Awesome camper storage ideas for a small space

Our guide to clever camper storage ideas that work for a VW campervan

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Here are 10 simple campervan storage solutions!

We are a family of five and a dog with a small campervan that is not fully converted, so we have had to really think about our packing for vanlife and think of some clever campervan storage ideas.

A VW T5 camper van for a family of five = lots of planning, clever packing and some awesome camper storage hacks. We love a road trip, but with all of our ‘stuff’ …. camping requires clever organisation and careful packing. Over the years we have learned to adapt to our small living space and have come up with a few clever camper storage ideas that really work for a small space. Here are a few of our favourite camper storage ideas that my help you on your next road trip!

So how do we store all of our van life essentials? Start by making a camper packing list to include all the items that you know you can’t live without during you campervan holiday.

Think about the weather, where you are going, how long you will be living in your van and create a list of the things that you really need for your camper van trip.

Your camping gear may include camping chairs, camper stove, portable shower or toilet, cooking utensils, bedding etc.

Next make a list of all of the clothes that you may need for your trip. Do you vanlife with kids? You can download our kids packing list here.

Our T5 is not quite fully converted, and we are still lacking a wardrobe, so we really have to come up with clever wardrobe ideas to keep our clothing and living space organised in our converted camper.

Camper storage ideas for VW campervan or small campervan

So to maximise space in a VW campervan or small camper, motorhome or RV, you really need to think outside the box to create an organised living space that is clutter free. Clever storage is key, but they don’t have to be complicated either, there are so many really easy storage hacks for your campervan that would also work for camping too.

Here are a few storage ideas for a small campervan (we have a VW T5 camper) that would also work for a small RV, caravan or motorhome.

Packing Cubes – great for organising clothes in a small camper

Packing cubes can really help to organise clothes in a camper van. They are also amazing for organising clothes in a suitcase, but lets get back to storage ideas for a campervan. Packing cubes for campervan travels are absolutely amazing!!! We could not leave for a camper van trip without them now.

What are packing cubes? Packing cubes, or packing pods as we like to call them, well they are little material compartments with a zip. They simply keep all your clothes together and are a clever way of storing, clothes and smaller items. Packing cubes also help to reduce creasing and some packing cubes are waterproof helping to protect your clothes in the camper

We love these packing pods!

We use a packing cube per person, and also have packing cube for all of the nightwear, and a packing cube with all of the swimwear so I can just grab a pod and run to the shower block or pool with the kids. Some of the storage cube packs also come with a hanging packing pod – great for filling with toiletries.

Wardrobe ideas for a camper or motorhome – Plastic Boxes for shoes

Plastic boxes are a great for storing shoes and wellies. It sounds simple but by getting a box for your shoes it creates more space inside the camper. Large storage boxes with lids can also be left outside under an awning or in a small tent or drive away awning so they don’t clutter up your van and also protect your shoes from the rain (or snow!)

Smaller boxes can be used to organise shelves, fridge space, drawers, camper wardrobes and cupboards.

Clear boxes allow you to see the contents easily but I also label the boxes using a Label maker. Boxes can be stacked on top of each other and we also store our boxes under the rock and roll bed.

Shop these campervan storage boxes here

I also love these material storage cubes that can be used inside cupboards and wardrobes in an RV, camper van or motorhome.

VW campervan Storage ideas – for small camper van, motorhome and rv – Hanging storage

Hang items that you need to access frequently such as coats, bags, backpacks, and toiletries. Use hooks and pop them onto the side of cupboards or doors.

We also use a car tidy organiser and this is placed on the back of the front seats to neatly organise kids toys, books, torches and tablets in the camper.

Another idea is a hanging toiletry bag to store all of the essentials and keep it off the units and out of the way.

Back of the seat hanging hooks work an absolute treat. We used them for the front seats and it allowed us to hang a few of our favourite things, such as hammock, bedding for our campervan, picnic blanket or the packing cubes full of clothes onto the hooks. Genius idea!

Campervan storage solutions – Compression bags

Shop these storage bags here

Vanlife storage and organisation ideas: use a Pop up tent for storing large items

When our kids were really young, we often struggled to store large bulky items that needed moving every time we had to set up our beds. I am talking care seats (we have three) strollers and baby carriers. Not to mention the beach toys and outdoor toys we would often bring along on our trips.

A pop up tent is a great T5 storage idea, especially if you have children. It takes seconds to put up and is a great way of storing the big items during your stop off. It is not a problem if you use a drive away awning, but if you are only stopping for a night or two, we found a pop up tent with a pull out awning quick and easy.

Camping storage ideas – foldable storage unit

The Vango foldable storage unit has been a great addition to our trips. I love organisation and I love everything to have a place. This can be tricky in a small camper and this foldable storage unit is a great van life storage idea to add a little organisation to an additional living space or awning area. It also packs away small and does not take up a lot of space whilst on the move.

For a similar Vango storage unit shop here

Van storage ideas – Storage nets

A friend once told me about storage nets and they are a great idea to tidy away coats, bedding, pillows and other items. They can easily be fixed to the wall of you camper, Motorhome or RV.

You can find a selection of storage nets here.

Cushion covers and pillowcases – clothes storage ideas for small spaces and campers

My mum made me the most beautiful crochet cushions that come everywhere with us. I found that they are an brilliant camper storage hack. Remove the actual soft cushion to leave you with the cushion case, and you can then pack clothes, coats, jackets and nightwear in each cushion!

Camper van storage hacks- collapsible items are always a winner!

Anything that collapses or folds down is a great space saving idea for a small campervan. We have found a few items that work great, collapsible bucket and spade sets for the kids are a great space saving idea. Collapsible washing up bowel, kettle or dog bowls they are great spacesavers for a campervan cupboard!

Foldable car seats

We use the Mifold Hifold car seat and it has been a huge space saver in our campervan. 

The Hifold is the world’s most adjustable booster, designed to grow with the child. It is also the most portable hiback booster seat – measuring 25 x 34.4 x 34.4 cm when folded ( it fits in a rucksack when folded!!). It has a built in carry strap and storage bag that is included and weighs as little as 4.6kg. The car seat fits in the storage cupboard under our camper van bed. 

 

Do you have any more clever storage ideas or camper storage hacks whilst you are on the road?

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