Every inch matters when you live on the road. Smart campervan storage ideas turn tight quarters into organized, comfortable spaces that feel like home. Whether you’re looking to stash adventure gear, kitchen supplies, or clothes, the secret is using vertical and hidden areas creatively. Here are our favorite storage and organization hacks for vans and RVs that make life simpler, neater, and ready for adventure.
Maximizing Camper Van Space
Efficient storage starts with thoughtful design. The best systems integrate hidden compartments, collapsible containers, and multi-use furniture to keep everything secure while driving and accessible when parked.
Use Vertical & Hidden Spaces
Walls and ceilings often go unused—mount shelves, hang nets, or add modular panels for lightweight organization. Hidden compartments under benches or floors are perfect for valuables or gear you don’t need daily.
Overhead Storage Solutions
Over-bed cabinets, mesh nets, or aluminum shelving turn unused ceiling areas into long-term storage zones. Just keep weight balanced side to side.
Under-Seat & Bed Storage Ideas
Slide-out drawers under the bed or dinette benches are ideal for bulky items like bedding or cookware. Gas struts make lifting panels effortless.
Backdoor Storage Hacks
Add pouches, nets, or fold-down tables to your rear doors for instant utility. It’s the perfect spot for shoes, cleaning gear, or small tools.
Clever Storage Items & Techniques
When space is limited, flexibility is everything. Portable, collapsible, and modular storage keeps your van organized while adapting to your needs.
Collapsible Containers
Foldable bins and silicone bowls store flat when not in use, freeing up valuable space.
Vacuum Storage Bags
Great for seasonal clothing or bedding—remove air, compress, and tuck away under the bed or in rear compartments.
Storage Nets & Removable Baskets
Elastic nets keep loose items like shoes or snacks from shifting. Removable baskets make cleaning and reorganization simple.
Stackable Storage Bins
Clear bins let you see contents instantly. Stack vertically to maximize height without losing visibility.
Smart Organization Hacks
Small tools make a big difference when you live in a moving space.
Hooks and Hangers
Install adhesive or magnetic hooks for jackets, keys, and kitchen utensils. They’re lightweight, strong, and easily repositioned.
Wire Shelving Systems
Mount inside cabinets for instant double-decker space—great for dishes, toiletries, and electronics.
Bedside Caddies
Use soft hanging caddies beside your bed to keep phones, headlamps, and chargers within reach.
Label Everything
Clear containers and labeled bins prevent rummaging and wasted time. Color-coding by category (kitchen, tools, clothes) helps even more.
Pegboards & Magnetic Strips
Attach a pegboard to your galley wall for utensils or small tools. Add a magnetic strip to hold knives, scissors, or wrenches safely in place.
Kitchen & Multi-Use Storage Solutions
The kitchen is often the tightest area in a camper van—organization is key to sanity.
Stackable Cookware
Use nesting pots and pans or collapsible silicone bowls. Every inch of saved height matters.
Multi-Functional Appliances
Pick appliances that do double duty: an induction cooktop doubles as extra counter space, or a sink cover becomes a cutting board.
Hose & Cord Reels
Reels keep hoses, power cords, and extension cables neat and out of the way—no tangles, no tripping.
Pantry Hacks
Use hanging baskets for produce, label jars for dry goods, and secure everything with bungee cords or anti-slip mats.
Foldable Tables & Counters
Flip-up tables mounted to walls or van doors add workspace without eating up permanent square footage.
Secret Storage Compartment
Hidden compartments make the most of unused space and keep valuable items out of sight. Build them into benches, behind panels, or under floors to stow tools, electronics, and valuables securely during travel.
Mason Jars
Mason jars are versatile storage tools in camper vans. Use them for dry goods, screws, or craft supplies. Attach lids to a board under cabinets to keep them secure while driving.
Magnetic Knife Holder
A magnetic knife holder keeps blades accessible and off countertops. Mounted near the kitchen area, it frees up drawer space and secures sharp tools during travel.
Spice Rack
Spice racks make cooking in a camper van easier and neater. Install one inside cabinets or on walls near the kitchen to organize jars for quick access while you cook on the road.
Bathroom & Personal Storage
Keep small items tidy and accessible.
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Over-Door Organizers: Store toiletries or towels.
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Hanging Toiletry Bags: Great for keeping essentials dry and mobile.
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Compact Laundry Hampers: Collapsible hampers or mesh bags keep dirty clothes out of sight.
