Hey there, fellow road warriors! Looking for some killer van life hacks? I’ve totally got your back!
In this post, I’m sharing 20 super cool tips that’ll seriously upgrade your camper van adventures.
As someone who’s been living the van life dream in my DIY–built home on wheels for a while now, I’ve personally tested all these hacks. Trust me – they work and they’ll make your journey way more fun!
These simple tweaks will turn your van into the ultimate adventure buddy, ready for some epic memories.
So, ready to discover some game–changing van life hacks? Let’s jump right in!
1. Van Life Hacks: Swivel Car Seat
Want to make your van feel way more spacious? Add a swivel car seat!
It’s such a simple upgrade but honestly makes a huge difference – gives you tons more room for chilling or working when you’re parked up for a while.
Plus, it makes chatting with your travel buddies super easy – no more awkward neck-craning conversations!
The best part? Installing a swivel seat is ridiculously easy! You don’t need any fancy tools or skills for this DIY project.
Seriously, it’s one of the smartest things I’ve done to my van. Total game-changer for life on the road!
Oh, and it’s so much better for your back, plus perfect if you’re trying to work remotely.
2. Composting Toilet (Yes, Really!)
If you’re like me and love going off–grid but aren’t exactly thrilled about peeing in the woods, having a toilet in your van is pretty much essential.
A composting toilet is such a cool eco–friendly option that keeps you comfy while being kind to the planet too.
These toilets deal with waste without any nasty chemicals or water, using cool biological processes that eliminate smells and make your travels so much better.
They come with some awesome perks too – you don’t have to empty them nearly as often as regular camping toilets, which is perfect when you’re on longer trips.
And honestly? They look pretty sweet in a camper van setup. Trust me on this one – investing in a composting toilet is 100% worth it!
3. 4G LTE Modem
Staying connected while you’re on the road is super important, especially if you work remotely like I do.
I honestly can’t imagine van life without WiFi hooked up to a 4G LTE modem and local SIM card.
The 4G network is wayyy more reliable than sketchy campsite WiFi, making it super easy to browse, work, navigate, and blast your favorite tunes while cruising.
Having internet during your adventures is a total lifesaver for finding cool spots, making reservations, and checking if roads are closed.
Just remember to use it wisely so you don’t rack up crazy data charges – setting data limits or using your connection sparingly can help keep costs down!
4. Foam Protector For Your Dishes
When I first hit the road, I really wanted to find a way to stop my glasses, cups, and plates from getting smashed up while driving.
I tried loads of different things, but honestly, a simple foam protector turned out to be the absolute best solution.
This foam protector is super easy to use and fits perfectly in drawers, holding up to 8 plates and 6 cups – which is usually plenty for van adventures.
With it, you don’t have to stress about your kitchen stuff getting broken every time you hit a bumpy road.
It’s such a cheap way to make your travels more comfortable.
Plus, it’s not just about protection – it makes storing and organizing your stuff so much easier!
5. The Life-Changing Outdoor Shower
In my opinion, an outdoor shower is a total must-have for van life. It’s crazy convenient and helps keep your van clean and tidy.
With an outdoor shower, you can easily rinse off all that sand and mud after a beach day or a gnarly hike – perfect if you’re always on the move!
Plus, it’s a total lifesaver during hot summer months when your van feels like an oven, giving you a super refreshingway to cool off and enjoy nature.
It’s also super portable and compact, so you can stash it in a kitchen cabinet, saving precious space in your tiny home on wheels.
6. Self-Adhesive Tape (Not Just Any Tape!)
I literally can’t imagine my van life without self-adhesive tape.
It’s such a cheap and handy way to keep my stuff organized and secure while I’m bouncing down the road.
The best thing? The easy-to-remove adhesive means I can store everyday items without worrying about them getting damaged.
This tape is super versatile – perfect for securing small stuff and electronics. I’ve even used it to decorate my van with wall baskets and to keep my speaker in place, and it works like a charm!
Plus, it comes off clean without leaving any gross sticky residue, so I can easily rearrange things whenever I feel like it. Talk about flexibility!
7. Adhesive Curtain Track (No Drilling!)
Another essential van life hack that saved me so much hassle is the adhesive curtain track.
This clever little solution makes it super easy to hang a curtain for privacy and to divide spaces in your camper van.
