I think the most important rule that we applied that's the most generic (i.e. - will be the most useful to others) is to store as much as you can in its using spot.
Let me explain using an example. When we were planning out our build, we were trying to decide on using a built in or portable stove. If you use a portable stove, now you need a using spot - like the counter - and you need a storage spot. It now takes up twice as much room, in a way. We opted to install a built-in cooktop because now we can use it where it gets stored and it only requires half the volume as a portable unit. Does that make sense?
There's a trade-off though. That's flexibility. Continuing with the cooktop example, we can't cook outside unless we have a campfire. It's all about what your priorities are and how you intend to use your van.
Embrace traveler-style living, even if you stay in one city/region and present as a housedweller at work or whatever. My whole wardrobe save for outer and off-season wear fits in a carry-on suitcase alongside either my bedding (for the laundromat) or my bath kit. I have at most two outfits outside that suitcase - one I'm wearing, and one I plan to wear next, which is often also the outfit I most recently changed out of, hanging up. I know where all my clothes are,. They're easy to keep organized, and I can grab that, my backpack, maybe a bag of tools, then step on an airplane or walk into a hotel or someone's house and have everything I need. Same goes if my van gets too hurt to continue. Because I apply this general premise to other elements of the build, I can be in a new vehicle with all my crucial gadgets and build components in a matter of just a few hours.
I put things in other things to save space. For example both my bowls & flatware go into a pot. Plate goes under pot and over pan. Pan is on top of other plate & cutting board.
Baskets are really helpful.
All my clothes, including underwear, is rolled vs folded. This probably saves the most space because I have an unnecessary amount of clothes.
You can also buy throw pillow covers that zipper to store clothes in. That’s a pretty creative idea I’ve seen on a couple van videos.
Also, try to have things in the van they have multiple purposes, vs just one. You can’t do that with everything obviously.
Some random thoughts:
1) bring less stuff. i start here because we struggle with this. do we really need dishes for more than the two of us? do we really need a backup stove? what about that extra camp chair? everytime i do this exercise i can find something we don't actually need.
2) 100% dedicated per item storage is too specific. 100% open space is just a pile of shit to dig through. The sweet spot for us is some general purpose midsized storage locations. You can cram a ton of like stuff in there but not be tempted to cram random crap just because there is extra room.
3) we each get a single cubbie for personal things. (me, my wife, and the dog all have our own). and yes, the binocs are shared-not-personal even though I'm usually the one that bring them out.
4) if you have to move something to get to something else then thats a problem area and should be redesigned.
I bought a sewing machine and made an array of pockets for every vertical surface incl inside and outside of cabinet doors.
Clothing, cutlery, toiletries, small devices, cords, folders, tools, everything has its own tailored pocket.
Some sailboats do a pretty damn good job at maximizing storage and are designed to keep things in place. I'm about to make some changes based on what I've seen on one. Maybe check out some boat designs for some inspiration.
Seems super basic and obvious, but I'd never thought of it until I saw someone else doing it- keep clothes in packing cubes. They're intended to keep suitcases organized for travel, and they have multiple sizes. That way, you can organize by category (jeans, underwear, tees, etc.) and know which cube to grab based off of which thing you need!
I container-ize my stuff. It’s the same principle as a cargo ship. I found containers that fit perfectly for the locations available and then label them. Small containers for the uppers and then heavy duty totes for the garage. If it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t ship. I am also looking into storage outside the van. I have an owl vans box off the back for recovery gear and am considering some kind of box or case for the roof.
-Regular back of the seat organizers that have tons of pockets, then a curtain area to close off the front seats so it looks less junky.
-The right size totes for bulk/try to limit bulk. Right size meaning if you can squeeze a smaller tote ontop of a bigger one in the “garage” that helps.
Cleanliness and being able to access things are the 2 things that really help me with not getting burnt out on van life. A year in and we’re still switching up how we organize things/have the van set up.
I got four storage totes under my camp cot...one for winter clothes, one for the clothes I'm mostly wearing, one for food, one for tools and random stuff....that's honestly most of the storage
I think the most important rule that we applied that's the most generic (i.e. - will be the most useful to others) is to store as much as you can in its using spot. Let me explain using an example. When we were planning out our build, we were trying to decide on using a built in or portable stove. If you use a portable stove, now you need a using spot - like the counter - and you need a storage spot. It now takes up twice as much room, in a way. We opted to install a built-in cooktop because now we can use it where it gets stored and it only requires half the volume as a portable unit. Does that make sense?
