Tiny Space Hacks

Okay, the new Summit van has a TON of storage for a van, but not quite as much as we are used to in our homes without wheels.

When taking ours on the road, those of us who may be slightly more high maintenance than others (guilty) found that while the van is equipped with tons of space to put your stuff, the more friends you bring and the more days you stay… the less room there is. Do you have the same problem? Here are some solutions for you.

Magnetic Surfaces

The 2021 model has the BEST new feature: a magnetic surface next to the sink. Amazon sells all kinds of magnetic storage baskets and spice racks that will not only help you optimize your space, but also make for some fun decor. We used ours to store our dishwashing supplies and a few pens. OR if you are the more DIY type, glue magnets to the bottom of covered plastic storage containers and stick ‘em up there. We also shamelessly use the magnetic surface to show off our awesome travel magnet collection.

Refrigerator

• We all know how much you love stocking your fridge full of beer for your wild adventures but let’s be honest, it takes up a LOT of space. Pack a separate cooler for your cold ones and store a few ice packs in the mini freezer to cool them down before you need them. 

• Adjust your shelves to make the most of the space. If there is a bunch of empty room above those yogurt containers, shift the shelf up a notch and put taller items on the shelf below!

• Things will always get shoved to the back and forgotten. Get yourself a plastic lazy Susan so you can spin them around. No condiments left behind!
• Pre-package your servings of fruits and vegetables before you go. The clam shell containers they come in from the store take up much more room than necessary, especially when it only has a handful of berries left in it. Also, that way you don’t overpack and use unnecessary space.
• Upcycle skinny vertical containers (like Crystal Lite or Pringles) to store food items in the door!

Cabinets

• Remember the lazy Susan for the fridge? Put one in the cabinet for all of your canned goods!
• All things stackable: stackable cups, mugs, plates, etc.
• The galley’s cabinets are not JUST for kitchen and dining, use the drawers for storing clothes. Make the most of the space by rolling your shirts and pants rather than folding.
• If you are toting along larger sized pots/pans/kettles, use the inside of them as storage too. Don’t let any space go to waste!
• For the vertical drawer under the cabinet, get tall storage containers for things like rice, noodles, oatmeal, and other dry goods.

Sink

• We LOVE the wood insert that sits on top of the sink. It serves a LOT of different functions.
• Optimize counter space

• Cutting board

• Lid to hide what’s in the sink (dirty dishes, fruits/veggies, those cool pine cones you found, the baby lizard from the trail… just kidding)

Flooring

• The Summit Van’s floors are equipped with L-Track, which allows you to secure items so that they don’t move in transit. Make the most of it by getting yourself some threaded stud fittings to attach to different items like that cooler we mentioned earlier!

Have you guys found any other great ways to use your space? Give us a shout and let us know!

Happy adventuring!


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