7 Clever Ways to Maximize Campervan Storage Space
Storage is one of those things you never seem to have enough of in a campervan, especially when you are travelling as a family! Between clothes, shoes, cooking equipment, toys and all those little things that somehow find their way into the van, it doesn't take long for every cupboard to fill up. We have definitely had our fair share of trying to squeeze everything in. Over the years, we have picked up some clever ways to keep our campervan organised without sacrificing the space we need to enjoy being in it. The good news is that you don't need a bigger campervan, or an expensive conversion to make a difference. Sometimes the simplest changes work best.
Here are seven clever campervan storage ideas that have made life on the road easier for us, from vertical storage and packing cubes to multi-purpose furniture and collapsible containers. Hopefully, they'll give you a few ideas for your own van too.
1. Make the Most of Vertical Storage in Your Campervan
When you are short on space in a campervan, it is easy to focus on the cupboards and drawers you already have. But some of the most useful storage areas are actually the ones you might not think about. Using vertical space is one of the simplest ways to create extra campervan storage without taking up valuable floor space. We have found that storage nets, wall-mounted organisers and small shelves can be brilliant for keeping everyday essentials tidy and easy to reach.
They are particularly useful for things like:
Books and magazines
Toiletries
Small toys
Lightweight clothing
Charging cables
Other everyday essentials
The advantage of storage nets is that you can often see what's inside them, which saves rummaging through cupboards every time you need something. They can also make use of awkward spaces that might otherwise be wasted. Of course, it's important to think about where you're installing them. You don't want anything obstructing doors, seatbelts or access around the campervan. And anything stored in a net needs to be lightweight and securely held in place while you are driving.
Our Favourite Vertical Storage Solutions
We have discovered that you don't necessarily need expensive storage systems to make a difference. Sometimes a few well-positioned nets or organisers can transform an awkward corner. If you're looking for inspiration, you can browse our favourite campervan storage solutions on Amazon.
2. Use the Back of Doors for Extra Campervan Storage
The backs of cupboard doors and rear campervan doors are often overlooked, but they can provide surprisingly useful storage. This is especially helpful when you are travelling with children and need somewhere to keep all those smaller items that seem to accumulate. We have used door storage to make the most of space that would otherwise go unused. Hanging organisers, nets and hooks can be useful for storing:
Shoes and flip-flops
Hats and gloves
Lightweight jackets
Cleaning products
Toiletries
Small accessories
The key is choosing organisers that fit your van and don't prevent doors from closing properly. We also try to keep things that we use regularly somewhere accessible rather than buried at the back of a cupboard. There is nothing worse than having to empty half the campervan just to find something you need!
Why We Love Flexible Campervan Storage
One of the best things about hanging organisers is that they are relatively easy to change as your needs change. The things you need when travelling with young children might be completely different a few years later. Having storage that can adapt is much more practical than filling every available space with permanent cupboards. For more ideas, have a read of our Smart Campervan Storage Ideas to Make the Most of Limited Space. You can also shop our campervan storage favourites on Amazon.
3. Organise Clothes in Campervan Overhead Cupboards
Clothes can take up a surprising amount of space, particularly when you are packing for a family and if you have ever opened an overhead cupboard only to have everything tumble out, you'll know exactly why good organisation matters! We have found that overhead cupboards are brilliant for clothing, bedding and other lightweight essentials, but they work much better when everything has its own place.
Use Packing Cubes to Keep Clothes Organised
One of the easiest ways to organise clothes in a campervan is with packing cubes. They are particularly useful when you're travelling as a family because you can separate everyone's clothes without needing individual cupboards. We like being able to take out one packing cube rather than pulling everything out to find a particular item. They also make packing and unpacking much quicker. You can see the packing cubes we've recommended on Amazon.
Stop Things Sliding Around in Your Cupboards
Another simple storage solution is non-slip matting. Campervan cupboards are constantly moving while you are travelling, so anything that helps prevent items sliding around is worth considering. We have used non-slip matting from Amazon to help keep things in place. It's particularly useful in kitchen cupboards and other storage areas where you don't want things moving around while you're driving. Remember that non-slip matting isn't a substitute for securing heavier items properly.
