How to Stay Organised in a Tiny Space
Van life is all fun and freedom until you can’t find your socks, your coffee mug is under a pile of random gear, and you’re tripping over yesterday’s mess. Staying organised in a tiny space is about keeping your sanity intact. Here’s how to turn your van into a streamlined, clutter-free haven.
1. Modular Storage Solutions
When every square inch counts, modular storage is your best mate. It’s flexible, stackable, and easy to customise to your van’s layout.
Smart Storage Ideas
- Stackable Bins: Perfect for dry food, clothes, or gear. Clear bins make it easy to see what’s inside, while stackable designs save vertical space.
- Magnetic Hooks and Strips: Use your walls and ceilings for storage. Hooks are great for hanging utensils, jackets, or keys, and magnetic strips hold knives or small metal tools securely.
- Overhead Nets: Lightweight mesh nets are brilliant for storing soft items like blankets or jackets, keeping them off your floor or bed.
- Foldable Crates: Use collapsible crates for items you don’t need daily. When not in use, they pack flat.
Pro Tip: Label everything! Clear labels save you from rummaging through every bin when you’re half-asleep and need coffee.
2. Packing Tips to Maximise Space
Packing your van is a bit like a game of Tetris, except the stakes are your patience and your mood. A little strategy goes a long way.
Van Packing Strategies
- Roll, Don’t Fold: Rolling clothes instead of folding saves space and reduces wrinkles.
- Heavy Items Low: Keep heavy items like tools or water tanks low for better weight distribution and easier access.
- Use Dead Space: Store flat items like cutting boards or baking trays behind seats or along walls.
- Think Multipurpose: Choose gear that serves more than one function, like a camp oven that’s also a storage box when not in use.
Pro Tip: Use packing cubes for clothes. Not only do they save space, but they also keep things neat and accessible.
3. Rotating Seasonal Gear
Seasonal items are space hogs. If you’re hauling around snow jackets in summer or beach gear in winter, you’re wasting precious room.
How to Rotate Gear
- Storage Swaps: Before hitting the road, swap out your seasonal gear based on the climate of where you’re headed. Leave unnecessary items at home or in a storage unit.
- Vacuum-Sealed Bags: For bulky items like winter jackets or extra blankets, vacuum-sealed bags compress them to a fraction of their size.
- Minimal Seasonal Items: Pack versatile gear that works year-round—like a lightweight, packable down jacket or quick-dry towels.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling in varied climates, keep seasonal gear in an easily accessible bin so you can grab it without tearing apart your setup.
4. Declutter Regularly
Clutter is the silent killer of van life vibes. Make it a habit to declutter regularly, especially after stocking up or finishing a big adventure.
Decluttering Tips
- One In, One Out Rule: For every new item you bring in, get rid of something you don’t use.
- Daily Reset: Spend 5–10 minutes each night tidying up and putting everything back in its place.
- Donate or Toss: Don’t haul around items “just in case.” If you haven’t used it in a month, you probably don’t need it.
Pro Tip: Keep a small box or bag in your van for donations. Next time you pass a charity shop, drop it off and lighten your load.
5. Create a Routine for Organisation
Staying organised isn’t a one-time effort, it’s a lifestyle. Create a simple routine to keep your van in order.
Organisation Habits
- Morning Check: Put away bedding and reset your living area before starting the day.
- Evening Reset: Wash dishes, tidy counters, and prep for the next day before bed.
- Weekly Overhaul: Once a week, reorganise bins, restock essentials, and check for anything you can ditch.
Pro Tip: Keep a “junk drawer” or bin for random bits and bobs. Just don’t let it overflow—sort through it every couple of weeks.
Staying organised in a van is less about perfection and more about creating systems that work for you. With modular storage, smart packing, and a little discipline, your van can feel like a cozy, well-oiled machine, even on those hectic travel days.
Got your own van organisation hacks? Share them below, because we could all use one less morning spent hunting for the coffee plunger!