Living in a van means re-thinking storage—especially for clothes. There’s no dresser or closet to toss things into, so every inch has to count. With a little creativity, you can stay organized without feeling cramped. Here are five smart ways to store clothes in a tiny space, plus a few tricks I use in my own setup.
1. Drawer Units: A Vanlife Classic
Plastic drawer units are lightweight, stackable, and easy to move, making them perfect for vanlife. I use a vertical plastic drawer unit to keep my stuff separate and organized.
✔ One drawer for clothes
✔ One for toiletries
✔ One for tools & dry food
📌 Pro Tip: Packing cubes or small bins inside drawers prevent things from shifting around while driving.
2. Hanging Storage: A Simple & Space-Saving Hack
A hanging wardrobe or DIY hanging rod keeps clothes neat and within reach. I use a rope tied to eye hooks to hang shirts and jackets—simple, effective, and no drilling required!
📌 Pro Tip: Use S-hooks or carabiners for easy access and to keep clothes from sliding around.
3. Under-Seat Storage: The Perfect Shoe Spot
Shoes take up more space than you’d think. Instead of tossing them by the door, I store mine under the passenger seat to keep them out of sight but still easy to grab.
📌 Pro Tip: A plastic bin or small shoe rack keeps pairs together and prevents dirt from spreading inside your van.
4. The Multi-Use Laundry Solution
Dirty laundry piles up fast, so having a system is key. I keep a laundry bag and small basket on the floor of the passenger seat—out of the way but ready to grab when it’s time to wash.
📌 Pro Tip: A collapsible laundry basket takes up zero space when empty and makes hauling clothes way easier.
5. Think Multi-Use for Maximum Storage
Instead of separating storage into categories, combine where possible.
- A soft-sided hanging organizer can hold clothes, toiletries, and gear.
- A duffel bag with compartments doubles as storage and a grab-and-go weekend bag.
- A vacuum-sealed bag for seasonal clothes makes room for daily essentials.
📌Pro Tip: Always store bulkier, less-used items at the bottom of your setup so your daily gear stays accessible.
“Until the Next Stop…”
Vanlife storage is all about adapting to what works for you—whether it’s drawers, hanging space, or under-seat stashes. What’s the best DIY storage solution you’ve found for vanlife? Let me know in the comments!
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