Van Life Storage and Organization for Maximum Space

Van life is all about living minimally and efficiently, and that includes storage and organization. By maximizing your space, you can create a comfortable and functional home on wheels.

A great starting point for van life storage is to use wall-mounted shelves, which can hold up to 50 pounds of weight per shelf. This is especially useful for storing heavy items like tools and cookware.

To make the most of your van's vertical space, consider installing a loft bed or a storage loft with a capacity of 200 pounds. This will free up floor space for more essential items.

Incorporating a slide-out drawer can be a game-changer for van life organization, as it can hold up to 30 pounds of items and provide easy access to essentials like clothes and kitchen supplies.

A different take: Twin Loft Bed Storage

Measuring every inch of space in your van is crucial to creating an effective storage system. This allows you to visualize what needs to go where and purchase bins that fit perfectly in these spaces.

To compartmentalize your belongings, use bins that are specifically designed for your van's cabinets, drawers, and floor areas. The Container Store has a wide variety of bins in different shapes and sizes to suit your needs.

Using stackable plastic bins with lids is a great way to store larger items, such as backpacks, hiking gear, and dog food. This helps keep your gear organized and easy to access.

Here are some key storage ideas to keep in mind:

We can’t say it enough: “each thing in its own place”!

The rear doors of the van are another great opportunity to add more storage.

You can install a shoe organizer, like we did, to keep essentials like shoes, toiletries, and even tools within easy reach.

Trim the shoe organizer to fit your van's rear doors, and screw it into the plastic trim for a secure hold.

For a removable option, use small sticky hooks or screws to attach the shoe organizer, allowing you to take it out when you need to set up your exterior shower or for other activities.

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Adding slides and drawers to your van is a game-changer for storage and organization. You can use drawers to store items that are difficult to access, like bikes or heavy gear.

Drawers can be installed in cabinets, and some vans even have pre-drilled holes for this purpose. If you have a "garage" under your platform bed, consider installing a slide-out bike rack and a slide-out storage rack side-to-side.

Individual stacking plastic drawers are another option, and you can connect them with velcro and duct tape to keep them secure. Sterilite offers individual stacking drawers that come in various sizes, allowing you to create a custom set.

To keep your drawers from moving, attach industrial-strength velcro to the back of the drawer set and the wall of your van. This will keep everything in place, even on bumpy roads.

Some vans come with pre-built systems designed to fit popular cargo van models, such as the DECKED customizable drawer system. These systems can be easily added or removed and provide a lot of organization space.

Here are some popular van models that can fit DECKED systems:

In my first Sprinter Van, I had nowhere to store my trash because I didn’t think to plan for it.

Trash storage is often an afterthought in van builds, but it's essential to have a plan.

I ended up hanging my trash bag on a hook on my back door, which was unsightly and not ideal.

You can hide your trash cans in a cabinet or use a dedicated trash storage solution.

The Overland Gear Guy Spare Tire Trash Bag is a great option for storing trash outside the van, keeping funky smells out of your living space.

It's made of heavy-duty vinyl and is water resistant, making it perfect for storing trash or other items like firewood or tools.

Everything must have a place to keep your van organized and your sanity intact.

Be as diligent as possible about putting things back where you got them, it's crucial for a clutter-free van.

You don't need to bring every toiletry you might use over the next six months, unless you're driving to Alaska, you should have no problem getting what you need on the road.

Having fewer clothes that you can wear many times before needing to wash them makes it easier to keep your van clothes folded and tidy.

You can even get Amazon packages in most places as you travel if you really need to restock something.

Here are a few simple van storage ideas:

To maximize your van's interior space, consider using wall-mounted organizers. These are perfect for lightweight items and tools you need to grab quickly, and can be customized to fit your specific needs.

Wall-mounted organizers make the most of your van's vertical space, keeping the floor clear and items visible and within reach. Measure your wall area and choose the right mounting hardware to ensure secure installation.

A good option is to use reinforced mounts that can handle road vibrations and shifting loads, ensuring your storage stays secure while traveling. You can also pair these with foldable furniture to add more functionality and flexibility to your van's setup.

Here are some features to look for in wall-mounted organizers:

Foldable furniture is a game-changer for van life, allowing you to add more space for work, eating, or relaxation without sacrificing precious floor space.

A folding table, like the one installed in our camper van, is a convenient way to create a dedicated workspace or dining area that can be folded away when not in use. This type of furniture is perfect for simultaneous laptop use or other activities that require a flat surface.

When choosing foldable furniture, focus on durability and look for sturdy aluminum hinges and reinforced mounting brackets that can handle movement and vibrations. Lightweight metals and high-density composites are ideal materials, offering a good mix of strength and weight.

For van dwellers, foldable furniture is a smart way to make the most of limited space while keeping things comfortable and practical. A great example is the LagunaTech Fold-Away series, launched in late 2024, which features a wall-mounted table that can hold up to 50 pounds when extended but folds down to just 2 inches thick when not in use.

Here are some key features to consider when selecting foldable furniture for your van:

By incorporating foldable furniture into your van's interior, you can create a more ergonomic and practical space that meets your needs and enhances your overall van life experience.

