In a camper van, storage isn’t just about being tidy—it’s how you keep the space feeling calm and actually livable.
Bench Seating With Hidden Storage
In my favorite camper van layouts, the bench is doing double-duty with under-bench storage for linens and pantry overflow. I like a lift-top or drawer setup so I can get in and out without unloading the whole bench.
Try these:
- Woven Storage Baskets: Keep your linens organized in drawers or on shelves with these versatile woven bins for a tidy look.
- Airtight Pantry Containers: Secure your pantry overflow and prevent spills while traveling by using durable, airtight storage containers.
- Drawer Slides: Build your own custom under-bench storage drawers for easier access with heavy-duty, smooth-gliding hardware.
Mesh Pouches in Every Dead Corner
I stick mesh pouches anywhere I find a weird void—by the bed, near the door, even inside cabinet doors. In my experience, they’re perfect for the little stuff that otherwise migrates, like headlamps and hand sanitizer.
A few suggestions:
- Cotton Mesh Hanging Storage Bags: Organize your small essentials effortlessly by hanging these breathable pouches in convenient spots around your van.
- Adhesive Wall Hooks: Instantly create mounting points for your mesh bags anywhere without drilling into your camper walls.
- Macrame Wall Pocket Organizer: Add a touch of boho style while keeping headlamps and remotes accessible right by your bedside.
Ceiling Net for Puffy, Lightweight Gear
A ceiling cargo net is my go-to for bulky but light items like blankets and extra jackets. I added one above my sleeping area once, and it instantly freed up cabinet space without feeling cluttery.
May just do the trick:
- Macrame Toy Hammock or Storage Net: Store lightweight items stylishly with this boho-inspired net, keeping your van organized and cozy.
- Wooden Dowel Rods for Mounting: Secure your ceiling net effectively by using sturdy wooden rods to create a custom frame.
- Screw-in Ceiling Hooks or Eye Plates: Install your storage solution safely overhead with reliable hooks designed to hold gear in place.
Wheel-Well Boxes That Look Built-In
Wheel wells are awkward, so I like boxing them in to create tidy wheel-well storage with a flat top. In my own layouts, those boxes become the perfect spot for a small pantry bin or a compact trash pullout nearby.
Consider these options:
- Large woven storage baskets with handles: Use these durable baskets as slide-out drawers to organize clothes or pantry items beneath your bed platform.
- Recessed flush pull handles: Install these flush mounts onto your wooden boxes for a sleek, snag-free finish in tight van spaces.
- Unfinished birch plywood sheets: Build custom cabinets around your wheel wells with this sturdy material, ready for staining or painting.
