Campervan storage is one of the most important things to think about when converting a van. You can never have too much storage. In this guide, I will show you 20 of the most popular campervan storage ideas and some tips on how to maximise storage space. In each section I will link off to a seperate blog on how to build that specific storage. By the end, you will be well-equipped to build a stunning campervan with lots of storage space.
Shane, the founder of The Van Conversion, is a campervan professional dedicated to helping people transform ordinary vans into homes on wheels. He authored Roaming Home and teaches The Van Conversion Course, guiding many people through their van builds. Shane also writes The Van Conversion Newsletter, where he shares practical tips and insights. After completing two van builds and living on the road full-time since 2020, he is passionate about sharing his expertise with others.
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Designing Accessible Campervan Storage
Some of the campervan storage ideas laid out in this guide are very simple, and some are more complex. Before hopping into building campervan storage, it's essential that you mock it up on paper or with CAD software first. Our full guide on campervan design will help you get started.
I highly recommend Vanspace3D for designing your campervan interior - it's a brilliant drag 'n' drop CAD tool specifically for van conversions.
Campervan Storage Dimensions
When designing and building campervan storage, we must consider ergonomics in our build. Poorly built campervan storage will quickly give you a sore back or neck. Use the following dimensions guidelines when designing your furniture to ensure everything is easily accessible:
Storage Dimensions
Maximum shelf height: 1.8m
High shelf - This is too high for most vans
Book shelf height: 1.6m
Standard eye height
Lowest shelf above kitchen unit: 45cm above kitchen unit
Any lower than this and you start to obscure the view of the back of the worktop
Kitchen Unit Dimensions
Standard Kitchen unit height: 90cm
Standard Kitchen unit Depth: 60cm
Shelf above a kitchen unit: 1m above the kitchen unit
You can just reach a shelf of this height when leaning across a standard kitchen unit. This is usually the bulkhead storage which happily coincides with these dimensions
Campervan overhead lockers depth: 30cm
You can just reach the back of a shelf of this depth when leaning across a standard kitchen unit
Depth of a sliding drawer: 50cm
Standard depth of a sliding drawer
Depth of a wardrobe: 60cm
Standard depth of a sliding drawer
Crouching space in front of a low cupboard: 1m
Allow this space in front of a low cupboard
Crouching space in front of a low cupboard with open sliding drawer: 1.25m
Allow this space in front of a low cupboard with a sliding drawer
10 Tips for Maximising Storage in Your Van
1. Utilize Vertical Space
Take advantage of your van’s height by installing overhead cabinets and shelves. These are perfect for storing lighter items such as clothing, books, and kitchen supplies. Make sure to secure them well to prevent any accidents while driving. I particularly love my two overhead lockers and my bulkhead storage.
2. Under-bed Storage
The space under your bed can be a storage goldmine. Consider building a platform bed with drawers or sliding compartments underneath. I have two big chests under my bed. All of my outdoor gear, of which there is a lot, is stored there.
3. Multi-Functional Furniture
Opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes. For example, a bench seat with storage inside, a fold-out table that doubles as a workspace, or a bed that converts into a seating area. These multi-functional pieces save space and add versatility to your van layout.
4. Use Packing Cubes and Baskets
Packing cubes and baskets can help organize smaller items and keep them from cluttering up your space. Use them in cabinets, under the bed, or in overhead compartments to keep everything neat and easily accessible.
5. Install Hooks and Racks
Hooks and racks on walls and doors can hold items like jackets, bags, kitchen utensils, and even bicycles. They are a simple and effective way to keep things off the floor and within reach. I have hooks everywhere in my van, and it blows my mind how helpful they can be.
6. Foldable and Collapsible Items
Invest in foldable and collapsible items such as chairs, tables, and kitchenware. These can be easily stored away when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space. I have a bed extender that doubles up as a camping table. It folds away when not in use.
