We all have to admit it: IKEA is at the top of DIY home renovations. Fortunately, many of these IKEA products can be easily adapted for a van.
We are indeed IKEA lovers. After living in a van for a few years, we have begun to crave handy hacks. As a result, our minds have become hardwired to look for multi-use and space-saving solutions. We’ve discovered numerous IKEA hacks that make our life a little easier in the van, and many of these IKEA products come from their innovative storage solutions.
What Are the Top IKEA Products That We Use in Our Van?
Here we have a list of our favourite IKEA products that are essential for our campervan. We have personally tried and tested all of these IKEA storage solutions for convenience, practicality, and durability. Additionally, we’ve utilised various IKEA hacks to maximise their effectiveness. Consequently, with each item, we’ve concluded that they deserve a place on our list of must-haves for van life. Hopefully, this can help make your life in a van easier from the start.
Table Of Contents
1. PRESSA
2. NEREBY
3. SOCKERBIT
4. SKUBB
5. NORDRANA
6. TISKEN
7. HEMLAGAD
8. HJALTE
9. BLOMNING
10. SKOGSVIKEN
11. HULTARP
12. GRUNDTAL
13. LUROY
14. MAXIMERA
15. BEVARA
16. GUNDE
17. HALLBAR
18. BISSA
Why do we love IKEA products and IKEA hacks so much in our campervan?
1. PRESSA
The PRESSA is an innovative IKEA product designed as a clothes-hanging dryer, making it a standout among essential IKEA hacks for camper storage. This must-have item serves as a smart alternative or addition to a standard fold-out clothes rack, featuring a main body with a hook at the top and 16 pegs hanging from the fold-out arms. With the PRESSA, you can easily hang smaller items to dry without taking up any floor space, making it an essential part of any camper storage solution.
Characteristics
- Small and compact
- Easy to store when not in use
- Simple setup for use
- Convenient hanging system
- Pegs are attached
Why We Love This IKEA Product
Laundry can be a time-consuming chore while on the road, and waiting in a car park for an hour for washing and drying can become burdensome during van life. For small washes, we can dry the laundry ourselves using this clever IKEA hack. For instance, we hang the PRESSA onto the arm of our shower ventilator and attach clothes to dry, showcasing a brilliant campervan hack.
Additionally, some of our clothing is prone to shrinkage in the dryer, making the PRESSA a handy alternative. It does not take up much space while hanging, thus saving us valuable floor space in our campervan. When not in use, the arms fold up to a compact size, allowing it to fit easily in our storage, highlighting its efficiency as an IKEA product.
2. NEREBY
The NEREBY series consists of a wall shelf, rail, S hooks, and a range of hanging storage bags, showcasing innovative IKEA products for optimised camper storage. Importantly, the rail and shelf serve as the base, which can be easily attached to the wall of your campervan. Subsequently, the storage bags or hooks can be hung from the rail or shelf, providing multiple combinations for storage—perfect for those looking to maximise their camper storage through effective IKEA hacks.
Characteristics
- Two base options
- Numerous hanging options
- Clean and neat style
- Interchangeable
- Easy to install
Why We Love This IKEA Product
A van is a small space that requires smart storage, and that’s where this IKEA hack shines. Most storage options can quickly become cluttered with smaller items, but the NEREBY Series provides a neat-looking solution with pockets to organise those smaller items, making it a must-have for van life.
We have two of these shelves attached to the wall, each with two bags hanging from the rail. As a result, the shelves hold our plants in place while allowing enough room for a cup, easily reachable from our bed. The hanging bags help organise items like cables, earphones, and hair ties. Additionally, we use the S hooks to hang a dream catcher and decorative lights. Overall, all of this hangs above the seats in our van, providing convenient storage without clutter, and emphasising the utility of IKEA products.
3. SOCKERBIT
The SOCKERBIT Series features a range of plastic storage containers, some with wheels, lids, or multiple openings. Each style of container comes in various sizes and colours, offering invaluable storage solutions for any van build—an essential aspect of smart IKEA hacks for camper organisation.
Characteristics
- Variety of colours and sizes
- Available with wheels
- Multiple opening styles
- Durable and lightweight
- Easy-to-clean materials
Why We Love This IKEA Product
Convenient storage is essential for reducing clutter and frustration in a tight space, especially in a campervan. These IKEA products help utilise the small, awkward spaces in a van while providing easy access to essentials.
We use several of these containers throughout our van to create more storage options. For instance, the storage area inside our couches holds two of these containers. One has become a sort of medicine cabinet, holding items like nail clippers, vitamins, and spare COVID-19 tests. In contrast, the other contains our laundry detergent, toilet chemicals, and soaps, making it one of our favourite camper storage hacks.