With its super user–friendly design, installation is a breeze – just stick the track to any surface and let it set before hanging your curtain – no drilling needed!
The versatile self-adhesive track can also be used for other stuff, like mosquito nets, making your van even more functional.
I use it to separate the driver’s area from my living space, and I’m so happy with it! Creates a cozy little den to relax in after adventures.
8. Retractable Clothesline (Where’s Your Laundry Room?)
Another simple but game-changing van life hack is a retractable clothesline. I installed one in my van’s bathroom recently, and now I can’t imagine life without it!
With its strong fiber line and super simple design, drying my laundry is so easy.
I can adjust the length with its customizable string feature to maximize drying space without cluttering up my tiny van.
The clothesline isn’t just for laundry – it’s also perfect for hanging wet gear, towels, or even creating makeshift curtains for extra privacy.
Plus, with its sleek stainless steel housing, it’s super durable and reliable, so it’ll last throughout all your travels.
9. Folding Kitchen Counter Brackets
If you want to make your van way more functional like I did, think about adding folding counter brackets to your kitchen setup.
This handy addition maximizes your space, keeps your kitchen organized, and gives you extra room to prep meals.
And the coolest part? It can even double as a desk, making it perfect for remote work when paired with a swiveling passenger seat!
I installed mine near the entrance on the kitchen cabinet, and it’s super convenient – I use it all the time for cooking and working.
When I’m not using it, I can just fold it up and pull it out whenever I need more space.
With different mounting options available, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect setup for your van too!
10. Van Life Hacks: Swiveling Table (Game Changer!)
I’ve gotta say, a swiveling table leg is one of the best additions to my camper van.
It’s super handy because I can adjust the space to fit whatever I’m doing, making it way easier to move around in such a tiny area.
I use it for everything – from eating to working on my laptop, and its swivel feature adds a whole new level of versatility.
One of the coolest things is how sturdy it is; I can lock it in place so it doesn’t move around while I’m driving.
Installing a swiveling table is super easy – no special tools needed – and it can hold up to 23 kg (50 lbs).
Plus, the adjustable height means it works for everyone, making it super comfy no matter how tall you are.
11. Extra Locks (Because Safety First!)
Safety should always be a priority when you’re living the van life.
One of the best hacks for boosting security is to install extra locks on your camper van doors. I’ve added them to my van, and I totally recommend it!
The factory locks on delivery vehicles can be pretty sketchy, so putting in some extra locks on the van’s metal structure makes it way harder for thieves to break in.
Plus, locking every door not only cuts down the risk of getting robbed while you’re out exploring but also gives you peace of mind.
With that extra security in place, you can focus on enjoying your adventures without stressing about your stuff!
12. Foldable Dish Drainer (Small Space Hack)
When you’re traveling in a van, washing dishes by hand is just part of the deal, and a dish drainer is essential.
To save space, go for a collapsible dish drainer – it’s lightweight and practical, making it perfect for van life.
I’ve been using mine from day one, and I absolutely love it!
When it’s folded up, it fits easily in any cupboard or drawer, which is a massive space-saver.
It’s also super low-maintenance and quick to set up, which is awesome if you cook a lot.
Trust me, a foldable dish drainer is a real game changer – practical, easy to clean, and it helps keep your tiny space super organized.
13. Magnetic Cabinet Locks (No More Flying Drawers!)
When I first hit the road in my van, my drawers would fly open with every turn, which was super annoying and kinda dangerous.
I didn’t want visible cabinet locks ruining my van’s awesome look. That’s when I discovered magnetic cabinet locks, and I’m so glad I did!
They keep my drawers secure while driving and are sleek and discreet, fitting right inside the drawers.
Each lock comes with a magnetic key for easy access. Just pop the lock in place to secure the drawers and use the key to unlock them.
Plus, you can disable the lock when parked for easy access without the key.
Now I can drive without stressing about my drawers flying open and my stuff going everywhere!
14. Cutting Board Over the Sink (Double Your Space!)
If you’re looking for easy van life hacks, a wooden cutting board over the sink is a great way to boost your kitchen workspace.
I made mine with my partner, and I seriously can’t live without it!
The wood gives my kitchen such a warm, cozy vibe and is super easy to clean without damaging my knives – perfect for cooking in a tiny space.
You can move it around easily, and when you’re done, just pop it back over the sink to clear up some counter space.
Need the sink? Just lift the board off for all the room you need. And it’s so versatile – great for stabilizing hot pots and pans too!
15. Hanging Fruit Baskets (So Cute!)
Looking for van life hacks to make the most of your kitchen space? Check out hanging fruit baskets for your van!
These handy baskets are perfect for storing stuff efficiently and help you maximize your fridge space.
When you’re not using them, you can easily take them apart and stash them in a drawer. Installing them is super easy – just hang them on small hooks.
Plus, they’re made from handwoven materials, adding a cool boho vibe to your van’s look.
I put mine above the sliding door, and it’s such a smart use of space.
Now I can grab fresh fruits and veggies while cooking without having to bend down for the fridge!
16. Water Container (Life Saver!)
One van item I absolutely can’t live without is a camping water container. It’s super handy and can save the day in all sorts of situations.
I’ve got two containers – one for fresh water and another for grey water.
If there’s no tap nearby or it’s just too far to drag my whole van, having a water container makes sure I always have access to fresh water.
I also carry a funnel to make pouring easier and avoid nasty spills.
And if I can’t find a dump station, I can easily collect my grey water in a container and dispose of it safely later.
Trust me, it’s a small investment that makes a huge difference when living on the road!
17. Kitchen Faucet with a Pull-out Spout
A pull-out spout kitchen faucet is a total must-have for any van kitchen. I’ve got one in mine, and I can’t recommend it enough.
The pull-out spout lets you control the water flow just right and reach all those tricky spots, which makes washing dishes and cleaning up so much easier.
It’s a game-changer for rinsing larger pots and pans, and some models, like mine, offer multiple water streams for extra versatility.
Plus, it’s perfect for rinsing veggies without splashing water everywhere – great for keeping things healthy.
And here’s the best part: if you mount it near the door of your van, it can even work as an outdoor shower!
So, you can wash off all that sand and dirt super easily when you come back from adventures.
18. Hanging Shoe Organizer (Where Do All These Shoes Come From?!)
Finding a way to organize shoes in a van can be tricky with such limited space.
That’s why I love using a hanging shoe organizer – it’s such a smart solution for van life. As a bit of a shoe lover, I can tell you it really helps!
This handy organizer mounts right on the wall, giving each shoe its own pocket and keeping everything neat and tidy.
Unlike bulky shoe cabinets, it barely takes up any space, making it perfect for smaller vans.
Plus, you can easily find super affordable hanging shoe organizers.
They’re versatile too – they can hold other small items as well, making them an awesome space-saver.
19. Windshield Sun Shade Set (Temperature Control!)
As a van lifer, you know how important it is to have a comfortable interior, no matter the weather.
That’s why investing in a windshield sun shade set is such a smart move!
This set offers excellent insulation and protects you from the sun’s rays, keeping the temperature cozy inside your van, whether it’s super hot or freezing cold outside.
Plus, it’s super easy to put up and take down, taking up minimal space when you’re not using it.
But that’s not all – this sun shade set gives you some extra privacy, which makes it a total must–have.
I’ve had mine since day one, and I seriously can’t imagine life without it, especially now that I’m on the road with my two cats!
20. Storage Organizers (Tiny Home Organization!)
Staying organized in a tiny space like a van is essential for life on the road.
That’s where storage organizers come in – they’re super practical and offer tons of benefits.
First off, they help you maximize your cabinet space, which is crucial in small vans. This means less clutter and more room to breathe.
Storage organizers help you sort items by category for easy access – no more digging through everything to find what you need!
I’ve set mine up for cosmetics, clothing, and medicines, and I even added some to my garage area!
Plus, they keep items from toppling over in the cabinet, ensuring safety and preventing any damage.
With cabinet organizers, you can make the most of your tiny van and create a more organized living space.
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Wrap-up: 20 Genius Van Life Hacks
Traveling by van and diving into van life is such a fun adventure, but it definitely comes with its challenges.
That’s why I’ve put together these 20 easy van life hacks to make your van experience even better and your travels on wheels more enjoyable.
You don’t need to spend a fortune or have any special skills to improve your time on the road – just a bit of creativity!
Got your own van life hacks? I’d love to hear them—shoot me an email! And if you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with your friends!
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