Clever Storage Tips and Tricks for your RV or Conversion Van

So you’ve got this exceptionally cool van that can take you just about anywhere your heart desires across this wild and wonderful continent. It’s your cozy rolling home, adventure base, and freedom-on-wheels all wrapped into one. But somehow, something feels off. It’s not that your van is lacking—it's more like... you’re not totally sure how to use the space.

There’s this strange middle ground between “this van is huge!” and “why is there never enough room for my socks?” And while we can’t do much about tight parking spots (and really, who wants to fit in anyway?), we can make the space you do have work smarter, not harder.

Let’s dive into clever storage ideas, van organization tips, and space-saving hacks that will make van life feel a whole lot more like your life.

First Things First: Set the Vibe

Before we get into storage systems, bins, and all that jazz, you’ve got to unlock your creativity. If you’re staring blankly at your cabinets wondering where it all went wrong, this tip is for you:

Put on your favorite album, blast it, and dance. Seriously.

Shaking off stress and getting into a lighter headspace will make the process more fun—and way more productive. Bonus points if you finish with a little van journaling or a binge-watch of The Minimalists: Less is Now on Netflix. Get inspired. This is your space, and you’re about to make it even better.

Step One: The Great Van Purge

Before you organize, you’ve got to purge. If you’re living in a small space, everything has to earn its place. Go through your stuff and ask the hard questions:

Have I used this in the past month?
Does this item truly serve me—or is it just taking up space?
Does it spark immense joy... or is it just sparking frustration?

Get brutal. Ditch the duplicates, donate the “maybes,” and save only the essentials.

A few hot tips:

Books: Pick one or two you’re currently reading and donate the rest. Try an e-reader if you’re a voracious reader.
Clothing: If you haven’t worn it in a month, it goes. Pack with layers and dual-purpose outfits in mind.
Kitchen gear: Camping-sized equipment is your new best friend. It’s space-saving and—let’s be honest—adorably efficient.

The less you own, the more room you create—not just in your van, but in your mind.

Step Two: Give Everything a Home

Once you’ve cleared the clutter, it’s time to organize like a vanlife pro. The golden rule of van storage?

If everything has a home, staying organized is easy.

Here are some tried-and-true tips to get your van dialed in:

Clothing & Daily Essentials

Collapsible, clear storage bags for clothes make it easy to find your faves.
Use drawer dividers to double or triple your usable space.
A laundry bag that hangs in the shower or on a hook keeps dirty clothes out of the way.

Shoes

Hang a fabric shoe organizer on the back of your main door.
Use storage bins on bed frames or under-bench areas for overflow.
DIY a shoe rack using old fabric or sewing scraps for a personalized touch.

Kitchen & Pantry

Clear storage bins for spices, oils, and snacks keep everything visible and contained.
Use the inside of cabinet doors for mini spice racks or hanging utensils.
Add a magnetic knife rack to free up drawer space.
Go vertical with stackable bins and mini shelves inside larger cabinets

Step Three: Maximize Hidden Space

Once the obvious stuff is sorted, it’s time to hunt down those sneaky, overlooked storage spots:

Walls & Windows

Add command hooks or wall organizers for hats, keys, headphones, and cords.
Use hanging baskets near your bed or in the kitchen to store frequently used items.

Under the Bed

Install pull-out drawers or use labeled bins for gear, tools, extra clothes, and shoes.
Keep things categorized so you don’t have to dig every time you need one thing.

Ceiling Storage

Use velcro strips to attach small items like remotes, flashlights, or routers.
Consider custom ceiling racks for lightweight gear like yoga mats, foldable chairs, or jackets.

Cabinets & Doors

Add slim shelves to the inside of cabinet doors for tiny items.
Consider a fold-down desk or table if you need a workspace without eating up square footage.

Routine Is Everything: Declutter Often

One of the best ways to stay organized long-term is to make regular purging a habit. Set a recurring reminder to go through your stuff every month and ask yourself:

Did I use this?
Do I need this?
Is this helping or hindering my daily flow?

Van life is all about adapting. And just like the open road, your setup should evolve as you do.

Bonus Hacks to Try This Week

Hang your laundry bag in the shower—kills two birds, saves floor space.
Install mesh netting near your bed for books, journals, or small tech.
Use a magnetic spice rack or hanging fruit basket to free up counter space.
Keep a collapsible tote by the door to toss shoes, towels, or camp gear before you bring it inside.

Final Thoughts: Build a Space That Feels Like You

Your van doesn’t have to be a Pinterest-perfect minimalist haven. It just needs to work for you. The more intentional you are about your stuff and how you store it, the more freedom you’ll feel—physically and mentally.

This lifestyle is about keeping things simple so you can focus on what really matters: waking up in new places, chasing sunsets, and living your best life out on the road.

No matter where you decide to travel to, live your best life!

Please make sure you Leave No Trace to respect the wildlife and parks for years to come! Get outside and enjoy camping season! Happy exploring! 🚐

If you have any questions or just want to chat with the experts at Drifter, get in touch with our friendly team today! Contact us HERE!