11/09/2023
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Campervan storage: a complete guide

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When it comes to campervan adventures, packing efficiently can make or break your trip. A well-organised campervan is your ticket to a stress-free and enjoyable journey

Campervans are small and don’t have a huge amount of storage space, so you need to be creative to make sure you are able to transport everything you need for your journey.

In this guide, we'll explore campervan storage ideas and tips to help you maximize space, keep things organized, and ensure you have all the essentials on hand for your road trips.

Page contents

Words by Iain Duff

 


Campervan storage ideas for the kitchen

Volkswagen California Ocean

(Photo courtesy of Volkswagen)

The kitchen is the heart of your campervan, and efficient storage here is essential. Begin by designating a cupboard or drawer for kitchen essentials like kettles, pots, and plates. Another space can be allocated for long-life food items such as tins and packets.

For smaller items like tea bags and bottle openers, consider using plastic containers with lids, such as Tupperware, to prevent annoying rattling during your journey.

One important tip: remember that rock 'n' roll beds in campervans can block access to cupboards, so be sure to take out anything you might need during the night or early morning, like your trusty coffee pot, before setting up the bed.


Campervan storage ideas for the bedroom

Campervans often come equipped with cupboards or shelves meant for use as a wardrobe. While this space may be perfect for your clothing storage, it can also serve other essential purposes.

Consider using the wardrobe for items like towels, a washbag, a medical kit, books, maps, or games. To optimise this space, invest in plastic see-through stackable boxes, allowing you to organise your belongings logically and access them easily.


Campervan storage ideas for overhead

Campervans often feature easy-access storage space at eye level, such as small cupboards or shelves. Utilise this space for items you need frequently, such as torches, loo roll, and phone chargers.

Storing these items in plastic see-through containers not only keeps them organised but also maximises space.


Campervan storage tips

Inside the Auto Campers Day Van Eco-line Series

(Photo courtesy of Auto Campers)

Fabric hanging storage pockets

Consider adding fabric hangers with pockets that can be tied to headrests for additional storage. These are excellent for keeping your campervan tidy and storing items like books, maps, games, and children's toys.

Boot space

In smaller campervans, the majority of storage space is in the boot area. Utilise the space behind the travel bench for bedding and holdalls. The area below should accommodate camping furniture, levelling blocks, a barbecue, and other essentials. Before purchasing accessories, measure the available space to ensure they fit.

Rear cargo boxes and roof boxes

Cargo boxes are a good storage alternative if your campervan doesn’t have a lot of boot space. Cargo boxes are fitted to the rear of your campervan, attached to a bike rack or towbar-mounted platform. They are available in a variety of sizes and come in either rigid fibreglass or anti-rip, strong nylon.

The boxes are ideal for carrying bulky, light items that take up a lot of space in the main part of the campervan, such as sleeping bags, folding chairs and clothes. Another option is to fit a roof box to the top of the campervan, although this is really only an option if you don’t have a pop-top roof.

Open crates and lidded boxes

For items like electric hook-up leads and shoes, use easy-to-lift open crates and sturdy lidded boxes. These are practical and keep your equipment organised whether you're on the road or at home.


FAQs

How do you store things in a campervan?

Effective campervan storage involves designated spaces for different items, using stackable boxes and containers to keep things organised, and making use of accessible storage areas.

Where do you store bedding in a campervan?

Bedding can be stored behind the travel bench in the boot area of smaller campervans.

How do you organise clothes in a campervan?

You can use the wardrobe for clothing or opt for a holdall if you have limited wardrobe space, using plastic stackable boxes to keep your clothes organised.

What do you need to pack in a campervan?

Essential items include kitchen supplies, bedding, clothing, toiletries, camping equipment, and any other items you may need during your trip.

How do you stop things from moving in a campervan?

Secure items using designated storage spaces, stackable boxes, and containers. Use fabric hanging storage pockets for smaller items.


Final thoughts

Efficient campervan storage is the key to a hassle-free and enjoyable road trip. By following these campervan storage ideas and tips, you can make the most of your space and ensure that everything you need is easily accessible.

Remember to pack smart, stay organised, and enjoy the freedom of the open road as you explore the beautiful landscapes of the UK in your campervan.


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Why not subscribe to one of our fabulous magazines and get expert advice, travel ideas, technical help and all the latest news for your motorhome and your motorhome adventures!

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Every month MMM has articles written by motorhomers who have been there and done it, from great UK and European (and further afield) tours, campsite reviews, owners' reports and DIY projects among other things.

MMM's tests, reviews and expert buying guides are not to be missed. MMM's technical advice is a must and includes everything from weekend jobs to longer-term DIY projects. And much more!

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Every issue of What Motorhome magazine provides essential buying advice for anyone looking to buy a new motorhome or campervan or upgrade their existing model. With a pedigree of over 30 years of offering the best motorhome and campervan buying advice, every issue of What Motorhome includes more new motorhome and campervan reviews than you will find in any other magazine.

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Want to know more about Campervan magazine?

Campervan is the exciting monthly magazine that will give you all the inspiration you need to explore the world in your campervan. Every issue is packed with real-life campervanning experiences, inspiring travel ideas in the UK and further afield, the best campsites to stay on, campervan road tests and reviews of the latest models, and much more!

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