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When you’re new to life on the road, sorting the supplies taken into a campervan might seem a bit like playing Tetris. But with someone to guide you through it, it gets surprisingly simple.
Whether you’re going with an Auckland campervan rental for a quick getaway or a slow loop around the islands, having your meals and gear pre-sorted avoids having to dig through everything, which should make your trip run smoother. Here’s how you can stay fed, organised, and clutter-free on your first campervan trip:
1) Go for Stackable or Nesting Containers
Loose packaging will quickly kill off any space you have. This is an especially important point with food and consumables since you’ll probably end your trip swimming in empty containers. Having containers that stack neatly is good, but nesting containers can save you quite a bit more space when they’re empty. Regardless of their type, it’s better if your food containers are clear so that you can see what you’ve got without rummaging.
2) Pack Pantry Staples in Small Quantities
You won’t need an entire kilo of rice or a full bottle of olive oil on most trips. Repack these pantry staples into smaller containers before you hit the road so you have room for other stuff in your campervan. This way, you can travel light without sacrificing proper meals.
3) Be Smart with Your Fridge Space
Campervan fridges can be quite accommodating, but they aren’t built for overpacking. Before loading up, it’s helpful to plan some easy meals and think through what you’ll actually make or use over the next few days. Go for pre-prepped meals or focus on taking versatile ingredients that travel well. If you’re bringing fish or raw meat, keep them sealed tight to avoid any spills or cross-contamination.
4) Use Soft-Sided Cooler Bags
Even if you have fridge space left, insulated cooler bags can still come in handy. They’re ideal for overflow items, market hauls, or keeping drinks cold on a day trip. And, unlike their bulkier solid counterparts, they fold up and tuck away easily when they’re not in use.
5) Dry Goods Go High, Heavy Items Go Low
Good weight distribution helps keep your stuff in place as you drive. Store heavier items like bottled drinks or canned goods down low, and tuck lighter supplies up high. Your stuff might still move a bit, but this avoids any bruises when something falls from an overhead shelf.
6) Designate a ‘“Go-To’” Snack Bin
When the road gets bumpy and stays that way for kilometres on end, the last thing you’ll want to do is cook. In any case, it’s good to have quick snacks within reach. Keep a small container near the front of the van for granola bars, trail mix, coffee or even instant noodles. This keeps you from having to dig through bags or while you’re trying to make the most of a roadside stop.
7) Keep a Running Inventory
It sounds a bit extra, but a short list of what’s on hand helps you avoid overbuying and using up more space than you have to. A small notebook or phone note will do. Update it as you go so you know if and when you need to restock.
8) Freeze as You Go
If your campervan comes with freezer compartments, make the most of it. Freeze leftovers for easy meals later or bring frozen meat to defrost a day before you hit a stop for a barbecue. This way, you’ll stretch your supplies and avoid waking up to spoiled food.
9) Store Cleaning Supplies Separately
Don’t let your dishwashing liquid sit next to your snacks and bread rolls. Dedicate a caddy or small crate just for cleaning supplies so they have a “home” away from your food. It’s just cleaner and simpler. At the very least, you’ll always know where the scrubber is when you need it.
10) You Don’t Need to Use Every Nook
Campervans are full of clever storage spots, but don’t feel tempted to jam things in for the sake of it. Leaving just a bit of breathing room should make the van feel bigger and keep you from having to dig around constantly just to get supplies. It’s also good to know that you can just use the various under-seat compartments, back-of-door pockets, and even the footwell near the passenger seat to hold unexpected supplies and souvenirs.
Pack Like a Pro, Even on Your First Campervan Trip
Don’t be too flustered if you don’t get things right the first time. Packing smart sometimes takes a bit of experience, especially when it comes to food. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be a hassle the first time around. Most of the time, thinking ahead and packing like you’d live out of a tiny home instead of a suitcase will be enough to avoid messes in your campervan.
Some of the better independent rentals have kitted out their vans with these kinds of details in mind, with smart kitchen setups as well practical storage nooks. Check out what’s on offer and find a setup that suits the way you want to travel.