When was the last time you looked up the cost of buying and owning a house? The down payment is a one-time cost, but you may end up paying as much as a fifth of the total home price. Then there's the mortgage payments, property tax, and homeowner's insurance.
The van life allows for not only lower costs but also the freedom of the road. However, there's the issue of downsizing and figuring out what to do with your belongings.
Here are five van organization tips that will help make your transition smoother.
1. Maximize Vertical Space
When you move into a converted van setup, the problem with space becomes immediately evident. Small space organization is key to making van living work. Otherwise, you'll have to figure out how to tow around extra storage on the road.
One of the best van living hacks is to maximize vertical space. Don't assume you can stack boxes or slide them underneath your furniture. While that's an option, it's better to look at your walls and ceiling space.
Hanging storage is great for pots, pans, utensils, or tools. You can install hooks, pegboards, or magnetic strips to hang these objects on walls or cabinet doors. Grab what you need without worrying about them taking up drawer space.
You can use ceiling-mounted storage nets for lightweight items like clothing or blankets. Throw things like jackets up there if you aren't regularly using them.
If your van is tall enough, you can install overhead cabinets. Dividers and bins can help separate items and prevent clutter.
Maximizing space isn't just about stacking and hanging; it's also about tailoring storage to the unique needs of each van owner. At Boondock Van Co., we listen to our clients' specific requirements and customize storage solutions accordingly. For instance, if a client needs to store bulky lawn chairs or a delicate starlink antenna, we design and build storage areas specifically for these items.
This approach ensures that everything has its place, maximizing functionality without sacrificing accessibility. Our goal is to make sure that no space is wasted, and every item, no matter how large or small, has a designated spot that fits perfectly into the van's overall design.
2. Invest in Multi-Functional Furniture
Space is at a premium when living in a van. Ideally, every piece of furniture should serve more than one purpose. Multi-functional furniture allows for better small space organization and opening up the space.
Some platform beds have built-in drawers or lift-up storage compartments underneath. These allow you to store away bulkier items like bedding or clothing.
Convertible benches or sofas can double as storage units. Alternatively, you can invest in seating that pulls out into a bed.
Other foldable or collapsible furniture includes tables and chairs. Some of them allow you to fold them up against the wall. You could also store them in your van's overhead storage or outside storage, if available.
Another consideration is designing your van so that it opens up into an exterior space. You can design it like a camper van so that a canopy can extend out when you park. Unfold your chairs and tables for use outside.
3. Embrace Modular Storage Solutions
Modular storage solutions are helpful when organizing a van conversion. They allow you to adapt your setup to your changing needs, which is important when living in a van.
For example, stackable bins and crates allow you to easily stack and arrange your items. Clear bins and labels will help you identify items quickly without needing to rummage through multiple bins.
Packing cubes are perfect for organizing clothes, toiletries, and other small items. They keep everything compact and easy to access. When not in use, they compress down for easy storage.
When you drive a van around, it makes sense that items will move and shift within the vehicle. Drawer organizers won't create storage space, but they will help you make better use of your current options. Small dividers or trays kept within your drawers will allow you to separate small items and prevent them from getting jumbled or mixed up.
4. Utilize Hidden Storage Areas
If you want to maintain a neat and tidy space, you can always use hidden storage. Hidden storage is anything that isn't readily visible and is tucked away.
A good example of a simple hidden option is under-seat storage. If your seating doesn't already have built-in compartments, you can put drawers or bins under them.
Some vans allow for false bottoms, which are hidden compartments under your floor. There are also pieces of furniture with false bottoms for secret storage.
Back-of-seat organizers are an underrated place to store maps, cords, and other flat items. You can hang backpacks on your seats if you need more space to store items.
Be creative with your custom storage solutions. If you've reserved some space in the back of your van for a bike, you could position a storage unit directly above it. Splitting your van into two "floors" allows for more cube storage.
5. Adopt a Minimalist Mindset
All the van life storage ideas won't do much good if you're trying to hold onto all of your previous possessions. While living in a house can prove significantly more expensive than living in a converted van, it does have its benefits. The biggest one is the amount of space it provides.
One of the hardest decisions to make when moving into a van is what you'll do with all of your belongings. Some people rent out storage space with drive-up access. However, this isn't the best solution if you plan to spend a lot of time on the road.
Instead, adopt a minimalist mindset. Downsize your belongings so there's less to deal with.
Only keep what you need. Regularly evaluate your possessions and discard or donate whatever you haven't used in a while.
For every new item you purchase, remove an old one to maintain balance. On a similar note, digitize whatever you can. You can store digital books and magazines on a tablet to save space.
Assess the size of your expected kitchen space and buy the right appliances. You won't fit a full-size oven, but you can probably find space for a toaster oven and a hot plate.
Try These Van Organization Tips
Which van organization tips you follow will depend on how you've converted your van. Some van conversions turn them into tiny houses, while others opt for an experience closer to an RV. In either case, it helps to store things in a smart way that doesn't take up a lot of space.
Boondock Van Co. offers custom van conversions that are sure to meet each client's needs. Tell us all about your adventure plans and we'll design a layout to fit your lifestyle. Contact us for a free quote and to learn more.
