Building a campervan is an exciting accomplishment, but the real adventure starts with mastering the art of packing.
A well-organized campervan is the key to a comfortable and stress-free trip. It’s not just about fitting everything in; it’s about creating a system that allows you to easily access what you need, when you need it.
After a few months of trial-and-error myself, I’m finally getting the art of packing nailed down. Here’s a few tips I think you’ll find helpful…
Here’s how I approach it:
- Need and Want are two different things: Before you even think about packing, take inventory of everything you NEED. Be ruthless! Do you really need that extra pair of shoes, or that bulky cookbook? The more you eliminate, the more space (and weight) you’ll save.
- Vertical Space is Your Friend: Utilise vertical space with stackable containers, hanging organisers, and shelf dividers. Think Tetris! Maximize every nook and cranny.
- Strategic Placement: Place frequently used items within easy reach. Keep essentials like your cooking utensils, first-aid kit, and maps, etc. readily accessible.
- Packing Cubes: These are a game-changer! They compress clothing, keep things organized, and make unpacking a breeze. Label them to make finding things even easier.
- Weight Distribution: Distribute weight evenly to prevent handling issues and improve fuel efficiency. Heavier items should be low and centered.
Like most things in this life, the most useful things are often the simplest.
Take the time to plan what you’ll need, and take those things.
The things you’d like, aren’t so important, but you could maybe add them after, if they don’t create issues.
As a full-time carer, I’m not a ‘true’ vanlifer! But, I do spend a lot of my free-time travelling to and staying in different towns and villages around the UK. I enjoy the freedom and control that staying in my van gives me, and I want to share that experience with anyone else who’s thinking about giving it a go.