7. Use Every Nook and Cranny
Think creatively about using every available space. The area under seats, around wheel wells, and even the ceiling can be utilized for storage. Custom-built cabinets and shelves can be designed to fit these unique spaces.
8. Magnetic Strips and Pegboards
Install magnetic strips or pegboards in the kitchen area. They are perfect for holding knives, tools, and other metal objects, keeping them organized and easily accessible.
9. Sliding Drawers and Pull-Out Shelves
Sliding drawers and pull-out shelves can make deep cabinets more functional. They allow you to access items at the back without having to empty the entire cabinet.
10. Rooftop Storage
For items that are infrequently used, consider rooftop storage solutions such as cargo boxes or roof racks. These are ideal for storing outdoor equipment, camping gear, or extra luggage.
Bonus Tips
Label Everything: Labeling your storage containers and drawers helps you find items quickly and keeps you organized.
Regular Decluttering: Periodically go through your belongings and remove items you no longer need. This keeps your space efficient and clutter-free.
Now that we've examined some of the ergonomics behind the key storage units, let's jump in and check out 20 of the best campervan storage ideas.
Campervan Overhead Lockers
The first campervan storage idea in this countdown is the campervan overhead locker. Campervan overhead lockers can be found in most self-build van conversions. They fill up a rather awkward space, are very spacious, and look great.
I have two campervan overhead lockers in my build. Each overhead locker has three compartments.
I use the campervan overhead lockers to store books, toiletries, tech gear, and other miscellaneous items. They are a must have.
BUILD GUIDE: Learn how to build campervan overhead lockers.
Van Bulkhead Storage
For weeks I tried to figure out what the heck to do with the area above the bulkhead in my van. This is the awkwardly-shaped cavity above the bulkhead and cabin where the driver sits. I turned it into a cabinet, and I now have a large area that is perfect for storing food and kitchenware.
I made a large van bulkhead storage area, covered by two swinging doors. I'm really happy with how it turned out. It's another essential campervan storage feature.
BUILD GUIDE: Learn how to build van bulkhead storage.
Campervan Cupboard
A campervan cupboard is a nice, large storage unit to have in a van conversion. It can house your clothes, food, or whatever else you need. A campervan cupboard is pretty important to me as I have a lot of outdoor gear to store.
BUILD GUIDE: Learn how to build a campervan cupboard
Campervan Storage Boxes
I have two campervan storage boxes in my van, forming the benches on either side of the table. The table is on a pedestal and can be lowered to turn into a bed. The boxes are very spacious and house most miscellaneous items in my van.
The campervan storage boxes are two cuboid containers with a hinged lid. I used 2x2 carcassing timber to make the frame and clad-lined the frame. You can see how they are built in this guide to campervan beds.
Campervan Kitchen Unit
One of the most important areas of your van is the campervan kitchen unit. Truly, it is an essential part of any build.
My campervan kitchen unit houses the following:
Fresh & waste water tanks
Rubbish bins
LPG cylinder
Secret storage compartment
Kitchenware storage
A terrarium
Fridge
Cutlery drawer
Sink & stove
And a bunch of stuff that rests on top
BUILD GUIDE: Learn how to build a campervan kitchen unit
Campervan Storage Nets
Hanging macrame campervan storage nets are a super place to keep fruit and veg. They have a large storage capacity and look great. It's the fastest way to make your van take on a bohemian vibe.
I have two campervan storage nets in my van hanging from screw hooks.
Secret Storage Compartment
Living in a van, there is always a risk that someone might break in. A secret storage compartment is the perfect way to combat this - an excellent campervan storage idea. I leave things such as my laptop, passport, and other miscellaneous important items in there. There are many places you could put this in your van - some people opt to make a secret storage under the floorboards. I chose to make a small compartment above the gas bottle storage which is hidden behind my rubbish bins.
Mason Jars
Mason jars are a great way to store dry food. They are spacious, space efficient, and look a lot better than a bunch of zip lock bags. Some people opt to stick the lids to a surface and have the jars hang down. I personally have them free standing in my pantry cupboard.
