Prepare & Organise a van

When you plan a long term journey into several countries with a van as your home, most of the concerns are the organisation of all your gear and supplies. As an organisation freak, I love everything to be super functional, but cozy and pretty to feel just like home. Here is our baby name Arthur Gandy Gandalf, a GMC savana 1500 year 2002.

FIRST THING, BUILD THE INSIDE

I love that part, because we got to choose the fabric and the way it's going to fit in. As a first van, we chose to keep it simple for our small budget. The floor was already in and the general structure of the storage frame was also in for the guy who had the van before us, a 6ft8" tall man. I am a dwarf compare to him with my 5ft4". So you can imagine me trying to cook on the sliding table with my arms above my shoulders... nope.

STEP TWO, GET ALL THE GEAR

For the anxious ones like me who don't want to forget anything, here are lists I made over the months to make sure everything we need is in the van. Those lists are customizable for your needs and your own comfort. 

Dont forget to bring clothespins and ropes to dry your laundry or to put a hammock on.

THREE, ORGANISE YOUR MESS

Imagine you are in a cool vineyard savoring some wine, then you go back to your camp and you want to set up for supper. You are tipsy and inside your van you can't find anything because all is over the place. This is a no no you absolutely want to avoid!

A MUST: Bins and organiser systems

They are perfect to make sure your gear will never get wet or smell bad from moisture. I did not put any roll system underneath the bins, but I would definitely do if I have a van again.

Mason jars for groceries and labels are your best friends. They are an ecologic way to keep your food safe from animals and moisture.

Maximise your space with back seat car organiser system, nets, cords and different hooks. Between the driver and passenger seat, put a bin for your entertainment, books and devices.