Maximizing Space in Your Campervan

There are many advantages to owning a campervan: adventure with the comforts of home, a chance to connect with nature, the freedom of the open road with the benefits of staying connected, just to name a few. With so much to love, what’s not to like?

Let’s play a game.

Perhaps you’ve heard of Family Feud. If you haven’t, or if it’s been a while, the concept is simple: guess the most popular answer. Level 1: let’s go.

We asked 100 people “What is the #1 disadvantage of living in a camper van?”

Bzzzzzzztt. “Lack of space?”

Survey says…. *ding!* Lack of space!

Ok, we didn’t survey 100 people, but a quick Google search elicits the same result. Campervans, unsurprisingly, don’t come with a lot of space. Do we let this obstacle defeat us? Never! With some creativity, a bit of careful planning, and some modern engineering, (and maybe some downsizing of possessions for you hoarders out there), the lack of space in a campervan quickly becomes a non-issue. Let’s dive into some clever solutions to maximize space in your campervan. 


Choosing the Right Storage Options

Let’s start with the most obvious solution: storage. If you’re considering a campervan conversion, there are many storage options to explore. When evaluating these options, consider form (i.e. your personal preference) and function (accessibility and weight distribution) to determine which solution best suits your needs. The most common storage options in campervans are built-in cabinets, overhead storage compartments, under-bed storage, and modular storage systems.


  1. Built-in Cabinets: Built-in cabinets and shelves offer a seamless integration into the van’s interior, providing a sleek space to store belongings while keeping them close at hand. These cabinets provide attractive and convenient storage but may limit flexibility in layout changes and can prove difficult to install in some van models. 

  2. Overhead Storage Compartments: Overhead storage compartments make use of vertical space, effectively utilizing areas that may go unused. These compartments are excellent for storing bulkier items and keeping the main living area clutter-free - although it should be noted they can be difficult to access, especially for those with limited mobility.

  3. Under-Bed Storage: Utilizing the space under the main bed, using drawers, shelving, or bins, can free up space in the main living area and provide easy access to belongings while keeping them out of sight. 

  4. Exterior Storage Solutions: As the name implies, exterior storage systems offer versatility and the potential to customize, allowing owners to adapt their storage setup according to their specific needs. While they provide flexibility, they may require more initial planning and installation time compared to other storage solutions.


5-Step Plan to Organize Your Campervan


Besides the storage itself, there’s one other key ingredient to maximizing space in your campervan: organization. When you have a lot of stuff but not a lot of space, be it in a closet, a home, or a campervan, organization is key to keeping things tidy and readily accessible. Not sure where to begin? Here’s a 5-step plan to organize your campervan:

Step 1: Declutter

Time to channel your inner Marie Kondo. Try removing all your items from the campervan and sorting them into categories - kitchen supplies, clothing, outdoor gear, etc. If there are items you don’t need or use, it’s time to part ways. Opting for van living is a great opportunity to embrace minimalism, and you may learn there are plenty of things you can easily live without. Opt for easy wins, like bringing an eReader instead of endless books, or paring down to 2-4 plates, mugs, and bowls. With some things out of the way, take time to assess the available storage space and plan how to best utilize it for your needs.

Step 2: Look up

Maximize your vertical space. Consider installing shelves, hooks, and hanging organizers on walls and ceilings. This will free up space to move about and store larger items. This may be where you consider installing overhead storage compartments, modular storage, or track systems to better customize to your preferences. 

Step 3: Multi-Use

Invest in furniture and household items that are multi-use, such as benches with built-in storage, fold-down tables, convertible beds, and multiuse kitchen tools. This will help optimize your space and increase storage capacity without sacrificing comfort and function.

Step 4: Organize and Categorize

If you want to more easily find what you’re looking for down the literal road, organize and categorize your possessions. Feel free to do this however works for you, by sorting similar items together and designating specific areas for those items. These categories might include kitchen items, outdoor gear, clothing, and/or toiletries.

Step 5: Label and Secure

We’ve all been there: you’re looking for a specific item (matches, air pump, favorite pair of socks) and you can’t for the life of you remember which drawer/cabinet/storage bin you left it in. By labeling storage containers, bins, and drawers, you may be able to prevent the dreaded dig to find necessary items, or at the very least more easily identify their contents. Also consider investing in bungee cords, cargo nets, and/or straps to secure loose items while in transit, ensuring they stay where you left them.

Following these five steps, you can effectively organize your campervan to maximize space usage, improve accessibility to your belongings, and maintain a tidy living environment throughout your travels.

Shopping List: Organizing Necessities

Here’s a list of tried and true organization tools that can help keep your van neat and tidy:

  • Shelves and Hooks:

    • Floating shelves

    • Command hooks

    • Over-the-door hooks

  • Hanging Organizers:

    • Hanging closet organizers

    • Shoe organizers with pockets

    • Mesh or fabric hanging storage bags

  • Multi-Functional Furniture:

    • Bench with built-in storage

    • Fold-down table

    • Convertible sofa bed

  • Modular Storage Systems:

    • Modular storage cubes

    • Track systems with movable attachments

    • Stackable bins or drawers

  • Collapsible Containers:

    • Collapsible storage bins

    • Foldable storage crates

    • Pop-up laundry hamper

  • Packing Cubes and Travel Bags:

    • Packing cubes in various sizes

    • Compression bags for clothing

    • Travel pouches for accessories

  • Labeled Containers:

    • Clear plastic storage bins in different sizes

    • Label maker or adhesive labels

    • Chalkboard labels for reusable containers

  • Bungee Cords and Cargo Nets:

    • Assorted sizes of bungee cords

    • Cargo net for securing larger items

    • Adjustable cargo straps with hooks

  • Minimalist Kitchen Essentials:

    • Multi-purpose utensils (spork, multi-tool)

    • Collapsible silicone cookware (pots, bowls)

    • Stackable dishes and cups

  • Cleaning Supplies:

    • Microfiber cloths

    • Compact broom and dustpan

    • All-purpose cleaner in a refillable spray bottle

Summary

The question remains - is the lack of space a major hindrance in campervan life? No, or at least, it doesn’t need to be. Maximizing space in a van conversion simply requires thoughtful planning and creative problem-solving. Carefully considering storage options and keeping the space well-organized can help create a comfortable and functional living space.

Got a question? Contact our team to learn more about campervan storage options.