If you travel alone but carry a lot of stuff like camping gear, bike parts, or photo equipment this might be a tough job for a small space which some vans are known for.

Most van builds for one person must be super simple and very smart about storage. You need a design that helps you find things fast, keep your stuff safe, and keep the main floor clear.

We call this the Smart Solo Setup. It focuses on making the best use of every wall and floor area for your gear.

Your Main Plan Is To Build Around Your Gear

Since you’re a solo van life traveler, you can design the space only for yourself and your hobbies. This makes the job easier.

Always Use a Fixed Bed

This is the most important rule. A bed you don't have to fold up gives you a huge space underneath. This space is your gear garage. It is strong, secure, and ready for all your heaviest equipment, like bikes or tools. Giving up a small amount of floor space for this big storage area is always worth it.

Keep the Weight Low and Center

Heavy items are dangerous if they are high up or too far back. Put your heaviest things like batteries, water tanks, and big toolboxes, on the floor between the front and back wheels. This helps the van drive safely and stops it from swaying when you turn.

One Person, One Zone

You don't need separate areas for two people. Have one main area for working and cooking. Use a swiveling driver's seat and a small, permanent desk instead of a big table that takes time to set up and take down.

Using Walls and Ceiling

When the floor is full, you must look up and to the sides. Use vertical space to organize the rest of your gear.

Use the Walls Like a Tool Board

Your van walls are perfect for gear storage. Don't just build fixed cabinets.

• Install simple metal rails (called L-track) on the walls. You can attach hooks, straps, and clips anywhere on this rail. This lets you move things around quickly depending on what gear you need for your trip.
  
  

• Design one wall just for your hobby. Use strong hooks to hang backpacks, camera bags, or climbing ropes.

Overhead Nets for Light Items

The ceiling is great for things that are large but very light.

• Use strong cargo nets or hammocks hanging from the ceiling. Store jackets, sleeping bags, and pillows here. This keeps them out of the way.
  
  

• Secure long, flat things like fishing rods, tent poles, or ski poles high up along the edges of the ceiling.

Maximize the Garage Area

The space under the bed (the Gear Garage) must be easy to use.

• Install heavy-duty drawers or trays that slide all the way out. This lets you reach the items at the very back without climbing in or taking everything out. This is a must for heavy tools.
  
  

• Use strong clamps and brackets bolted to the frame of the bed to hold things like a shovel, axe, or jack. This keeps them secured during driving.

Dealing with Dirt and Water

Your gear will get muddy, wet, and dirty. You need a plan to stop that dirt from taking over your home.

The Entryway Mud Zone

Set aside a small, specific area right by the door for dirty shoes and wet items.

• Install a shallow, plastic tray on the floor near the door. Wet shoes, boots, and gear can drip dry here without getting the main floor wet.
  
  

• Install a simple hose or shower nozzle outside the van. Use this to quickly rinse off muddy gear or feet before you step inside.

Quick Drying Spots

Wet gear needs air flow to dry fast and stop mold.

• Use your main ceiling fan (like a MaxxAir) combined with an open window to create a strong airflow.
  
  

• Install a small, retractable line or foldable rack near the fan's air path. Use this for hanging towels or wet jackets. Put the line away when it's not needed.

Remember Everything Has a Spot It Should Be In

No matter how many clever hacks you use, the van will become messy if you are not strict. As a solo traveler with a lot of gear, discipline is your best tool.

• Put every single item back in its proper place within a specific time frame after using it.
  
  

• Use clear, big labels on every box, bin, and drawer. You should be able to look at a box and know exactly what is inside without opening it.
  
  

• Have one small container dedicated to things that are messy or currently being used (like a dirty camp towel or a tool from a quick repair). Clean out this bin at the end of every day.

By designing your van to be highly efficient for your specific gear and following simple cleanup rules, your small space will feel bigger and much easier to live in.

Fast-Track Your Build

Let’s be real. Planning the perfect layout is free, but building it isn’t. Heavy-duty drawer slides, L-track systems, and high-end solar setups add up fast. The cost of gear is usually the number one thing keeping solo travelers off the road.

We don’t want you stuck in the planning phase. We want you out there being free living at your own terms.

That is exactly why we're having a Van Life Giveaway.

We're running a new, high-value giveaway every single month. We’re talking about the kind of prizes that change your life. From cash to fund your build-out, to essential gear bundles, and even fully-built custom vans.

• It’s Easy to Enter: Grab entries here.

• It’s Monthly: A new chance starts every 30 days.

• It’s Real and Legit: We put real people on the road.