Make Packing for Your Next Trip Easier
Once you have got your cupboards organised, it's much easier to keep them that way. We have learnt that having a regular place for everything makes packing for a weekend away so much quicker. If getting the campervan ready always seems to take longer than it should, we have shared our routine in The Ultimate Guide to Packing Quickly for a Weekend Campervan Trip.
4. Create Custom Campervan Storage That Works for Your Family
Every campervan is different and what works brilliantly for one family might not be right for another. That is something we've learnt through our own campervan conversions. When we converted our medium-wheelbase VW Crafter, we spent a lot of time thinking about how we wanted to use the space. Rather than simply adding as many cupboards as possible, we wanted storage that would make everyday life easier.
Think About How You Actually Use Your Campervan
Before installing new storage, it is worth asking yourself a few questions. What do you need to access every day? Which items are only used occasionally? Are there awkward spaces that could be put to better use? And are there things you are carrying that you hardly ever use? Sometimes rearranging what you've already got can make a bigger difference than building something new.
Our Favourite Custom Campervan Storage Ideas
Some useful options include:
Sliding drawers beneath seating,
Under-bed storage compartments,
Narrow storage units for awkward gaps,
Drawer dividers,
Modular storage boxes,
Dedicated spaces for kitchen equipment
We particularly like storage that makes it easy to see and reach what you've packed. There is little point creating an enormous storage compartment if everything at the back becomes impossible to access! If you are considering a campervan conversion, have a look at our Buying and Converting a Campervan guides for more inspiration. And if you are looking for smaller additions rather than a full conversion, our Amazon campervan essentials list includes practical products to consider.
Make Use of Magnetic Storage
Another clever way to create extra campervan storage is by using magnetic organisers, hooks and holders. These can be particularly useful in the kitchen area, where cupboard space is often limited. Magnetic spice racks, utensil holders and small storage containers can help keep everyday essentials organised without taking up valuable worktop space. We love the idea of making use of those little spaces that would otherwise go unused. Just remember that magnetic storage needs a suitable metal surface and anything attached should be removed or properly secured before driving. Magnets alone aren't always enough to keep things safely in place on the road.
5. Choose Multi-Purpose Furniture and Make the Most of Under-Bed Storage
One of the best ways to save space in a campervan is to choose things that can do more than one job. We have become much more conscious of this over the years. When you have only got a limited amount of room, it makes sense to avoid carrying several bulky items when one practical alternative will do.
Use Under-Bed Storage Wisely
Many campervans have storage beneath the bed or seating area. It is a brilliant place for things you don't need to access constantly, such as:
Spare bedding
Blankets
Outdoor equipment
Extra clothing
Food supplies
Camping accessories.
Interestingly, although under-bed storage is often suggested for bedding, we have also used ours for food storage. That is why we always say it is worth finding a system that works for the way your own family travels. Storage boxes or sliding drawers can make larger compartments easier to organise, particularly when you need to reach something at the back. Vacuum storage bags can also be useful for compressing spare bedding, although we'd avoid overpacking them or making frequently used items difficult to access.
One of Our Favourite Campervan Purchases: Collapsible Stools
One of the most useful things we've bought for the campervan has been our collapsible stools. They take up hardly any space when folded away, but they've been incredibly handy on our travels. The girls have used them as seats and they have even doubled up as little tables. That is exactly the kind of product we love for campervan life. Rather than taking several different pieces of furniture, we have got something compact that can be used in different ways.
You can see the collapsible stools we bought on Amazon. Just make sure any stools you choose are suitable for the weight and intended use, and store them securely before driving.
6. Save Cupboard Space With Collapsible and Stackable Containers
Kitchen equipment can take up a huge amount of room in a campervan. Bowls, colanders, washing-up equipment, food containers and all the other things you need for cooking can quickly fill your cupboards. That is why we're big fans of collapsible and stackable products.
Why Collapsible Kitchen Equipment Is So Useful
The biggest advantage is that these items take up much less space when they are not being used. Some of our favourite space-saving ideas include:
We try to choose things that are practical, easy to clean and suitable for regular use. It is also worth checking that anything you are buying will actually fit inside your cupboards before ordering. There is no point purchasing a space-saving product if it is still too big for the space you've got!
