Tiny home, endless possibilities! Van life brings freedom and adventure, but let’s face it—storage can be a huge challenge.
Those four walls quickly feel cramped when your outdoor gear, kitchen tools, and personal items compete for the same precious inches. Smart storage isn’t just nice to have—it’s absolutely essential for keeping your sanity on the road.
From overlooked nooks to clever multi-purpose solutions, the right setup makes the difference between a cluttered mess and a comfortable mobile home.
We’ve gathered 51 practical storage tricks that real van dwellers swear by. These ideas work in vehicles of all sizes and don’t require professional skills to implement. Ready to maximize every square inch of your rolling home?
Making the Most of Your Van Space
Living in a van means working with limited space. Finding smart ways to store your stuff can make your mobile life much more comfortable.
These storage tricks help keep your items safe, easy to reach, and out of the way when not in use.
From tiny spots you might miss to bigger solutions that change how you use your van, here are 51 useful ideas to help you make the most of every inch in your home on wheels.
1. Mesh Pouch & Net Organizer
Mesh pouches attach to walls or doors with small screws or sticky backing. They work great for small items you need often.
The see-through material lets you spot what you need right away. These light holders can store maps, pens, snacks, or gadgets without taking up much room.
They also stop items from sliding around when you hit bumps on the road.
2. USB Cables Organizer
Small holders made just for cords keep your charging cables neat and stop them from getting tangled. Mount these near your power outlets to always know where your chargers are.
This cuts down on mess and makes sure you can find the right cable when your phone needs power.
Most options take up less space than a deck of cards but solve a common van life problem.
3. Wall-Mounted Smartphone Holder
A small wall mount for your phone keeps it safe while driving and frees up counter space. You can watch videos, follow maps, or take calls hands-free.
Pick a spot that’s easy to see but won’t block your view of the road for the best setup.
Some mounts can turn or tilt to give you the perfect angle for different uses.
4. Shoe Organizer on Rear Doors
Hanging shoe holders fit on the back of doors and hold more than just footwear. Each pocket can store cleaning items, tools, food packs, or clothes.
This uses space that would go unused and keeps small things from rolling around when you move.
The clear pockets make it easy to see what’s stored where without opening each one.
5. Hook-and-Loop Strips
These sticky strips hold items to walls without making holes. Stick one part to the wall and the other to whatever you want to keep in place.
Great for keeping flashlights, tools, or kitchen items from sliding around while you drive.
They come in different strengths to match the weight of what you need to secure.
6. Quick Fist Clamps
These tough rubber clamps bolt to any surface and grip tools, water bottles, or gear. They hold things tight even on bumpy roads.
The strong grip keeps items from rattling or falling, and you can place them anywhere you have a flat spot.
Many van dwellers use them to secure tools they need to grab quickly in a pinch.
7. Hooks
Simple hooks might seem basic, but they work wonders in small spaces. Put them on walls, ceilings, or cabinet sides to hang clothes, towels, bags, or cooking tools.
They take up almost no room but make good use of the empty wall space all around your van.
You can also find types that stick on without making holes in your walls.
8. Slides & Drawers
Sliding storage lets you reach items at the back without taking everything out first. Install tracks under counters or beds to pull out bins or baskets.
This makes full use of deep storage spots that would be hard to use with fixed shelves.
Many van folks name this as their most useful upgrade after living on the road.
9. Folding Table
A table that folds against the wall gives you eating or working space only when you need it. The rest of the time, it stays out of the way.
Look for styles with hinges that lock in both up and down spots for safety and comfort.
Some can hold up to 50 pounds while taking just an inch of space when folded.
10. Headliner Shelf
The space above the front seats often goes unused. A shelf attached to this spot holds books, clothes, or soft items.
Since it sits up high, make sure to only store light things that won’t hurt if they fall during sudden stops.
This spot is perfect for items you want to grab before getting out of the driver’s seat.
11. Overhead Storage Cabinets
Cabinets mounted near the ceiling use space that would otherwise go empty. They work well for items you don’t need often.
