[Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Mindful Nomad!]

Looking for smart van life organization hacks that actually work? These 23 tried-and-tested storage tips will help you maximize space and minimize stress on the road.

Keeping your van tidy, functional, and clutter-free is no easy feat — especially when it’s your full-time home. After years on the road, these are my go-to organizational hacks that have kept my tiny space feeling calm, clean, and actually liveable.

Living in a van is all about freedom, but without a little organization, that freedom can quickly turn into frustration. Over time on the road, I’ve tested countless ways to keep things from falling out of cupboards or vanishing into the void under the bed.

Here are 23 van life organization hacks I swear by for a calmer, more joyful van life experience.


🔑 Kitchen Organization

1. Drawer Dividers for Cutlery & Plates
Keep drawers neat with bamboo or foam-lined dividers that stop rattling during travel.
Bamboo Cutlery Drawer Divider (Amazon UK)
Cup & Plate Foam Holders for Campervans (Amazon UK)

2. Magnetic Spice Rack
Stick your spices to the wall or fridge door — saves space and keeps them visible.
Magnetic Spice Rack Set (Amazon UK)

3. Hanging Utensil Rail
Add a metal rail with hooks to hang spatulas, ladles, and more (bonus: they dry faster too!).
Stainless Steel Kitchen Rail (Amazon UK)

4. Storage Containers for Pantry Items
Use clear bins or containers to keep food sorted and easy to find.
→ Pantry Bin Organizers (Amazon UK)

5. Lidded Boxes for Dry Goods
Great for rice, lentils, and pasta — plus, it keeps ants out!
Dry Food Storage Containers (Amazon UK)


🛏️ Bedroom & Clothing Storage

6. Packing Cubes Inside Drawers
I categorize all my clothing and organize into their own cubes — zero rummaging!
Foldable Fabric Storage Cubes (Amazon UK)

7. Roll, Don’t Fold
Rolling clothes saves space and keeps them wrinkle-free (mostly).

8. Hanging Shoe Organizer
I use mine for toiletries, cables, and snacks — not just shoes!
Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer (Amazon UK)

9. Under-Bed Storage Boxes
Slide-away containers are perfect for seasonal clothes or gear.
Under-Bed Slide Storage Boxes (Amazon UK)

10. Hooks, Hooks, Hooks
Stick-on or screw-in, these hold coats, towels, or even cookware.
Foldable Heavy-Duty Hooks (Amazon UK)


🚿 Bathroom & Hygiene Hacks

11. Hanging Toiletry Bag
Hangs up anywhere — no more digging for your toothbrush.
Travel Toiletry Organizer (Amazon UK)

12. Magnetic Strip for Grooming Items
Stick razors, tweezers, scissors and nail clippers to one handy spot.
Magnetic Strip (Amazon UK)

13. Collapsible Washing Basin
Use for laundry, dishes, or even foot soaks after a hike.
Foldable Washing Bucket (Amazon UK)


🔧 General Van Hacks

14. Label Everything
Seriously — I use A4 sticky paper to DIY my own cut-to-size labels.
Printable A4 Sticker Sheets (Amazon UK)

15. Use Tension Rods in Cupboards
Keeps stuff from falling out during bumpy rides.
Expandable Tension Rod (Amazon UK)

16. Pegboard Wall Panel
Mount one on the wall or inside a cupboard or door for hanging gear or kitchen tools.
→ Metal Pegboard System (Amazon UK)

17. Velcro Straps for Charging Cables
Bundle cords to prevent the dreaded wire tangle.
Reusable Velcro Straps (Amazon UK)

18. Hanging Baskets
These can go on doors, sides of counters, or your walls — easy catch-alls for random bits.
3 Tier Hanging Baskets (Amazon UK)
Adhesive Wall Organizers (Amazon UK)


📚 Mindful Living Routines

19. Declutter Weekly
Do a quick weekly sort — donate, recycle, or bin anything unnecessary.

20. Keep a ‘Van Junk Drawer’
It’s okay to have one messy drawer. Just contain the chaos to one place.

21. Store ‘Like With Like’
Group similar things together so you can find what you need without fuss.

22. Add a Small Chalkboard or Whiteboard
Use it for to-dos, reminders, or daily affirmations.
Mini Chalkboard for Campervans (Amazon UK)

23. Create a Daily Reset Ritual
Every night, I take 10 minutes to put everything back in place. It’s now a ritual I truly enjoy.


🧘 Final Thoughts

Van life doesn’t have to mean living in a mess. With these van life organization hacks life is simpler. Every day feels easier, more spacious, and more peaceful — exactly the kind of energy you need on the road. Try a few of these ideas and let me know which ones become your favorite!


🖼️ Grab the Free Printable:

👉 [Download Your Printable Checklist of All 23 Van Life Organization Hacks (PDF)]

📌 Want to Save This?

Pin this post so you can revisit these van life organization hacks anytime you’re reorganizing your van!