Katie and Pierce
Van life is awesome, but living in a small space on wheels comes with its challenges. You need to stay organized, keep things secure, and make every square inch count.
The great news is that van lifers are creative problem solvers. Over the years, they’ve figured out smart ways to make life on the road easier and more comfortable. These 19 hacks will help you get the most out of your van life experience without breaking the bank or needing advanced skills.
1. Roll Clothes Military Style To Save Space
The army roll technique is a game changer for van storage. Instead of folding your clothes normally, roll each piece tightly from one end to the other. This method fits way more clothes in the same space.
The best part? When you need to grab a shirt, you can pull it out without messing up everything else. Your clothes stay wrinkle-free too. Start with t-shirts and work your way up to pants and sweaters once you get the hang of it.
2. Add A Steering Wheel Lock For Security
A bright yellow steering wheel lock is one of the cheapest ways to protect your van. Most thieves will see it and move on to find an easier target. Sure, someone really determined could cut through it, but why make it easy for them?
The visual deterrent is what matters most. When someone walks by your van, they’ll see that you’ve taken steps to secure it. This simple device costs less than $30 and gives you peace of mind when you’re away from your van.
3. Store Clothing In See-Through Containers
Clear plastic bins are your best friend for clothing storage. You can see exactly what’s inside without opening every single container. This saves you time and keeps your van organized.
Put your everyday clothes like t-shirts and underwear in bins that are easy to reach. Save the back storage for seasonal items or fancy clothes you rarely wear. Label the bins if you want to get really organized.
4. Make Solar Panels That Tilt And Move
If you depend on solar power, tilting panels can make a huge difference. Regular flat panels miss out on lots of sunlight when the sun is low in the sky, especially during winter months.
You can add hinges to your panels so they tilt up at different angles. This lets you catch more sun throughout the day and charge your batteries faster. It’s especially helpful on cloudy days when you need every bit of power you can get.
5. Bring Phone And Laptop Chargers With You
You’d be surprised how many places have outlets if you just ask nicely. Coffee shops, restaurants, libraries, and even some gas stations will let you plug in your devices.
Keep your chargers in your day bag so you’re always ready. Some places will even let you leave your phone charging behind the counter while you eat or shop.
6. Put Up Bug Screens On Your Doors
Nothing ruins a good day like bugs taking over your van. Magnetic bug screens let you keep your doors open for fresh air without inviting mosquitos and flies inside.
Install the screens with Velcro strips around your door frame. They work great for most bugs, though tiny gnats might still sneak through. It’s worth it for the comfort of keeping your doors open on nice days.
7. Keep An Extra Key Attached Under Your Van
Getting locked out of your van is scary, especially if you’re in a remote area. Tie a spare key to a strong wire and secure it under your van in a hidden spot.
Make sure it’s really well attached so it won’t fall off on bumpy roads. Wrap it in duct tape to keep it hidden from view. This backup plan could save you from a dangerous situation if you lose your main keys.
8. Pack Food In Containers That Fold Flat
Regular food containers are stiff and waste space in your fridge. Collapsible containers bend and flex to fit around other items. They’re perfect for leftovers and meal prep.
When you’re done eating, these containers collapse down to almost nothing for storage. This is huge when you’re trying to fit everything in a tiny van kitchen. They’re also great for organizing your pantry items.
9. Mount Spices On A Magnetic Strip
A magnetic spice strip keeps your seasonings organized and within reach while you cook. You can see all your spices at once instead of digging through a messy drawer.
Mount the strip on any metal surface in your kitchen area. Fill small magnetic containers with your favorite spices. It adds color to your van and makes cooking so much easier when everything has its place.
10. Buy Gear That Does Multiple Jobs
Every item in your van should work extra hard. Look for things that serve more than one purpose. A good water bottle works for hot and cold drinks. Quality soap can clean your body, dishes, and clothes.
A cast iron pan cooks everything from eggs to pizza. Your cutting board can double as a plate or drying rack. Think about how each purchase can solve multiple problems before you buy it.
11. Show Empty Glove Boxes To Prevent Theft
When you park your van and walk away, open your glove compartments and console so they’re obviously empty. This quick trick shows potential thieves that there’s nothing valuable in your cab.
It takes two seconds but might save you from dealing with broken windows and stolen items. Thieves usually want easy targets with visible valuables. An empty, open glove box sends the message that there’s nothing worth taking.
12. Organize Clothes With Mesh Cubes
Mesh packing cubes are like magic for van storage. They can double the amount of clothes you fit in your closets and drawers. The mesh lets you see what’s inside each cube.
Keep similar items together. Think one cube for shirts, another for pants, another for underwear. You can pull out exactly what you need without making a mess. They were made for travel, so they’re perfect for van life.
13. Add Small Hooks For Hanging Wet Items
Small hooks are lifesavers when you need to dry wet towels, swimsuits, or rain-soaked clothes. Install them above your door or in other convenient spots around your van.
This keeps wet items off your bed and furniture while they dry. It’s much better than hanging stuff outside where it might get stolen or blown away. Choose hooks that can hold some weight without pulling off the wall.
14. Stash Backup Cards In Secret Spots
Always have a backup way to access money. Hide a second credit or debit card somewhere clever in your van. Good hiding spots include empty pill bottles, inside old books, or taped under a drawer.
If your wallet gets lost or stolen, you’ll still have access to cash. This simple backup plan can save you from being stranded without money in an unfamiliar place. Just don’t forget where you hid it!
15. Turn Shoe Racks Into Bathroom Storage
Those over-the-door shoe organizers work perfectly for storing toiletries and bathroom items. Cut them to fit behind your cabinet doors and screw them in place.
Fill the pockets with toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, and other daily essentials. Everything stays organized and easy to grab when you need it. It’s much better than having everything loose in a drawer.
16. Use Car Outlet Chargers Instead Of Inverters
Skip the big, noisy inverter and get chargers that plug directly into your 12-volt outlets. Inverters waste a lot of power and make annoying buzzing sounds when they run.
You can find 12-volt chargers for laptops, cameras, phones, and most electronics. They’re more efficient and much quieter. Your batteries will last longer, and your van will be more peaceful without that constant inverter noise.
17. Keep Food Fresh Without Refrigeration
You can keep food safe without a fridge if you know the right tricks. When you open containers, squeeze out all the air before sealing them back up. Air will make bacteria grow faster.
Try to eat any food that you’ve opened within a day. If you want to use leftovers later, heat them up really well for at least 5 minutes to kill any bacteria. If something smells weird, don’t eat it.
18. Find Level Ground With A Bubble Tool
A small bubble level helps you find the flattest parking spot for better sleep. Nothing ruins a good night like rolling around on a sloped bed all night long.
Place the level in your van to see which way you’re tilted. Then you can move to a flatter spot or use blocks under your tires to even things out. It’s a small tool that makes a big difference in comfort.
19. Store Fresh Produce In Hanging Nets
Fresh fruits and vegetables are tricky to store in a van. A hanging net keeps produce from getting bruised while saving precious fridge and counter space.
Hang the net in your kitchen area and fill it with apples, oranges, potatoes, and other sturdy produce. Everything stays fresh longer because air can circulate around it. Plus, it adds a nice homey touch to your van’s interior.
