the most of the space in the van’s garage for storage. You can even store things right under the bed.
If you keep adventure gear in your garage, you should put your bed on a platform. You can put in a step to get to bed easily. And, with the right stair design, you can store items such as freshwater underneath it.
The best part is that the water tank will always be visible. So you will know how much water is left before refilling it.
4. Under-Bed Drawers
If you plan ahead, it should not be hard to find a good van-life clothing storage solution. Of course, you need to sort out your closet and only bring the most important things, but that does not have to be a stressful task.
Under-bed drawers can be perfect for this. This is where you can keep all of your everyday things. Anything that is not in season can be put away in the back garage.
5. Overhead Storage
If you have about a foot of clearance above your head, that means you have more than enough space to breathe. The extra space would also be excellent for building overhead storage. The space above the counter and the foot of your bed can also be used for storage.
You can store food in the space above the cabinets. You can also use the organizers inside the cabinets to stack things and keep them accessible and in order.
6. Hanging Storage
There are many ways to make hanging storage work for you and your needs. Here are a few ideas:
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Hanging Jars
Hanging storage containers under the kitchen cabinets lets you have all the spices you may want and need. At the same time, it utilizes space you wouldn’t be optimizing otherwise. This could look like putting hooks under the cabinets and using string or handles to connect the jars to them.
You can also store big or awkward items by screwing the lids of mason jars onto the bottom of your kitchen cabinets.
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Fruit Hammock
You can keep your counters and cabinets clear of extra stuff with fruit hammocks. This way, the fruits will get the airflow they need. You can also keep your fruit close by and ready to eat in a hammock. To use them, just hang the hammock under the kitchen cabinets.
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Magnetic Hooks
If there is metal in the van, magnetic hooks would work the best. You can set up hooks on the side or back doors, for instance. These hooks can be used to hang things like backpacks, hats, jackets, and more, keeping them out of the way but still easy to get to.
7. Vertical Storage Unit for the Kitchen
A wide storage unit built right behind the passenger seat will make the most of the vertical space you have. You can store your electronics and other random things in the upper part of the storage unit. You can add a locked door, padded compartments, and charging ports inside the storage.
You can also keep the lower shelves open so they can be accessed from either side. On the top shelves, you can put things from the pantry. On the bottom shelves, you can put shoes and yoga mats.
And if this isn’t enough, build a super simple bottle rack that holds some bottles at the very bottom of this unit.
8. Use the Hidden Table
For extra counter space when you need it, you can choose a pop-out table or a small side table where one can work. It comes with a front that looks like a normal drawer and does not take up much room in your cabinets. It works best when it pulls out over a designated seating area so you can work or eat while sitting down.
9. Backyard Drawer Space
Installing shelves and drawers to store things is a great way to use that “garage” space in the backyard of your van. You can make a space in the “garage” that looks like a dresser to store clothes and other things you do not need right away inside.
10. Backdoor Storage
Using every part of your campervan is one of the best ways to get the most storage space inside. It also includes the back doors of the van.
You can make good use of space you would not normally use by adding storage pockets to the inside of your van’s back doors. These pockets may be a good place to store anything you need, like shower supplies, chargers, or books.
This is also a fantastic opportunity to personalize your van. You can create a bookshelf on the backdoors or add colorful pockets to match the interior of your van conversion.
11. Use Outside of the Van Spaces
Using the outside of your van as extra space is another great tip. You can think about adding a roof rack or cargo boxes to the outside of your van. You can also put propane tanks, spare tires, extra winter clothes, gear, or anything else there that does not fit inside your van.
Conclusion
A campervan can have a lot of usable space if you utilize some clever hacks. You can use vacuum bags for seasonal items. For storing shoes, you can opt for boxes, elastic bands, hangers, or under seats.
You can also optimize the kitchen with hanging jars and fruit hammocks. Besides, magnetic hooks can help with storing things where there is metal. If you require even more extra external capacity, you can use roof racks or cargo boxes.
However, there might be a case where you have the idea but can’t understand how to make it a reality. In such a case, Highland Vans can be your trusted partner. We can build you a campervan in a way that will maximize all the storage possibilities. Contact us today to build your dream project.
