A Guide to Our Top Vanlife Storage Hacks

Vanlife in a campervan from rove! certainly offers you an insight into the joy of minimalism, but the truth is that wherever you travel you will still need to take ‘stuff’ with you. There’s no way you can hit the road and have nothing – and that means you’re going to need space onboard to store this ‘stuff’.

However, space is at a premium, so efficient storage solutions are absolutely essential for keeping your environment comfortable, neat and tidy. It’s not just about the aesthetics, it’s also about the practicality. Using the space in your campervan in an orderly fashion means you’ll be able to find things easily. In this new edition of our blog, we’re sharing our smartest vanlife storage hacks to help you declutter, organise and optimise your on-the-road campervan environment!

One of the best things you can do to increase storage potential in your campervan is make the most of the vertical space, rather than spreading out horizontally. This is space that’s often overlooked, but there’s plenty of it to use for storage! Buy some stackable storage boxes and put them in cupboards and other storage areas.

Choose boxes that fit your cupboard dimensions snugly, and label them so you can quickly and clearly see what’s in them. Stackable boxes are perfect for kitchen utensils, dry kitchen goods (rice and pasta etc), camping equipment or any loose items such as chargers and cabling. In some campervan models stackable containers can also be positioned under seats, ensuring no inch of the available space is wasted.

Space on the floor is likely to be scarce, so the ceiling and walls become invaluable storage areas. Attaching hanging nets or baskets to walls or ceilings, using hooks or Velcro straps, will allow you to stow lighter items such as clothing, soft toys, towels, hats and scarves or toiletries. This type of storage adds a welcome layer of functionality to areas that would otherwise go unused.

Using collapsible kitchenware (bowls, cups and colanders, etc) is a game-changer for anyone who wants to make the most of their vanlife. These plastic or silicone items reduce to a fraction of their functioning size when not in use, which frees up valuable cupboard space. Similarly, using foldable chairs, tables and even laundry baskets allow you to stash them away in tight spaces when they’re not in use. By opting for collapsible versions of everyday items, you retain their (often essential) functionality but you massively reduce the amount of room they occupy the rest of the time.

The space beneath the bed in a campervan is, as they say on property shows on TV, ‘prime real estate’. It’s ripe for use as storage, being the perfect spot to stash your larger items like extra bedding, clothing and outdoor gear.

To make the absolute most of this space, invest in low-profile storage boxes or vacuum-sealed bags that can quickly and easily slide underneath the bed. These bags compress soft items by removing excess air, reducing their volume significantly. For even more added convenience you could install pull-out drawers or sliding compartments so you can access the stored items without having to lift the mattress or bed frame.

An ingenious way to save drawer space is to install magnetic strips along the kitchen area wall or inside the cupboard(s). These strips are perfect for holding metal utensils, knives, scissors and even spices (etc) in metal containers. By keeping frequently used kitchen items on a magnetic strip, you free up valuable drawer and counter space as well as having the things you need within easy reach.

Space is relatively limited in a campervan, so each piece of furniture should ideally serve more than just the one purpose. If you can opt for a vehicle with multi-functional furniture (benches that double as storage boxes, tables that fold away when not in use) then you will enjoy a much more comfortable vanlife. Some campervans come with built-in seating that lifts to reveal hidden storage compartments within – perfect for tucking away blankets, clothing and shoes. These storage options increase capacity without adding unnecessary bulk.

Over-the-door organisers are a brilliant storage solution for keeping small items organised and easily accessible. These organisers, often made of fabric or mesh, can hang on the back of cabinet doors or even the van’s main door. They’re ideal for storing toiletries, cleaning supplies, or even shoes. Since they hang flat against a door, they take up very little room while providing multiple pockets for various items.

If your campervan has limited internal storage and you think you need more, you should consider adding external options such as roof racks, bike racks or storage pods. Roof racks are ideal for carrying bulky items like surfboards, bikes and extra luggage. An external storage pod is an extremely useful addition which can act as a sort of extra ‘room’ where you can store camping gear, hiking boots and any other outdoor equipment that doesn’t fit comfortably inside the van.

Living your best life in a campervan requires organisation so that your space is both functional and enjoyable. Tidiness and organisation are extremely important in small spaces – and when everything has its place, you’ll have a much more stress-free time. You’ll easily be able to find what you need without rummaging through clutter, and there won’t be potentially hazardous loose items lying about while you’re driving.

With these tips from rove! you’re ready to hit the open road in your campervan, and whether it’s a two-berth model or a four-berth you can be confident that every square inch of it is being used to its fullest potential. Happy adventuring!