Make sure they have good latches so nothing falls out while driving. These can store clothes, food, or backup supplies.
Thin cabinets about 6-8 inches deep work best without making the van feel cramped.
12. Under-Bed Storage Drawers
The space under your bed is perfect for big storage boxes. Drawers that pull out make it easy to reach what’s inside.
This spot works for bulky items like clothes, shoes, or tools that you want to keep but don’t use daily.
Putting wheels on the drawers makes them slide more smoothly on uneven floors.
13. Folding Shelves
Shelves that fold flat against the wall only take up space when you need them. Put them up for cooking or working, then fold them away when done.
This gives you flat surfaces when needed without always taking up room.
Look for ones with legs that auto-lock for safety when the shelf is down.
14. Modular Storage Units
Boxes that stack and connect give you flexible storage that changes as your needs do. Move them around, stack them high or low, or take some out when you need floor space.
This works better than built-in options if your storage needs change often.
The best kinds lock together so they don’t slide during travel.
15. Under-Seat Storage Compartments
The space under the seats often goes to waste. Adding boxes or drawers here gives you spots for tools, emergency gear, or shoes.
This hidden storage keeps things out of sight but still easy to reach when sitting in the front.
Many stock vans come with some space here, but custom boxes make better use of every inch.
16. Wall-Mounted Organizers
Boards with pockets, slots, or small shelves keep tiny items sorted. Mount them on any free wall to store spices, tools, or bathroom items.
These make good use of small wall areas that wouldn’t fit bigger shelves or cabinets.
Some can be cut to size to fit odd wall spaces that would go unused.
17. Foldable Furniture
Chairs, tables, or stools that fold flat take up almost no room when stored. Pull them out only when you have guests or need extra seating.
Look for items that fold in multiple ways to fit in narrow storage spots.
Some new camping chairs fold smaller than a laptop but can hold over 250 pounds.
18. Slide-Out Pantry
A thin rolling cart fits between other furniture and pulls out to show all your food at once. This makes a tiny kitchen work better by using gaps that would be too small for anything else.
The wheels let you move it to where you cook.
Some van owners build these as thin as 4 inches wide but 4 feet tall for tons of storage.
19. Exterior Storage Boxes
Boxes mounted on the outside of your van hold items you don’t need inside. These work for dirty gear, tools, or camping stuff.
Make sure they lock well and can stand up to weather and bumpy roads.
Pick ones made for cars rather than homes to make sure they can handle road stress.
20. Hidden Storage Compartments
Secret spots built into benches, floors, or walls keep valuable items safe. These can hide behind fake panels or under cushions.
They work great for money, papers, or items you want to keep away from sight.
The best ones don’t look any different from normal parts of your van’s inside.
21. Packing Cubes for Clothes
Soft fabric boxes keep clothes sorted and make the most of drawer or shelf space. Roll clothes instead of folding to fit more in each cube.
Different sizes work for various types of clothes, from small items to bulky sweaters.
Using cubes of the same size makes stacking easier and keeps storage neater.
22. Vacuum-Sealed Storage Bags
These bags let you push out air to shrink soft items like bedding or winter clothes. They cut the size of puffy items by half or more.
Keep the pump handy for when you need to open and reseal them.
Some newer ones have ways to push air out without needing a pump, which works better in small vans.
23. Bulkhead Storage
The wall between the cab and the living space offers room for thin shelves or pockets. This often-missed spot can hold maps, tablets, or items you might want while driving.
It makes use of a wall that many people leave blank.
Adding pockets here keeps important stuff from sliding off the dash while you drive.
24. Magnetic Knife Rack
A metal strip holds knives safely on the wall instead of in drawers. This frees up counter space and keeps sharp edges away from fingers.
Mount it where it won’t be bumped but is still handy for cooking.
The strip can also hold other metal tools like small can openers or bottle openers.
25. Mason Jar Kitchen Storage
Glass jars screw onto strips mounted under cabinets to hold small food items. This keeps counters clear while showing what you have at a glance.