Keep Your Campervan Essentials Simple
Over the years, we have realised that we don't need nearly as much equipment as we first thought. Having fewer things, but choosing the right ones, makes the campervan much easier to keep organised. We have shared more of our favourite practical products in The Secret to Simplifying Your Life in a VW Campervan: Campervan Essentials.
7. Use Ceiling Nets for Lightweight Campervan Storage
Our final campervan storage idea is to make use of the ceiling. A ceiling storage net or hammock can be a clever way to create extra space without adding another cupboard. These are particularly useful for lightweight, soft items such as:
Spare blankets
Lightweight jackets
Soft toys
Small cushions
Other soft camping accessories
They are a good option for things that take up cupboard space but don't weigh very much.
A Few Things to Consider Before Installing a Ceiling Net
As with any campervan storage solution, safety is important. We’d only use ceiling nets for lightweight items and make sure everything is properly secured before driving. Avoid placing them where they could interfere with passengers, visibility, vehicle controls or emergency exits. If you are installing anything permanently, check that the fixings are suitable for your campervan and that you aren't drilling into hidden wiring or other important components. You could also consider external storage for larger equipment, but remember to check your vehicle's weight limits and how any additional storage affects the overall load.
How Do You Keep a Campervan Organised When Travelling With Children?
We have found that the secret to keeping a campervan organised isn't just having clever storage. It is making sure everything has a place and getting into the habit of putting things away. Travelling with the girls means there is always something being used, moved or taken out of a cupboard and that is absolutely fine. Our campervan is there to be enjoyed, not to look perfect all the time! But a few simple habits definitely help:
Give everyone their own space for clothes and personal belongings.
Keep everyday essentials somewhere easy to reach.
Put things away before setting off.
Avoid taking equipment you rarely use.
Reorganise cupboards when your needs change.
Have a quick tidy-up at the end of each day.
We have also found that packing the campervan gets easier when you keep a few essentials inside it between trips. If you're looking for more practical advice, our 5 Tips for Easily Packing Your Campervan for the Road is another useful read.
Download Our Free Campervan Packing List
One of the easiest ways to avoid overpacking is to work from a list. It's amazing how many things can end up in the campervan when you're trying to remember everything at the last minute! We have put together a free campervan packing list covering kitchen equipment, sleeping essentials, everyday supplies and other useful items. You can use it to check what you've already got and decide what you actually need to take. It is a useful starting point if you are getting ready for your first campervan adventure or simply want to make packing a little easier.
Download Our Free Campervan Packing List
Campervan Storage FAQs
How do you maximise storage space in a small campervan?
Start by making use of the space you already have. Vertical storage nets, behind-door organisers, packing cubes, under-bed compartments and collapsible kitchen equipment can all help make a small campervan more organised. It's also worth reviewing what you carry and removing things you rarely use.
What is the best way to store clothes in a campervan?
We find packing cubes really useful for organising family clothing, particularly in overhead cupboards. They help keep everything together and make it easier to find what you need without emptying the whole cupboard.
How do you stop things moving around in campervan cupboards?
Non-slip matting can help stop smaller items sliding around, while storage boxes and dividers keep cupboards organised. Heavier items should be properly secured so they can't move around while driving.
How do you store bedding in a campervan?
Under-bed storage, dedicated bedding compartments and suitable compression bags can help save space. The best option depends on your campervan layout and how often you need to access your bedding.
Are storage nets useful in a campervan?
Yes, storage nets can be brilliant for lightweight items such as clothes, books and small accessories. Just make sure they're securely fitted and positioned safely.
What are the best space-saving products for a campervan?
Some of our favourites are packing cubes, collapsible stools, non-slip matting, storage nets and collapsible kitchen equipment. You can browse our campervan storage recommendations on Amazon for more ideas.
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Campervan Storage Space
After 7+ years of travelling as a family, we have learnt that clever campervan storage isn't about squeezing as much as possible into every cupboard. It is about making your campervan work for you. Some of our most useful storage solutions have been surprisingly simple, from packing cubes and hanging organisers to our collapsible stools and as the girls have grown and the way we travel has changed, we have adapted how we use the space too. If there is one thing we would recommend, it is taking a good look at what you already carry before buying anything new. You might be surprised by how much space you can create just by reorganising a few cupboards and choosing more practical ways to store your belongings. Hopefully, these seven campervan storage ideas have given you some inspiration for your own home-on-wheels.
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