4. SKUBB
The SKUBB series offers a range of IKEA storage solutions, including both hanging storage and semi-solid storage boxes. Importantly, these come in a wide range of sizes and colours, emphasising the versatility of IKEA products. Most of the SKUBB Series is collapsible, meaning they can be packaged flat when not in use—ideal for any van life enthusiast seeking effective IKEA hacks.
Characteristics
- Wide range of styles
- Many different sizes
- Semi-solid material
- Collapsible
- Multiple colours
Why We Love This IKEA Product
Versatile storage options are often limited in a camper, making the SKUBB Series a go-to choice for campervan hacks. This collapsible solution for storage containers with a semi-solid structure is invaluable.
We use the SKUBB Shoe Box style for food storage in an upright position. With these boxes, we can organise our food effectively, keeping snacks in one box and fresh fruit and vegetables in another to prevent soft items from getting squashed. This is a simple yet effective camping hack.
5. NORDRANA
The NORDRANA series offers a larger square-shaped basket and a pair of smaller round baskets, showcasing essential IKEA products for camper organisation. Both options are made of a soft material that can be flattened when not in use, highlighting the versatility of clever IKEA hacks. Additionally, they do not hold a solid shape, meaning you can stuff anything into them. These must-have products can be hung on a hook or placed on a flat surface.
Characteristics
- Soft material
- Pliable shape
- Can be hung
- Clean light grey colour
- Two size options
Why We Love This IKEA Product
These NORDRANA baskets are convenient for their size, shape, and pliability—perfect for any IKEA van setup. You can either hang them from a hook with the attached loops or set them on a flat surface. Due to the non-rigid material, they can be stuffed full of items.
We have used the larger basket as a laundry basket, which can easily be pushed into tight spaces for storage and can hold a lot without the risk of damage from stretching. With the handleholes, we can carry the basket directly to the laundry machine. Moreover, when not in use, it can be squashed to a small size for storage without taking up much space—truly a smart IKEA hack.
6. TISKEN
The TISKEN Series consists of handy gadgets with suction cups. Notably, there’s a suction cup for almost everything bathroom-related, making it one of the most useful IKEA products for campervan hacks. The main items include a set of hooks that can be attached to the wall with suction cups, along with a toothbrush holder, soap tray, toilet roll holder, and a small basket for straight walls or corners.
Characteristics
- Suction cup attachments
- Multiple bathroom gadgets
- Relocatable
- Colour options available
- Can attach to any smooth surface
Why We Love This IKEA Product
These suction cup attachments are versatile and can be placed on any smooth surface in your campervan. To relocate them, simply pull the rubber tab, clean it, and stick it in the new position. With so many handy gadgets available, you’re sure to find something in the TISKEN Series for your camper.
We use the plain TISKEN Hook With Suction Cup, which is stuck to our shower wall to hang our towels. Additionally, we have considered buying the Basket With a suction cup to hold soap containers on the kitchen wall, showcasing another clever IKEA hack.
7. HEMLAGAD
The HEMLAGAD set is a complete kitchen cookware set that includes a large and small pan, a saucepan, and a large and small pot with lids to fit. This set is made of thick aluminium to distribute heat evenly, making it one of the essential IKEA products for cooking meals during van life.
Characteristics
- 5-piece set
- Quality non-stick layer
- Lightweight
- Even heat distribution
- Long-lasting quality
Why We Love This IKEA Product
The HEMLAGAD Set is a high-quality kitchen cookware set that comes at a very reasonable price, reinforcing its status as a must-have among IKEA products.
We have been using this set heavily for over two years now, with minimal wear showing. Moreover, the range of pot and pan sizes provides all the options for cooking. With a lightweight and quality non-stick layer, we are prepared to cook any meal in our campervan, thanks to this fantastic IKEA van hack.
8. HJALTE
The 365+ HJALTE Series is a complete range of kitchen tools, including everything you need on your kitchen table, from spatulas to whisks and everything in between. Built with non-melting plastic to avoid scratching pots and pans, the rubber handles are shaped comfortably and include a hole at the end for hanging, making these tools essential IKEA products for any camper storage solution.
Characteristics
- Doesn’t scratch non-stick pots and pans
- Comfortable handles
- Doesn’t melt
- Holes for hanging
- Large variety
Why We Love This IKEA Product
The HJALTE Series provides a large range of kitchen tools that are must-haves for any van build. With very comfortable handles, you can use these tools and hang them when not in use. You don’t need to worry about them melting or scratching your pots and pans, thanks to the plastic design.