A headliner shelf is a great hack to add more storage to your van, and I'm not just saying that because I've seen it work wonders in a friend's Sprinter van.

You can either make your own shelf using a DIY kit, which will save you some money and allow you to match it with your van's build, or you can buy a bolt-on aluminum shelf for a premium option.

A DIY kit is a cost-effective way to add storage, and it's a great project to tackle if you're handy with tools.

For a premium option, consider a bolt-on aluminum shelf, which provides a sturdy and durable storage solution.

You can install a headliner shelf in your Sprinter van or Ford Transit van, and it's a great way to keep your gear organized and within reach.

Here are some key features to consider when choosing a headliner shelf:

By installing a headliner shelf, you'll be able to maximize your van's interior space and keep your gear organized and easily accessible.

Wall-mounted organizers are a game-changer for maximizing your van's vertical space. They keep the floor clear and make the most of your van's interior. By using wall-mounted organizers, you can store lightweight items and tools within easy reach.

The VANTALE wall organizer is a great example of this, featuring a slim design with pockets, hooks, and compartments. American Van's modular storage systems are also a great option, allowing you to tailor wall panels to your specific needs.

One of the key benefits of wall-mounted organizers is that they keep the floor clear, which is especially important in a van where space is limited. They also provide easy access to your stored items, keeping them visible and within reach.

To get the most out of your wall-mounted organizers, it's essential to measure your wall area and choose the right mounting hardware. Distributing weight evenly and placing frequently used items at an accessible height is also crucial. Store heavier items lower to maintain balance and stability.

Here are some features to look for in a wall-mounted organizer:

For extra durability, look for organizers with reinforced mounts to handle road vibrations and shifting loads. This ensures your storage stays secure while traveling.

Individual drawers can be a great addition to your van's storage space, but they can be prone to movement or tipping while in transit. This can be a problem, but there's a simple fix: velcro and duck tape.

Sterilite offers individual stacking drawers that can be connected to make a custom drawer set. I use these drawers in my own van and love them because they come in various sizes and can be made to fit specific spaces.

You can connect the drawers together with white duck tape, which won't get in the way of opening and closing the drawers. To attach the plastic drawer unit to the wall, place a strip of industrial strength velcro on the back of the plastic drawer set and another strip on the wall of your van.

Here are some benefits of using individual stacking drawers:

Keep in mind that not all Walmart stores carry these drawers, but you can also find them on Amazon.

Pop up shelving is a game-changer for van organization. I recently used spring loaded hinges to build swing out shelving into my side doors, which is sturdy enough to cut vegetables and cook on.

The hinges are a great way to double the use of a cabinet door as a surface. We also like using these magnetic spice racks to keep items off the counter but within reach.

To keep things tied down, make use of magnets and bungee cords. The last thing you want is a bunch of items sliding back and forth in the vehicle.

You can also use industrial strength velcro to attach the shelving unit to the wall of your van. This keeps the shelves from moving around while you're driving.

Utilizing exterior space is a game-changer for van life. You can store bulky items like propane tanks, water, or spare tires on a roof rack or storage cabinets off the back of the van.

Exterior storage options can add a lot more space and keep essential items within easy reach. Sandy Vans' 2024 product line offers a range of exterior storage solutions, starting at $130, designed to fit various van models.

Here are some exterior storage types and their uses:

Slide-out pantries are a fantastic way to maximize space in your van, keeping essentials organized and easily accessible.

Full extension slides provide full access to stored items, making them perfect for deep cabinets. This feature allows you to reach the back of your pantry without having to dig through everything.

Adjustable shelving lets you customize the size of your compartments to fit different containers, giving you flexibility in how you organize your space. This is especially useful if you have a variety of items to store.

Lock-in-place mechanisms are crucial for preventing your pantry from moving during travel, keeping everything secure. This feature is a must-have for long drives.

Moisture-resistant materials protect your items from damage, making them ideal for storing food or other sensitive supplies. This is especially important if you plan on storing perishable items in your pantry.

Some slide-out mechanisms can handle up to 100 pounds, so you don't have to worry about overloading your pantry. This weight capacity is more than enough for most people's needs.

On a similar theme: Soap Making Storage

Milk crates are an easy storage option for items that don't easily fit in drawers or other places. You can find them in the office section at stores like Walmart.

They're also great for adding more storage on the wall. Mini milk crates are perfect for this, and they're inexpensive too.

To hang them on the wall, use Command strips and hooks. The bigger Command hooks work well, and the crates have never fallen off – even when the driving gets bumpy.

You can store a variety of items in milk crates, but it's best not to put super heavy or breakable items in them. The items I store in my mini-crates changes as I move around the country.

A different take: Wall Bed with Storage

Consider storing your gear outside your van to keep it clean and reduce clutter. Exterior storage options can add a lot more space and keep essential items within easy reach.

Exterior storage solutions can be designed to fit various van models, starting at $130. You can find a range of options, including roof racks, hitch-mounted carriers, and side-mounted boxes.