Outdoor & Adventure Gear Storage
Adventurers know gear eats space fast—but with smart systems, everything has its place.
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Bike & Sports Racks: Mount to the hitch or interior bulkhead to protect bikes or boards.
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Foldable Chairs & Tables: Slide into under-bed compartments.
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Roof & Hitch Storage: Add boxes or platforms for bulky items like skis, paddleboards, or recovery gear.
At The Vansmith, our Repairs & Installation Service can help integrate these upgrades seamlessly—ensuring every inch of your van works hard, looks clean, and stays road-ready.
Campervan Shoe Storage
Shoe clutter can quickly take over a small van. Use hanging pockets, under-seat bins, or wall hooks near the door to keep shoes tidy and out of the way.
Cutlery Drawer
A dedicated cutlery drawer prevents utensils from sliding around while driving. Use drawer liners and dividers to keep forks, knives, and spoons neatly separated.
Cup Holder
Extra cup holders make life easier, especially for road trips. Add drink holders near seating areas or beds to keep drinks secure and prevent spills.
MOLLE Door Mount
MOLLE panels on van doors offer flexible storage for tools, gear, and accessories. These modular attachments let you clip pouches or holders into place for organized access.
Ski Rack
For winter travelers, ski racks free up interior space and protect gear. Mount them inside or under roof racks to keep skis secure and easy to reach at trailheads.
Walls
Walls offer vertical space for storage solutions like hooks, clips, and rails. Use pegboard or slat walls to hang items and maximize every inch of interior space.
Broom and Mop Holders
Keep cleaning tools neatly stowed with holders designed for long handles. Mount them near the rear door or inside a closet to secure them without taking up floor space.
Floating Shelves
Floating shelves add storage without bulky cabinets. Install them above seating or kitchen zones to hold books, mugs, or small containers.
Hat Storage
Hats can take up room if left on seats or counters. Use hooks, small cubbies, or wall pegs to keep hats organized and easy to grab before heading out.
Bathroom & Personal Storage
Bathroom storage solutions maximize small spaces for hygiene essentials and personal gear.
Stainless Steel Razor Holders
Razor holders keep grooming tools off counters and prevent damage. Stainless steel resists moisture and stays secure in van bathrooms.
Kitchen & Multi-Use Storage Solutions
Well-designed storage makes cooking and daily tasks easier on the road. These solutions keep gear accessible and organized in tight spaces.
Water Bottle Storage
Dedicated water bottle holders keep bottles upright and easy to reach. Install them near seating and kitchen zones for daily hydration on the go.
Paper Towel Holder With Shelf
A combined paper towel holder and small shelf saves space and adds functionality. Use it near the kitchen prep area to hold towels and small items like spices or phones.
Refrigerator Add-On Sliding Drawers
Sliding drawers under a fridge make items easier to access without bending or searching. They add organization for food, drinks, and fridge accessories.
Closet
A mini closet keeps clothes wrinkle-free and off the floors. Add hanging space and cubbies to separate outfits, jackets, and accessories for easy retrieval.
Hanging Stow and Go, Organizer
Hanging organizers attach to doors or walls and hold essentials like toiletries, small tools, or kids’ toys. Their lightweight design keeps things tidy without bulky cabinetry.
Packing Cubes
Packing cubes make closets and drawers more efficient. Use them for clothing, gear, and accessories to keep items compressed and easy to find.
Laundry Hack
Small laundry baskets or collapsible bins keep dirty clothes contained. Place them near closets or bathroom zones to maintain separation of clean and used clothes during long trips.
Tech & Miscellaneous Storage
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Cord Management: Velcro ties or cable boxes keep electronics tidy.
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Portable Tool Kits: Compact organizers store fuses, wrenches, and zip ties.
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Emergency Gear: Dedicated bins for first-aid, jumper cables, and fire extinguishers keep safety close at hand.
The Vansmith POV: Built for Function and Freedom
At The Vansmith, we believe smart design equals peace of mind. Every inch of a van should serve a purpose—without clutter or compromise.
Our team in Boulder, Colorado designs with both beauty and practicality in mind, using lightweight materials and modular systems. It’s part of our commitment to innovative designs that bring comfort to your journey and unmatched craftsmanship built to roam further.
From camper vans for sale to custom layouts and organization upgrades, our builds make adventure simpler, cleaner, and more sustainable.
