Ah, the campervan road trip – part freedom, part chaos, part “why is there sand in my pillow?” If you’ve got wheels and wanderlust, you’re already halfway there. But before you rev the engine and drive into the sunset, you’ll need to pack your van smart.

Not like a clown car. Like a cosy, rolling home.

1. 🛏️ Sort Your Sleeping Situation

First thing’s first: the bed. Because if you’re not sleeping properly, you’ll be grumpy, and no one wants to argue about Spotify queues at 7am.

• Bring decent bedding: duvet, sleeping bag, pillows – whatever makes you feel like a semi-functioning human.
• Consider blackout curtains or window covers. Waking up at 5am because the sun’s blasting through your windscreen is not the vibe.
• Earplugs and an eye mask? Trust me, you’ll thank me when the birds start their 4am EDM set.

2. 🍳 Kitchen Essentials (That You’ll Actually Use)

Cooking in a van is half camping, half Tetris.

You’ll need:

• A gas stove or portable burner
• Pots, pans, utensils (just one of each – you’re not running a restaurant)
• Chopping board, sharp knife
• A washing-up bowl (game-changer)
• Plates, mugs, cutlery (bonus: go for metal or enamel – it won’t break when you forget to brake)

Don’t forget: oil, salt, pepper, tea bags, coffee. Non-negotiables, really.

3. 🧊 Cool It, Mate (Food Storage)

Unless your van has a built-in fridge (fancy!), bring a decent cool box. Ice packs are your MVP. Don’t overstock – just plan meals two days ahead.

Top budget tip: Tinned stuff is your mate. Beans, soup, pasta sauce – culinary excellence on wheels.

4. 🚿 Hygiene Without the Drama

You will get a bit grubby. It’s part of the fun. But you can still stay reasonably clean without smelling like a bog troll.

Pack:

• Baby wipes (the holy grail)
• Quick-dry towels
• Travel soap and shampoo
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant (don’t forget these. Please.)
• A foldable bucket if you want to go full Bear Grylls and bathe in a stream

Bonus: A solar shower if you’re posh, or just want to flex on other campers.

5. 🧰 Tools and Bits You’ll Forget Until You Need Them

This is the section future-you will be grateful for.

Pack:

• Head torch/lantern
• Duct tape (for everything)
• Phone charger (and a car USB adapter)
• Lighter or matches
• First aid kit
• Jumper cables (because the countryside doesn’t care if your battery’s flat)

And yes – toilet paper. Always. Even if you think “we’ll just stop at proper loos.” Lies. Lies and broken dreams.

6. 🎒 Clothes: Layers Over Fashion

You don’t need to pack your entire wardrobe. Space is limited. Smells, however, are not.

Think:

• Comfy layers (hoodie, jacket, shorts, leggings)
• One pair of boots, one pair of sandals/trainers
• A raincoat (because weather is petty and unpredictable)
• Flip-flops for campsite showers. Your feet will thank you.

7. 🎶 Don’t Forget the Fun Stuff

Because you’re not just surviving – you’re thriving.

Bring:

• A deck of cards or travel games
• A Bluetooth speaker
• A journal, sketchbook or Kindle
• Marshmallows. Always. It’s campervan law.
• Bin bags. For rubbish, wet clothes, or emergency ponchos.

Final Pro Tips:

• Keep heavy items low and light stuff up high. Think “Jenga,” but less likely to fall on your head.
• Repack things after you use them – chaos creeps up fast.
• Create a “last-minute bag” for stuff you grab on the way out (toothbrush, wallet, charger, sunglasses, existential dread, etc.)

In the end, van life is about freedom, flexibility, and the occasional moment of “where the hell did I put the tea bags.” Pack light, pack smart, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey. 🌲🚐☕