Magnetic Knife holder
This does what it says on the tin. A magnetic knife holder is a very space-efficient way to store your large knives.
Spice Rack
Having easy access to spices and herbs is a must in a kitchen. Spice racks make that possible. I have two spice racks in my van kitchen.
Campervan Shoe Storage
Shoes are one of the trickiest items to find room for in a van. Many people just end up throwing them in a bucket in the front of the van. There is a better solution. I installed some shoe storage right by the side door of my van. It fits four pairs of shoes and has been a total game changer. You can use a purpose built shoe hangar, or some coat hooks as I did.
Roof Storage
If you don't have solar panels on the roof of your van, a roof rack can be a fantastic use of otherwise unused space. It takes a bit of work to install but unlocks a world of possibilities.
Another option could be to simply install an extra large roof box. I had one of these on a previous van I owned and it was great. It gave me a lot of extra room inside the van, which is preciously needed.
Cutlery Drawer
The last of the campervan storage ideas is the cutlery drawer. A cutlery drawer is another essential in a campervan. There are two options for a cutlery drawer, you could buy a simple cutlery holder and rest it on a shelf (I did this), or you could build a DIY cutlery drawer.
If you choose to build a cutlery drawer, you will need to purchase some drawer runners. You can learn how to build drawers and cabinets in this article on campervan carpentry.
Cup Holder
I love my coffee, and I love it even more so when I can drink it in bed. I installed two cup holders on either side of the bed to help make my morning that little bit better.
Storage Bar
A storage bar is so simple and yet so useful. I sling my hand towel over the storage bar in my van.
Bungee Cord Storage
Bungee cord has infinite uses. One of them could be to hold all your jars in place. Things go flying once you set off in a van, so make sure everything’s secure first.
MOLLE Door Mount
MOLLE is an acronym for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. It is used to define the current generation of load-bearing equipment and backpacks used by a number of NATO armed forces. A MOLLE rack for your van can be an excellent use of space.
Mesh Bags
An alternative to a MOLLE mount could be to install some mesh bags on the doors instead.
Backdoor Storage Boxes
Many people have solar panels on their roof which prevents them from installing a roof rack. Another form of exterior storage are back boxes (cargo boxes). They are huge and a really great place to store outdoor gear - an awesome campervan storage idea. You can purchase these cargo boxes from Aluminess - they are easy to install and super useful.
Ski Rack
I built a DIY ski holder over the sliding door in my van. It’s a very simple build - just screw some brackets into the wooden support studs of your van.
Other Campervan Storage Ideas
☐ Under-bed drawers or compartments
☐ Overhead cupboards
☐ Bulkhead storage
☐ Kitchen drawers and cabinets
☐ Bathroom cabinets
☐ External storage boxes
☐ Bike storage (interior or exterior)
☐ Foldable storage bins
☐ Collapsible storage containers
☐ Hanging organizers
☐ Magnetic strips for kitchen tools
☐ Pegboard for tools and accessories
☐ Hidden storage compartments
☐ Storage nets
☐ Drawer dividers
☐ Sliding pantry shelves
Conclusion
This article should have got the creative juices flowing as you plan out your campervan storage solutions. When you're ready to get started, take a look at our articles on overhead lockers, bulkhead storage, cupboards, beds, and tables.
Before you get started, make sure you check out the excellent VanSpace3D for experimenting with your furniture layout and design.
If you're still confused, check out our carpentry masterclass for an in-depth, step-by-step course on the whole process.
Don't forget to subscribe to The Van Conversion Newsletter for everything you need to get started with your own van conversion. We'll send you a free wiring diagram when you join.
If you're looking for some guidance with your van conversion, you might be interested in our book, Roaming Home, or in our online course, The Van Conversion Mastery Course. You'll learn directly from our founder Shane how to convert a van into your dream home - no prior experience needed.
Until next time.