Living in a campervan means mastering the art of space optimisation. With limited square footage at hand, clever storage solutions become not merely helpful but vital to comfortable van life. After years spent helping van enthusiasts craft and enjoy their mobile homes, we have gathered the most ingenious ideas for turning cramped quarters into organised, functional spaces. For a glimpse of smart design in the real world, browse the character-packed builds at Quirky Campers where thoughtful craftsmanship meets everyday practicality.

Whether you are planning a first conversion or seeking to refine an existing setup, these storage strategies will help you squeeze every valuable centimetre out of your campervan.

Vertical Storage Solutions: Going Up 

When floor space is limited, the only way is up! Vertical storage allows you to maximise the full height of your van without sacrificing valuable floor area.

1. Ceiling-to-Floor Overhead Cabinets

Install overhead cabinets that run the entire length of your van to create substantial storage capacity for clothing, kitchen items, and personal belongings. In high-roof vans, these become particularly effective, offering storage that doesn’t interfere with daily living.

Our luxury campervans feature beautifully crafted overhead storage solutions that blend seamlessly into the overall design while providing maximum functionality.

2. Ceiling Nets and Hammocks

For lightweight items like bedding, clothes, or outdoor gear, ceiling nets and hammocks provide accessible storage without permanent installations. They’re perfect for bulky but light items like sleeping bags and pillows that would otherwise consume valuable cabinet space.

Ceiling storage works particularly well in small campervans where every inch matters, creating storage out of thin air.

3. Wall-Mounted Organisers

The walls of your campervan offer prime real estate for slimline storage. Install magnetic strips for knives and metal utensils, narrow shelving for spices, or pocketed fabric organisers for small essentials. These solutions keep frequently-used items within easy reach without cluttering countertops.

Kitchen Storage: Cooking in Compact Quarters

The kitchen area typically demands the most storage innovation, as cooking requires numerous implements, ingredients, and appliances that all need appropriate homes.

4. Mason Jar Ceiling Storage

An increasingly popular and visually appealing storage solution involves attaching mason jar lids to the underside of cabinets or shelves. The jars can then be filled with dry goods, spices, or small kitchen items and screwed into place, keeping contents visible yet secure during transit.

This system saves space and adds a stylish touch to your campervan kitchen. For more kitchen inspiration, check out our guide to cooking in a camper van.

5. Nesting Cookware and Collapsible Items

Invest in cookware sets designed to nest together, minimising the space required for pots and pans. Similarly, collapsible items like silicone colanders, measuring cups, and even kettles can dramatically reduce storage requirements when not in use.

6. Slide-Out Pantry

Create a narrow, vertical pull-out pantry in those awkward, slim spaces that might otherwise go unused. Just 15cm of width can create substantial food storage when organised adequately with dividers and adjustable shelves.

Clothing Storage: Keeping Your Wardrobe Organised

Clothing presents a particular challenge in campervans, as it tends to be bulky yet is needed regularly. These solutions help keep clothing accessible without overwhelming your space.

7. Vacuum Storage Bags

For seasonal clothing or extra bedding, vacuum storage bags compress soft items to a fraction of their original size. They’re particularly useful for storing winter coats and jumpers during summer months or vice versa.

8. Cushion Cover Storage

This clever hack involves using cushion covers as storage containers. Simply unzip decorative cushions, remove some of the stuffing, and fill with soft clothing items like t-shirts or underwear. You’ll create dual-purpose items that serve as both comfortable seating and discrete storage.

9. Under-Bed Storage Systems

The space beneath your bed often represents the largest storage area in a campervan. Maximise this space with pull-out drawers, divided compartments, or storage boxes. In campervans with fixed beds, this area often serves as the “garage” for larger equipment.

Bathroom and Toiletry Storage: Small Space Necessities

Bathroom essentials require thoughtful organisation to remain accessible while minimising space consumption and staying secure during transit.

10. Door-Mounted Shower Caddies

Install shower caddies or organisers inside bathroom doors or cabinet doors to maximise otherwise unused space. These work brilliantly for toiletries, cleaning supplies, and other small bathroom necessities.