We have used the HJALTE Series almost daily for over two years, with minimal wear showing. Therefore, they are comfortable and practical, giving us more freedom in the kitchen while enjoying van life, making them essential IKEA products.
9. BLOMNING
The BLOMNING jars come in two size options: large or small. These jars feature an aesthetic matte black finish with a gold edge on the lid. Importantly, the lid is semi-air-tight to prevent air, moisture, and light from affecting the contents. The small jar is ideal for sugar or tea, while the larger jar is perfect for pasta or rice, providing an excellent solution for camper storage—another fantastic example of IKEA products enhancing van life.
Characteristics
- Elegant design
- Semi-air-tight lid
- Two size options
- Durable materials
- Convenient shape
Why We Love This IKEA Product
The BLOMNING jars offer an elegant yet practical storage solution for essentials. Their stylish design complements any decor while keeping contents fresh—perfect for an IKEA van setup.
We use the larger jar to store our rice, while the smaller jar is used for sugar. Not only do they fit perfectly in our cupboards, but their aesthetics also enhance the look of our kitchen. Consequently, they are must-haves in our camper, demonstrating the effectiveness of IKEA hacks in creating a stylish, organised space.
10. SKOGSVIKEN
The SKOGSVIKEN Series features a towel rack, hooks, and a toilet roll holder, all of which are essential IKEA products with a matte black finish that provides a simple yet luxurious look. Importantly, these IKEA products can be easily mounted, featuring partially concealed fixings—ideal for maximising space in any camper. These features make them stand-out examples of effective IKEA hacks.
Characteristics
- Simple and luxurious design
- Easy to mount
- Concealed fixings
- Multiple storage solutions
- Durable materials
Why We Love This IKEA Product
The SKOGSVIKEN Series beautifully combines elegance with functionality, making it an ideal addition to our camper. The towel rack, hooks, and toilet roll holder can be mounted to optimise space without sacrificing style, showcasing smart IKEA hacks for camper storage.
For example, we mounted the SKOGSVIKEN Hooks on the top side of our door frame, allowing jackets to be hung out of the way. To mount these hooks, simply unscrew the front face, screw through the back, and replace the face to conceal the screw. This clever design exemplifies effective camper storage solutions using IKEA products.
11. HULTARP
The HULTARP Series offers a versatile array of hanging and magnetic storage solutions, featuring various colours and a simple style. This range includes rails, hooks, hanging baskets, kitchen accessories, and a magnetic knife rack—perfect examples of IKEA products that enhance any van build with innovative IKEA hacks.
Characteristics
- Multiple colour options
- Simple style
- Various hanging solutions
- Convenient accessories
- Interchangeable components
Why We Love This IKEA Product
The HULTARP Series provides numerous hanging solutions, starting with versatile rails that can be easily mounted. Its hanging options include dish drying racks, hooks, baskets, and a magnetic knife rack, making it a smart choice for organizing your camper kitchen.
We use the HULTARP Magnetic Knife Rack, a durable addition that securely holds our knives while travelling, illustrating how IKEA products can enhance camper organisation and efficiency.
12. GRUNDTAL
The GRUNDTAL Series features high-quality magnetic containers made from stainless steel. These essential IKEA products are resistant to rust and wear, with a strong magnet that allows them to stick to metal surfaces, making them ideal for storing salt, pepper, or commonly used herbs—a vital aspect of any van life hack.
Characteristics
- Stainless steel construction
- Strong magnet
- Contents visible
- Convenient size
- Durable materials
Why We Love This IKEA Product
The GRUNDTAL Magnetic Containers provide a robust stainless-steel option for storing essentials. Thanks to the strong magnet, they can be easily attached to metal surfaces for quick access—making them perfect for your IKEA van setup.
We use these jars to store our commonly used herbs on a magnetic knife rack, on the fridge, and in our cupboard. This versatility highlights how IKEA hacks can simplify storage and enhance usability in a camper.
13. LUROY
The LUROY Series includes various bedding solutions, featuring loose bed slats and complete bed bases in multiple styles. With a clean and simple pine wood finish, these IKEA products seamlessly fit into any bedroom or campervan setup, making them excellent for camper organisation through effective IKEA hacks.
Characteristics
- Easy to assemble
- Clean and simple design
- Durable materials
- Multiple styles available
- Lightweight construction
Why We Love This IKEA Product
The LUROY Series of bed bases and slats is simple to assemble, offering a clean finish that complements any decor. We used the LUROY Series bed slats to create a DIY bed base for our camper, demonstrating a clever campervan hack that enhances our living space.
