When you first move into a van, everything feels like a big adventure. But after a few weeks, you might notice that your stuff is starting to get in the way.

Maybe you have to move a pile of clothes just to make a cup of tea, or you spend twenty minutes looking for your favorite hat. When our tiny homes get crowded, our minds can feel crowded, too.

The good news? You don’t need a bigger van. You just need a little bit more room to breathe. Decluttering isn’t about throwing everything away, it’s about keeping only the things that truly make your life better.

The "Does it Help Me?" Test

The simplest way to start is to look at your things and ask a kind question: "Does this help me or does it get in my way?"

If you have a kitchen tool you only used once last year, or a pair of shoes that hurt your feet, they are taking up happy space.

• Choose one good pot that can cook everything instead of three small ones.

• If you haven’t used it in a month, it might be time to let it go. (Of course, keep your first-aid kit and emergency tools!)

How to Keep Everything in Place and Off the Floor

In a van, clutter happens when things don't have a place to sleep. If your keys always end up in a different spot, you’ll always be searching for them.

• Use little bins or cloth bags to group "like with like." Keep all your chargers in one bag and your snacks in one bin.

• This is a fun habit to start. If you find a beautiful new souvenir shirt, try to donate an old one. This keeps your van feeling exactly the same size, no matter how long you’re on the road.

Keeping Your Kitchen Counters Clean

There is a special kind of peace that comes from a clean dashboard and an empty kitchen counter. When you wake up and the surfaces are clear, you feel ready for the day.

• Small hooks can hold your coats and hats. Magnetic strips can hold your spices. When things are up and away, your van feels much wider and brighter.

Leaving Room for New Memories

We believe that when you clear out the things you don't need, you make room for the experiences you’ll never forget. At VanLife.us, we want to help you find that perfect balance of comfort and simplicity.

Every month, we give away a rig or high-quality gear that is built for easy, tidy living. Whether it’s a van with smart storage or a gear kit to help you get organized, our goal is to help you spend less time cleaning and more time exploring.

👉 Enter this month’s giveaway and see how easy van life can be!

Sharing the Love (The Best Part!)

When you decide you don't need something anymore, it doesn't have to be "gone." It can go on a new adventure!

• The Free Box: Many campsites have a spot where travelers leave things they no longer need. Leaving your extra book or an extra bag of coffee for the next person is a wonderful way to say "hello" to a stranger.

• Treading Lightly: By keeping less, your van is lighter. This means you use less gas and are gentler on the beautiful lands we visit. Our friends at Conservation Northwest love this, because it helps us all be better guests in the wild.

Less Stuff, Greater Peace of Mind

Van life is about the view out the window, not the pile on the floor. When you let go of the "extra," you'll find that you aren't losing anything at all. You’re actually gaining the freedom to move, to think, and to enjoy the simple life you went looking for.