11. Magnetic Toiletry Boards

Create a magnetic board inside a cabinet where metal-backed toiletry items can be securely attached. Small metal discs can be glued to plastic containers, allowing them to stick to the magnetic surface and eliminating the frustration of falling items during travel.

For more bathroom considerations, explore our comprehensive guide to campervan toilets.

Innovative Hidden Storage: The Unexpected Spaces

Sometimes the best storage solutions are the ones no one sees, cleverly tucked away in overlooked spaces throughout your campervan.

12. Stair Storage

If your campervan layout includes steps up to an elevated bed or platform, convert each step into a pull-out drawer. This transforms otherwise solid structures into valuable storage for items used less frequently.

13. Seating With Storage

Design bench seating with hinged tops or front-facing drawers to create substantial storage capacity that doubles as comfortable seating. This approach is particularly valuable in campervans for families where both seating and storage needs are greater.

14. Floor Compartments

Consider incorporating sealed floor compartments in strategic locations for storing valuable items or emergency supplies. These hidden spaces provide secure storage without consuming visible living space.

Secure Transit Storage: Keeping Things in Place

A critical consideration for campervan storage is ensuring everything stays securely in place while driving – there’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination to find contents scattered throughout your van.

15. Tension Rods and Dividers

Use adjustable tension rods inside cabinets to keep items from shifting during transit. Similarly, customisable drawer dividers ensure smaller items remain organised and prevent rattling.

16. Non-Slip Matting

Line shelves and drawers with non-slip matting to prevent items from sliding around. This simple addition dramatically reduces noise and potential damage during travel, which is particularly important for off-grid camper vans likely to venture onto bumpy terrain.

External Storage Options: Beyond Interior Space

Consider external solutions to expand your storage capacity even further when interior space is maximised.

17. Roof Racks and Boxes

Roof-mounted storage systems provide substantial additional capacity for bulky items like sports equipment, extra camping gear, or rarely-used supplies. Just be mindful of height restrictions and the impact on fuel efficiency.

18. Rear Door Organisers

The inside of the rear doors offers excellent storage potential for frequently used items. Install pocketed organisers, hooks, or custom-built narrow shelving to utilise this often-overlooked space.

19. Exterior Mounting Systems

For adventure equipment like bikes, kayaks, or surfboards, exterior mounting systems free up valuable interior space. Our festival-friendly campervans often feature these systems for maximum versatility.

20. MOLLE Panel Systems

Originally developed for military applications, MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) panels provide incredibly versatile storage options. Install these grid systems on walls or doors, then add compatible pouches, hooks, and organisers that can be reconfigured as needed.

Storage Wisdom: Principles for Success

Beyond specific solutions, these fundamental principles will guide your approach to campervan storage:

• Store items where you use them – Keep kitchen items in the kitchen area, toiletries in the bathroom zone, etc.
• Prioritise accessibility – Frequently-used items should be easiest to reach
• Embrace multi-functionality – Choose items that serve multiple purposes
• Be ruthless about necessity – Question whether each item truly deserves valuable space
• Think vertically first – Floor space is premium; use wall and ceiling space whenever possible

Start Your Storage Revolution

The perfect campervan combines clever design with personalised solutions that match your specific needs and travel style. Whether you’re planning your first conversion or optimising an existing layout, these storage ideas will help transform your van into an organised, functional home on wheels.

Ready to see these ideas in action? Browse our Quirky Campers unique campervans collection for inspiration from real-world examples of ingenious storage solutions. Each campervan in our fleet showcases different approaches to the storage puzzle, offering valuable insights for your own project.

Or if you’re ready to start your campervan journey, why not hire one of our cleverly designed campervans to experience these storage solutions firsthand? There’s no better way to discover what works for your particular needs than living with different designs.

For those already embarking on their own conversion project, our campervan conversion guide provides additional insights beyond storage, helping you create your perfect mobile home.

Your campervan adventure awaits – beautifully organised and clutter-free!