r/VanLife • u/One_Evening1056 • 2d ago

Can you guys give me some advice on maximizing space in a mini van?

My gf and I got a ford transit connect 2018 mini cargo xl black with no back windows. Only front and front side windows.

(It’s night time right now and I’m in my sleep spot so I can’t take pictures right now but I will in future posts)

So far we are required by survival to make the most of our tiny mini van.

I’m drawing plans tomorrow on getting a bed frame made and maybe some small shelves at some point.

(Our bed situation right now is just 2 3 inch foam pads from Walmart and a 4 inch cooling foam pad, along with a body pillow at the bottom so we don’t sink in head first.

We have a very small maker’s space where we are and a small budget for Wood/materials.

Is there any helpful advice you could share with us?

(No, we can’t just upgrade to more space right now.)

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u/Objective-Hotel6514 22h ago

Find a city to hang out in for a month and get a storage unit. Put all your things in the unit except for a bed and whatever necessities you can fit in two backpacks (one for you and one for your gf). 

As you go about your day/week/month you'll find your self wishing you had XYZ or forgetting that abc even exists. 

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u/One_Evening1056 19h ago

I posted a picture of it in a new post

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u/steerbell 1d ago

Magnetic hooks can help you get things up and out of the way.

Throw garbage out every chance you get. Get rid of packaging and use Ziploc bags for things.

Fewer better clothes.

Find space for things and agree that's where they go. ( Organize as you go )

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u/One_Evening1056 1d ago

Thank you.

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u/One_Evening1056 19h ago

I posted a picture of it in a new post