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.
Bathroom & Personal Storage
Keep small items tidy and accessible.
-
Over-Door Organizers: Store toiletries or towels.
-
Hanging Toiletry Bags: Great for keeping essentials dry and mobile.
-
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.
-
Bike & Sports Racks: Mount to the hitch or interior bulkhead to protect bikes or boards.
-
Foldable Chairs & Tables: Slide into under-bed compartments.
-
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.
Tech & Miscellaneous Storage
-
Cord Management: Velcro ties or cable boxes keep electronics tidy.
-
Portable Tool Kits: Compact organizers store fuses, wrenches, and zip ties.
-
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.