Roof racks are great for carrying sports equipment and bikes, with a weight capacity of up to 150 lbs and high weather protection. Hitch-mounted carriers are ideal for heavy gear and tools, with a weight capacity of up to 500 lbs and moderate weather protection.

Side-mounted boxes are perfect for quick-access items, with a weight capacity of up to 100 lbs and very high weather protection.

When choosing exterior storage, look for weather-resistant materials like UV-resistant plastics or coated metals. Reinforced seals are a must to shield your gear from rain, snow, and dust.

Having extra surface area in your van is a game-changer. You can expose yourself to different van life layouts on Instagram or other websites to come up with creative ways to build extra table space into your vehicle.

Many van owners opt for swivel tables like the Lagun table frame, which can be found in the marine world. These tables provide a flexible workspace that can be easily converted into a dining area or desk.

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To maximize your surface area, consider utilizing the outside of your vehicle for storage. A roof rack or storage cabinets off the back of the van are a good place to store bulky items like propane tanks, water or spare tires.

For interior storage, slide-out pantries are an excellent way to make the most of tight spaces in a van. These pantries can be placed in spots like the space between your kitchen counter and fridge, under fixed seating, or near the entry door for quick access to groceries or other essentials.

The key to a well-designed pantry is weight distribution. Heavier items should go on the bottom for stability, while things you use the most should be at eye level. Most slide-out mechanisms can handle up to 100 pounds and use ball-bearing tracks for smooth opening and closing.

Maximizing Small Spaces is a must for van life. Tight or awkward corners can be a challenge, but don't let them go to waste. There are many little jars or other items that will fit perfectly in these spaces.

Using smaller containers is a great way to keep items organized and reduce road noise. We like using plastic or fabric bins because they allow us to take a section of items out to the campfire without having to dig everything out separately.

Smaller bins also help keep items from sliding around inside cabinets. This is especially useful for storing cooking gear or other items that you need to access frequently.

If you're looking for a lightweight and compact storage solution, consider gear boxes made by Radius Outfitters. Their 5500 Gear Box with a foam insert is a great option for storing your Starlink gear.

Mesh pouches are a great way to add van life storage space and keep items organized. They're simple to install and can be used for storing items like clothes, tools, or accessories.

To keep your van clothes organized, use packing cubes. Each cube should be dedicated to a specific type of clothing, such as shirts, pants, socks, and underwear.

For lightweight items and tools, consider using wall-mounted organizers. These take up minimal floor space and keep your van clutter-free. Some popular options include the VANTALE wall organizer and American Van's modular storage systems.

Store items that could be affected by the elements in a way that protects them from moisture and critters. This includes using plastic baggies or bins with lids to keep items dry and secure.

Packing and organization are key to making the most of your van life experience. Here are some tips and tricks to help you stay organized on the road.

Store items with the pre-notion that they could be affected by the elements, aka the weather. This means using storage solutions that can protect your belongings from moisture and bugs.

Use packing cubes for clothing to keep your clothes organized and easy to find. You'll need one for shirts, one for pants/shorts, one for socks, one for underwear, and one for miscellaneous items like a beanie, gloves, and a swimsuit.

Don't overpack – it's tempting to bring everything, but trust me, you won't need it all. Quick-dry, athletic-type fabrics and solid colors are your friends when it comes to packing light.

Use wall-mounted organizers to make the most of your van's vertical space. These are ideal for lightweight items and tools you need to grab quickly.

Here are some features to look for in a wall-mounted organizer:

Store heavier items lower to maintain balance and stability. And don't forget to measure your wall area and choose the right mounting hardware.

Use 2-gallon or 2.5-gallon ziplock bags to store bulky items or items that don't fit well into plastic bins or drawers. These bags also help protect items from moisture and unwanted critters.

Remember, it's all about finding a balance between packing what you need and keeping your van clutter-free. Happy packing!

Living in a van can be a wonderful adventure, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the unexpected issues we faced was dealing with a multitude of USB cables.

We quickly realized that everything from smartphones to Wi-Fi routers needs a USB cable, making it easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of cords.

A good USB cable organizer can be a game-changer for van lifers, helping to keep everything tidy and within reach.

If you're looking for a lightweight and compact storage solution for your Starlink, check out the gear boxes made by Radius Outfitters. I recently got the Radius Outfitters Starlink Storage Case which is their 5500 Gear Box with a foam insert that is perfectly cut for the Starlink Dishy and Modem.

To keep your van organized, everything must have a place. This is a key factor to keeping your sanity intact, as I've learned from my post on 5 Ideas For A Simple DIY Camper Van Bed – Easy Van Conversion.

One of the main concerns when living in a van is how to make the most of the limited space. You want your van to feel like a home away from home, not a cramped and cluttered mess! To maximize living space, use every inch of space wisely, even utilizing the space under the bed for storage.

A fellow van-dweller I know only uses plastic totes for everything, which is probably an extreme side, but the take-away is that we can use most anything in our van conversion and we can keep it simple. This is a great way to keep things organized and clutter-free.

Here are some simple van storage ideas to get you started: