Campervan Cupboard Storage Ideas

It’s hard coming up with creative storage ideas for your campervan cupboards. The last thing you want is to run short on space in your campervan conversion. But not to worry! We’ve compiled this list of the best campervan cupboard storage ideas from a range of clever and crafty campers on Camplify!

Borrow some of these small campervan storage ideas and you’re bound to have more than enough space when it comes time to pack for your road trip.

Safety Disclaimer: We are not professional carpenters or builders. Performing structural work on your van is a safety hazard so you need to do your research, double (and triple) checking that the below information is correct and safe to apply to your build. Before you begin, always discuss your plans with a certified builder, who should also assess and approve the finished work.

18 campervan cupboard storage ideas

Kitchen storage

1. Leave the rear of the cupboard open

Campervan example: Obi Van Kenobi

This ingenious idea makes it super easy to access, empty and refill the water tanks stored inside your campervan's kitchen cupboard. Build the cupboard against the van’s sliding door and leave the rear open, so that the tanks can simply be unhooked, removed and replaced.

2. Open shelving

Campervan example: Bernie the Boutique Handmade Camper

Whilst cupboards are secure and handy for hiding your possessions, open shelving makes it easier to grab the kitchen utensils and ingredients that you use more frequently. It also means you don’t have to worry about swinging cupboard doors getting in your way all the time. Place a rail across the front and you’ve got yourself a handy towel rack as well!

3. Tilted shelves

Take your open shelving that extra step further and put it on a tilted bracket so that your things are even easier to see and grab. For a rustic feel, build the shelving yourself using natural cuts of timber.

4. Slide-out kitchen cupboards and drawers

Campervan example: Larry - the Ultimate NZ Off-Grid Hiace!

One of the most popular small campervan storage ideas is to install slide-out kitchen cupboards and drawers. By placing slide-out cupboards next to the sliding door of your van, you can make the most of the outdoor area when cooking and dining. We recommend installing some sort of lock or handle to prevent the drawer from sliding out when driving around.

5. Pre-made conversion kits

Campervan example: Kim’s Campervan

Kiwi van lifers have it easy! New Zealand has some of the best pre-made campervan conversion kits in the world. They only take a few hours to self-assemble and are a great way to quickly add more cupboard storage to your campervan.

6. Sliding curtains instead of cupboard doors

Campervan example: RocketVan Frank

The problem with swinging cupboard doors is that they take up a lot of internal space when open. You may end up smacking your shin or your head whilst you're busy cooking and cleaning. Replace swinging doors with sliding curtains, so that they can be kept open without impeding upon your living space.

7. Magnetic storage solutions

Campervan example: Sandy the Tiny House on Wheels

Place a magnetic rack on the walls of your campervan so that you can stick up metal objects like cooking utensils and jar lids. Magnetic knife racks are a particularly popular storage idea in small campervans because they help save precious drawer and cupboard space.

8. Hooks and a mounted rack

Campervan example: Ricky Baker

Install a heap of wall hooks around the kitchen. They’re great for hanging utensils, pots, pans, chopping boards and tea towels. You’ll just need to make sure that your utensils have a hole big enough to be hung on the hook. And don’t forget a mounted rack for your paper towel!

9. Decorate the inside of the cupboard

Campervan example: Kowhai the Vintage Kombi

Just because you hide all your bits and bobs inside your campervan cupboards, that doesn’t mean they can't be decorated. This vintage Kombi uses wallpaper on the inside of the cupboard to extend its theme throughout the entirety of the campervan. A visual delight when you reach for your coffee beans in the morning!

Bedroom storage

10. Cupboards can double as seating

Campervan example: Silverliner # 1

Utilise the storage space underneath your bed by installing slide-out drawers or cupboards. This Kiwi campervan takes it that extra step further by fitting cushions to the top of the slide-out cupboards, meaning they can be used as extra seats in the dining area.

Living area storage

11. In-built charging bays

Campervan example: Juno the Boutique Handmade Camper

This is one of the best small campervan storage ideas on the internet! Building a little cupboard or shelf into the walls of your campervan provides the perfect place to charge your phone and other USB electronics. Wire a USB socket to your 12v power system and you’ll never run short of charge again!

12. A dedicated cupboard for the portable toilet

Campervan example: Blue Wonder 2011

It’s best to store your portable toilet in a dedicated cupboard next to the van’s sliding door, as it can easily be lifted in and out of the vehicle without worrying about spilling mess everywhere.

13. Hang bulky objects

Campervan example: Retro Rusty

If you’ve got odd-shaped or bulky items like guitars or other musical instruments, try to hang them on the wall so that they sit flush without impeding upon your living area. This makes the most of spaces that would otherwise go unused. Surfboard racks on the ceiling are another clever storage idea that we often see in small campervans.

14. Mesh bags for storing fruit and vegetables

Campervan example: Bernie the Boutique Handmade Camper

It’s preferable to store your fruit and veg in hanging mesh bags when on the road. Fruit bowls take up a lot of bench space and allow your fresh produce to roll around, meaning that it quickly bruises and goes rotten.

15. Mesh pockets for frequently used items

Campervan example: Escape Artist 5

Fitting mesh pockets to your campervan’s walls makes it easy to access and store loose items that you use frequently, such as television remotes, books, charging cables and tablet devices.

Rear storage

16. Slide-through storage for long objects

If you have a fixed bed or kitchen at the rear of your campervan, one of the only ways you can carry long and bulky objects like surfboards and skis is to leave slide-through storage space underneath. Alternatively, you can install racks on the ceiling or the roof.

17. Slide-out cupboards and drawers at the rear

Campervan example: Tuatara Campers

Another popular storage idea in small campervans is to install slide-out cupboards and drawers at the rear. Because they can be built extra-deep, they are particularly handy for storing bulky items that you will only use at camp, such as extra tents or portable cookers.

18. Kitchen shelving at the rear

Campervan example: Underdog

It’s not often that you see shelving installed around the rear kitchen in a campervan. However, the extra effort is worth it. These shallow shelves are an extremely effective way of freeing up some living space in the front of your van. However, be aware that this can impede your view when reversing, so you’ll likely need to install a reversing camera.

Test out campervan cupboard storage ideas before you commit

It’s easy to go overboard when planning campervan cupboard storage ideas, or justcampervan interior ideas in general. It’s even easier to blow your budget on things that you may not need!

That’s why we always recommend that you ‘try before you buy’.

Use Camplify to search through heaps of privately-owned Kiwi campervans for hire - each one with unique cupboard storage. Then hire a camper that takes your fancy and test to see whether its storage solutions meet your expectations before undertaking the changes in your own campervan.

Once you have your storage sorted, rent out your campervan through Camplify and begin making back the money you’ve invested.

Earn a return on your campervan

You might be wondering about the average cost to convert a campervan?

No matter how big or small your budget, there’s a quick and easy way to start earning a return on your campervan - rent it out on Camplify when it’s not in use!

Instead of letting your campervan sit idly in the driveway, hire it out and make money from the comfort of your own home. Holidaymakers love campervan rentals that include extra storage space!

Why Camplify?

Each year, heaps of Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their campervan through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.

And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your vehicle, including:

• Comprehensive hire insurance.

• 24/7 AA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.

• Dedicated customer support.

If you’re interested in joining Camplify as an owner, try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year by renting out your unused campervan!