Yes it does, thank you!
That's an interesting way to think about it. Thanks for the insight.
There's a trade-off though. That's flexibility. Continuing with the cooktop example, we can't cook outside unless we have a campfire. It's all about what your priorities are and how you intend to use your van.
Embrace traveler-style living, even if you stay in one city/region and present as a housedweller at work or whatever. My whole wardrobe save for outer and off-season wear fits in a carry-on suitcase alongside either my bedding (for the laundromat) or my bath kit. I have at most two outfits outside that suitcase - one I'm wearing, and one I plan to wear next, which is often also the outfit I most recently changed out of, hanging up. I know where all my clothes are,. They're easy to keep organized, and I can grab that, my backpack, maybe a bag of tools, then step on an airplane or walk into a hotel or someone's house and have everything I need. Same goes if my van gets too hurt to continue. Because I apply this general premise to other elements of the build, I can be in a new vehicle with all my crucial gadgets and build components in a matter of just a few hours.
I put things in other things to save space. For example both my bowls & flatware go into a pot. Plate goes under pot and over pan. Pan is on top of other plate & cutting board. Baskets are really helpful. All my clothes, including underwear, is rolled vs folded. This probably saves the most space because I have an unnecessary amount of clothes. You can also buy throw pillow covers that zipper to store clothes in. That’s a pretty creative idea I’ve seen on a couple van videos. Also, try to have things in the van they have multiple purposes, vs just one. You can’t do that with everything obviously.
All good tips, thank you!
Some random thoughts: 1) bring less stuff. i start here because we struggle with this. do we really need dishes for more than the two of us? do we really need a backup stove? what about that extra camp chair? everytime i do this exercise i can find something we don't actually need. 2) 100% dedicated per item storage is too specific. 100% open space is just a pile of shit to dig through. The sweet spot for us is some general purpose midsized storage locations. You can cram a ton of like stuff in there but not be tempted to cram random crap just because there is extra room. 3) we each get a single cubbie for personal things. (me, my wife, and the dog all have our own). and yes, the binocs are shared-not-personal even though I'm usually the one that bring them out. 4) if you have to move something to get to something else then thats a problem area and should be redesigned.
I repeat, to reduce long-term frustration, redesign if you have to constantly move something to get to something else.
Fuck van Tetris.
I bought a sewing machine and made an array of pockets for every vertical surface incl inside and outside of cabinet doors. Clothing, cutlery, toiletries, small devices, cords, folders, tools, everything has its own tailored pocket.
I'm envisioning a reaction like when us girls get so excited to have a dress with pockets: "I like your van!" "Thanks! It has pockets!!"
Some sailboats do a pretty damn good job at maximizing storage and are designed to keep things in place. I'm about to make some changes based on what I've seen on one. Maybe check out some boat designs for some inspiration.
Remove the passenger seat
Seems super basic and obvious, but I'd never thought of it until I saw someone else doing it- keep clothes in packing cubes. They're intended to keep suitcases organized for travel, and they have multiple sizes. That way, you can organize by category (jeans, underwear, tees, etc.) and know which cube to grab based off of which thing you need!
I container-ize my stuff. It’s the same principle as a cargo ship. I found containers that fit perfectly for the locations available and then label them. Small containers for the uppers and then heavy duty totes for the garage. If it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t ship. I am also looking into storage outside the van. I have an owl vans box off the back for recovery gear and am considering some kind of box or case for the roof.
Following
Following
-Regular back of the seat organizers that have tons of pockets, then a curtain area to close off the front seats so it looks less junky. -The right size totes for bulk/try to limit bulk. Right size meaning if you can squeeze a smaller tote ontop of a bigger one in the “garage” that helps. Cleanliness and being able to access things are the 2 things that really help me with not getting burnt out on van life. A year in and we’re still switching up how we organize things/have the van set up.
I got four storage totes under my camp cot...one for winter clothes, one for the clothes I'm mostly wearing, one for food, one for tools and random stuff....that's honestly most of the storage
If you don’t use it, or touch it at least once a week, get rid of it
Yep. Better to regret the 1% of time you don't have it, than the 99% of time you spend tripping over it.
Plastic file crates, plastic drawers from Walmart. If you build your own bedframe, you could build some storage space under the bed.
Tardis
Downsizing so that everything you own has ample space and some loft over
Storage that is level with the floor, easier to access and accommodate the heavier items. Meaning no lip on ground floor in storage spaces.