Space is the ultimate currency in your caravan. Every cupboard, drawer, and storage nook needs to earn its keep when you’re living in 20 square metres for months on end. The good news? With the right storage modifications, you can transform your van from cramped quarters into an organised home that actually works.
Smart storage isn’t just about cramming more stuff in. It’s about creating systems that make everything accessible, organised, and secure on the road. We’ve tested dozens of storage solutions across multiple vans and lived with the results for thousands of kilometres.
Here’s what really works for creating more usable space in your caravan.
Wardrobe and Clothing Storage
Your caravan’s wardrobe is prime real estate, but most come with basic hanging space that wastes vertical room and doesn’t secure clothes on bumpy roads.
Compression packing cubes are the single best upgrade you can make to wardrobe storage. The Eagle Creek Pack-It system ~$89 lets you compress bulky items like jumpers to half their original size while keeping everything organised by type or person.
~$25
Install battery-powered LED strips in wardrobes. You’ll actually see what you’re looking for instead of digging around in the dark.
For couples doing extended trips, consider retrofitting one side of the wardrobe with drawers. The drawer conversion systems from caravan manufacturers like Jayco cost around $340 but transform accessibility. No more kneeling on the floor to reach items at the back of deep cupboards.
Kitchen and Food Storage
Kitchen storage in caravans is notoriously poor. Shallow cupboards, high shelves, and no thought given to weight distribution or road stability. The right mods can triple your usable kitchen space.
~$180
Pull-out drawer systems are the most effective kitchen upgrade. The Blum system ~$180 retrofits into most caravan cupboards and means you can actually reach items at the back without unpacking everything in front.
Don’t overlook simple solutions. Over-door pantry racks add instant storage for spices and condiments. Magnetic spice jars stick to the side of your fridge or range hood, freeing up precious cupboard space for larger items.
~$89 for 10-piece set
Bathroom Storage Solutions
Caravan bathrooms are tiny, but everyone needs somewhere to store toiletries, towels, and cleaning supplies. The key is maximising vertical space and using every surface efficiently.
~$85
Over-toilet storage caddies are perfect for caravan bathrooms. They use dead space above the toilet to create multiple shelves for towels, toilet paper, and toiletries without requiring any installation.
Suction cup hooks work poorly on caravan walls. Use 3M Command hooks instead – they hold better and don’t leave marks when removed.
External Storage Options
External storage is where you can really expand your caravan’s capacity. Boot space, annexe walls, and drawbars all offer opportunities for additional storage that doesn’t impact internal living space.
~$485
Rear storage boxes are the most popular external storage mod. The Fiamma Ultra-Box Top ~$485 adds 360 litres of weatherproof storage and opens from both sides for easy access. Perfect for outdoor chairs, awning mats, and cleaning supplies.
Check your caravan’s rear axle weight rating before adding external storage. Overloading can affect handling and void insurance.
Drawbar storage boxes mount to your A-frame and are perfect for tools, levelling blocks, and emergency supplies. They don’t affect rear weight limits and keep heavy items over the caravan’s wheels for better weight distribution.
Overhead Storage Mods
Most caravans waste the space above head height. With some planning, you can add significant storage capacity without affecting the feel of your living space.
~$45
Overhead cargo nets are the simplest way to add storage above your bed or dinette. The Gladiator system ~$45 mounts to existing screws in the roof and can hold pillows, extra bedding, or seasonal clothes that you don’t need daily access to.
For a more professional look, pop-down storage compartments mount flush to the ceiling and spring down when you need access. They’re particularly useful above the bed area where you need to store items safely but don’t want them falling on you while sleeping.
Under-Bed Storage Systems
The space under your bed is valuable real estate, but it’s often poorly utilised with just a large empty void that becomes a dumping ground for random items.
~$450
Under-bed drawer systems transform wasted space into organised storage. The Caravansplus system ~$450 includes heavy-duty slides that can handle 40kg per drawer and full extension for easy access to items at the back.
Use vacuum storage bags for seasonal items like thick jumpers or extra bedding. They compress to a fraction of their original size and protect against moisture.
Multipurpose Furniture
Every piece of furniture in your caravan should serve multiple functions. Storage ottomans, fold-out tables, and modular seating can dramatically increase your storage options without taking up additional floor space.
~$25
Storage ottomans are perfect for caravans. The Kmart foldable ottoman ~$25 provides extra seating when you have guests, stores 40 litres of items inside, and folds flat when not needed.
Wall-mounted folding tables create workspace when needed and disappear against the wall when not in use. Many include a storage shelf underneath for laptops, books, or papers.
- Compression packing cubes and drawer systems offer the biggest storage improvements for the money
- External storage like rear boxes and drawbar compartments don’t impact internal living space
- Multipurpose furniture maximises utility without taking up extra floor space
- Simple solutions like over-door racks and magnetic storage often work better than complex mods
- Always check weight limits before adding storage – especially external boxes and water tanks
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