The clear sides let you see when supplies run low.
The jars twist off easily for use and screw back when done, taking no counter space at all.
26. Magnetic Spice Holders
Small tins with magnetic backs stick to any metal surface in your kitchen. They hold spices, small cooking items, or pins and clips.
The flat shape takes up almost no room while keeping items handy.
Some come with see-through tops so you know what’s inside without opening them.
27. Recessed Wall Shelves
Shelves built between wall studs give storage without sticking out into the room. They work in shower areas, by beds, or near dining spots.
These take some work to build, but don’t use any floor space.
Adding a small lip to the front edge keeps items from falling off when the van moves.
28. Seatback Storage Organizers
Hanging pockets on the backs of front seats hold items you might need while on the road. They work for books, water bottles, snacks, or maps.
This spot often goes unused in most vans.
Look for ones with straps that go around the headrest posts for the most secure fit.
29. Hanging Shoe Storage
A hanging bag with many pockets keeps pairs together and off the floor. It works on the back of any door or on a rod.
This system holds more shoes in less space than keeping them in a pile.
Cloth ones fold flat when empty, so you can put them away if you don’t need them for a while.
30. Hanging Toiletry Organizer
A roll-up bag with clear pockets keeps bathroom items sorted and easy to grab. Hang it when in use, then roll it up when moving.
This makes shower time faster as everything has its spot.
The hook at the top can go over a door, shower rod, or any small stick-out spot in your van.
31. Trash Storage Cabinet
A small box with a lid keeps trash out of sight and stops smells. Mount it under a counter or near the door for easy emptying.
This looks much nicer than a bag hanging on a door handle.
Some can hold a normal grocery bag as a liner, making it easy to empty when full.
32. Spare Tire Trash Bag
A washable bag that fits in your spare tire well gives you hidden trash storage. This works great for vans where the spare is under the floor or on the back door.
Just make sure it’s easy to take out for dumping.
This spot stays cooler than inside your van, which helps cut down on smells.
33. Roof Rack Storage
Boxes on your roof hold bulky gear you don’t need often. This works for seasonal items or things you only use at your final stop.
Hard cases with locks work best to stand up to wind and weather.
Keep in mind that items up top will catch more wind and may lower your gas mileage.
34. Rear Door Storage Panels
The inside of the back doors offers space for thin pockets or small shelves. This spot works well for items you might want when outside the van.
Custom panels can be made to fit your exact door shape.
Soft-sided pockets work better than hard ones since they flex when the door shuts.
35. Collapsible Crates
Boxes that fold flat when empty save room but still give you solid storage when needed. Use them for shopping, carrying gear, or short-term storage.
Keep a few on hand for when guests bring items or you buy more than expected.
Many can hold over 50 pounds but fold to less than 2 inches thick when not in use.
Other Storage Options in Campervan
36. Swivel Table Mounts
37. Couch with Hidden Storage
38. Cushion Storage Compartments
39. Drawer Dividers
40. Soft Storage Bins
41. Wall Hooks with Baskets
42. Tension Rod Shelves
43. MOLLE Storage Panels
44. Storage Hammocks
45. Magnetic Tool Holders
46. Under-Floor Storage
47. Slide-Out Bike Rack
48. Multi-Tier Pantry Shelves
49. Curtain Rod Storage Bar
50. Pegboard Organization Wall
51. Ceiling Net Storage
Wrapping It Up!
Living small doesn’t mean living cramped! These 51 storage ideas prove that van life and organization can go hand-in-hand with a bit of creativity.
The magic happens when you start seeing potential in every corner—from the ceiling to the floor, inside to outside. Many van dwellers report that good storage solutions actually make their space feel bigger, not smaller.
Start with the quick wins that match your needs, then build up to the more complex projects as your skills grow. Remember that the best van setup is the one that fits your lifestyle.
With these storage hacks in your toolkit, you’ll spend less time searching for stuff and more time enjoying the open road and the freedom that comes with mobile living.
Come back for more helpful travel tips, gear recommendations, and campsite reviews.
