Maximizing Storage in a Small Space: Smart Van Build Hacks

Written By Greg Schultze

One of the biggest challenges in van life is finding space for all your gear without making your living area feel cramped. Whether you’re hauling bikes, skis, climbing gear, camera equipment, or just the everyday essentials of life on the road, smart storage can make your van feel twice as big.

At Oxbow Vans, we specialize in designing adventure-ready builds that stay clean, functional, and clutter-free. We rely on systems we trust like Flatline Van Co, Lost Hiway, and Whitetop, along with custom-built cabinetry designed in-house. This mix gives our clients the durability they need with the flexibility they want.

Here’s how to maximize every inch of your space while keeping your van feeling open and comfortable.

1. Go Vertical: Your Walls Are Prime Real Estate

Most people think about van storage in terms of drawers and cabinets, but vertical space is where the real magic happens.

Wall-Mounted L-Track and MOLLE Panels

Systems from Flatline and Lost Hiway are perfect for organizing gear you need to grab fast, like:

  • Daypacks

  • First-aid kits

  • Snow gear

  • Dog leashes

  • Tools

  • Water bottles

L-track also lets you attach hooks, nets, and straps that move with you as your needs change.

Hooks, Nets, and Soft Storage

Lightweight items like jackets, towels, and hats don’t need drawer space. Soft-sided wall storage keeps them accessible without eating up floor space.

2. Build Your Bed High Enough to Create a True Gear Garage

One of the most common mistakes in DIY builds is setting the bed too low. At Oxbow, we design many of our builds around a raised bed platform that creates a full gear garage underneath.

This space can hold:

  • Bikes (secured to fork mounts)

  • Skis and snowboards

  • Camp chairs

  • Water tanks

  • Batteries and electrical equipment

  • Storage bins

  • Recovery gear

Using Whitetop or Flatline Bed Systems

We love working with modular bed systems from Flatline Van Co and Whitetop, which give us sturdy platforms and allow for adjustable height. Paired with custom Oxbow cabinetry, you get a garage that stays organized and secure even on bumpy forest roads.

3. Add Overhead Cabinets That Actually Fit the Van

Factory RV cabinets are bulky and awkward in a van. We build custom upper cabinets that are:

  • Narrow enough not to crowd the living area

  • Deep enough to hold clothes, kitchen gear, and dry food

  • Lightweight but strong

  • Perfectly matched to your floor plan

We also install upper cabinets using Flatline rails when appropriate, giving you a secure, adjustable mounting point that looks clean and professional.

Overhead storage is ideal for:

  • Clothing

  • Toiletries

  • Pantry items

  • Electronics

  • Books

4. Choose Multifunctional Furniture

When space is limited, everything should do at least two jobs.

Examples we commonly build:

  • Benches with lift-up lids for shoes, tools, or kitchen equipment

  • Dinette benches that convert to extra storage or sleeping space

  • Slide-out tables that disappear when not in use

  • Pull-out pantries that store a week’s worth of food in a tiny footprint

If you can build something with hidden storage, do it.

5. Use the Back Doors to Their Full Potential

The rear doors are often overlooked, but they’re valuable for storing smaller or quick-grab items. We often add:

  • MOLLE panels

  • Shoe pockets

  • Gear straps

  • Folding tables

  • Recovery boards

Systems from Lost Hiway work perfectly here since they’re rugged and modular.

This keeps messy or wet gear right at the exit instead of inside your living area.

6. Put the Kitchen on a Diet (Without Losing Function)

Big kitchens look great on Instagram, but compact kitchens function better in small vans. We design galleys that prioritize:

  • Space for pots and pans

  • Slide-out spice drawers

  • Drop-in sinks with integrated covers

  • Slim fridge cabinets

  • Side cubbies for water bottles or mugs

By eliminating bulky overhead microwave cabinets or oversized drawers, you free up valuable aisle space.

7. Use Soft Bins for Seasonal Gear

Hard cabinets are great for daily items, but soft bins shine when it comes to bulky clothing or occasional-use gear.

We often dedicate the gear garage for:

  • Duffels

  • Climbing ropes

  • Winter layers

  • Extra bedding

  • Off-season gear

Because bins stack and compress, they make the most of every cubic inch.

8. Keep Your Electrical System Organized and Accessible

A messy electrical bay quickly turns into wasted space. We build organized electrical compartments with:

  • Mounted Victron components

  • Access panels

  • Proper ventilation

  • Space for expansion

  • Clean cable routing

This prevents the “spaghetti mess” that eats up your garage and keeps maintenance simple.

9. Prioritize Quick-Access Items for Daily Use

The stuff you need daily should be reachable without digging:

  • Chargers

  • Headlamps

  • Toiletries

  • Snacks

  • Water bottles

  • Jackets

We often integrate narrow quick-access cubbies near:

  • The sliding door

  • The bed

  • The kitchen

These keep daily-use items tidy and easy to reach.

The Oxbow Approach: Clean, Efficient, Custom Storage

Every van and every traveler is different. That’s why we mix high-quality modular components from Flatline, Lost Hiway, and Whitetop with our own custom cabinetry.

Our goal is simple:
Make your space feel bigger without sacrificing durability or adventure-readiness.

We build vans for real-world use. Vans that hold all your skis. Your bike. Your dog. And your life.

Ready for a More Organized Adventure Van?

Whether you’re planning a full build or just want to upgrade your storage, we can help design systems that fit your gear and your travel style.

Reach out to Oxbow Vans to start planning your custom storage-optimized build.

Greg Schultze
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