14. MAXIMERA
The MAXIMERA Series features a variety of drawer storage solutions, including single-drawer slides and complete cabinets with drawers. All options come in different sizes and boast multiple choices for drawer faces, showcasing the adaptability of these IKEA products for maximising your camper storage.
Characteristics
- Easy installation
- Multiple modules available
- Single drawers possible
- Variety of drawer face options
- Various length and width options
Why We Love This IKEA Product
The MAXIMERA Series offers many drawer storage solutions, making it one of the best IKEA products for campervan hacks. The multiple cabinet lengths and widths available ensure you find the perfect fit for your needs.
We plan to use MAXIMERA drawer slides as a straightforward alternative to self-made drawers, providing consistency and ease of installation in our camper kitchen.
15. BEVARA
The BEVARA Clips are an ideal bag-sealing solution, perfect for food preservation or keeping smaller items inside a closed bag. These handy IKEA products come in sets of 20 small and 10 long pieces, making them a must-have for any camper storage setup—showcasing effective IKEA hacks for organising essentials.
Characteristics
- Simple design
- Durable construction
- Suitable for dishwasher and freezer
- Two sets available
- Ideal for food preservation
Why We Love This IKEA Product
The BEVARA Clips make sealing bags effortless, preserving food with a simple clip design. Their durability and compatibility with dishwashers and freezers enhance their practicality, further exemplifying clever IKEA hacks for van life.
We use BEVARA Clips daily for sealing open packages to keep food fresh, underscoring their role as essential tools in our camper organisation.
16. GUNDE
The GUNDE Folding Chairs are an affordable and compact alternative to traditional camping chairs. They fold flat for easy storage, making them perfect IKEA products for space-saving in a camper. Available in black or white, these chairs feature a sturdy silver metal frame, enhancing both safety and style—a fantastic example of practical IKEA hacks.
Characteristics
- Affordable alternative
- Flat design for storage
- Lightweight construction
- Two colour options are available
- Strong and safe design
Why We Love This IKEA Product
The GUNDE Folding Chairs are excellent for anyone seeking lightweight, space-efficient seating. Their flat folding design and affordability make them indispensable for van life. We’ve used these chairs while travelling, showing their versatility as essential IKEA products for enjoying outdoor spaces.
17. HALLBAR
The HALLBAR Series features a complete range of rubbish storage and organisation solutions, including various bins in different sizes, bin holders, and slide-out options. This versatility makes these IKEA products vital for effectively organising rubbish in your camper—highlighting the best IKEA hacks for practical storage.
Characteristics
- Many size options
- Lids included
- Space dividers available
- Slide-out bin solutions
- User-friendly design
Why We Love This IKEA Product
The HALLBAR Series provides numerous options for bins and dividers, making it easy to find suitable storage solutions for rubbish. We use HALLBAR Bins in our camper, effectively organising waste with slide-out features, and showcasing smart IKEA hacks in action.
18. BISSA
The BISSA Shoe Racks are an ideal solution for shoe storage. Each compartment folds down to reveal accessible shelves, which easily fold away when not in use. These IKEA products are both stackable and hangable, providing versatile placement options—making them an essential part of any IKEA camper setup.
Characteristics
- Lightweight design
- Multiple styles and colours are available
- Stackable and hangable
- Durable construction
- Compact design
Why We Love This IKEA Product
The BISSA Shoe Racks offer compact and discreet storage for shoes. With multiple styles and colours available, these fold-out cabinets can fit seamlessly into any space, showcasing effective IKEA hacks for organisation in our campervan.
Incorporating these IKEA products into your van life not only enhances your camper storage but also makes your travels more enjoyable. By utilising these clever IKEA hacks, you can optimise every inch of your space, making it functional and stylish. Whether you’re seeking must-haves or innovative campervan hacks, these products are sure to inspire your van build!
Why do we love IKEA products and IKEA hacks so much in our campervan?
First and foremost, IKEA products are ahead of the game when it comes to convenience, practicality, and durability. They have warehouses all over the world filled with beloved IKEA products that help utilise space practically without compromising on style. Furthermore, many of these IKEA products are designed to integrate seamlessly into a house, making them ideal for camper storage as well. Fortunately, they can easily be adapted for a van using clever IKEA hacks, providing those essential space-saving opportunities.
Living in a van, therefore, amplifies the need for smart IKEA hacks and IKEA products that offer space-saving options. So far, we have not found a competing brand that offers so many storage hacks at an affordable price. With limited space in a camper, clutter can seem inevitable. This quote from IKEA says it all: “Clutter is just handy storage waiting for the right box.” Trust me, they have all the right IKEA products and hacks for your van build!
