In the compact world of a campervan, every inch counts. Storage is therefore one of the hardest challenges when converting your van into a mobile home. However, with some clever thinking and a bit of ingenuity, you can find storage solutions to suit your needs. If you love camping as much as we do then there’s no better way to do it than in your own campervan! Whether it’s for overnight getaways or extended road trips, these nifty little machines are great for exploring the open road while also saving on hotel bills. If you’re looking for tips on how to buy a used campervan or how to renovate your existing one, read on!
A bed that folds into the wall
One of the best ways to maximize space in your campervan is to build a bed that folds into the wall. This is a great solution for couples who don’t want to compromise on space or comfort. The bed is hidden away when not in use and doesn’t take up floor or ceiling space. This type of bed is ideal for tall riders, but it can also be used by shorter people if you raise the mattress a few inches. This is easily done by adding a section of plywood to the bottom of the frame. The best campervan bed designs have several storage drawers or shelves underneath. These are great for storing items that you want to keep out of sight such as dirty laundry. You can also store smaller items like books and toiletries on top of the frame.
Lockable storage areas
Lockable storage areas are a great place to keep valuables out of sight. If you’re going to be parking your van in a public place, it’s a good idea to put your passport and other important documents in a hidden locker. Never store anything of real value in your van unless you have it locked away. Most insurance companies will void your policy if they discover valuable items left in plain sight. There are a few different ways of building lockable storage areas into your van. A common solution is to build a large cabinet or wardrobe on one side of the van and cover it with a folding door. Another option is to build lockable drawers or cabinets into the side panels. You can also build a false floor and have a larger locker below it.
Cupboards and shelves in the roof
If you have enough headroom in your van you can build cupboards and shelves in the roof. This is a good option if you need more storage than a side locker can offer. You can also put lights in the roof for reading in the evenings. They’re more difficult to build, but the extra height can make a big difference to your living space. If you’re taller than 6’ 2” you’ll definitely want to consider this option. You can either build the shelves and cabinets directly into the roof or install a wall with rails and brackets. This will allow you to remove the shelves when they are not in use.
Internal storage and organization
It’s a good idea to plan your storage and organization before you start building cabinets and drawers. This will save you a lot of hassle and frustration once you’ve completed your renovations. You should always try to use vertical space wherever possible. You might not have much floor space in a compact van, but there’s often enough room for shelves above your head or on the side walls. You can also build drawers into the side panels, or use the roof space if you have enough headroom. Try to group similar items together and consider labeling them for easier organization. If you want to get organized you can use a system of hooks and rails to create a command center. This is a good place to keep keys, wallets, phones, and other essentials that need to be easily accessible.
Conclusion
If you can’t find a way to store something you don’t use often, it’s best to get rid of it. You don’t have the storage space of a house or apartment, so you need to be ruthless with your belongings. You can also take some smaller steps to make your van more camper-friendly. Replace your seats with cushions or benches, and get a rug or mats for the floor. All of these things can be removed when not in use, but they make the van feel more like home. Finally, if you’re looking to buy a used campervan there are a few things you should know. Keep in mind that the interior renovations are up to you. Some vans may be in great condition, but lack the amenities you want or need. It’s up to you to ask the right questions and do your homework before you make an offer.