Storage Tips Please

[Toobie]

Hello All

Cali newbies Steven&Pam from Suffolk and 'Toobie' (180 Ocean SE) looking to learn clever hacks and tips regarding stowage of stuff. Interested to hear all about it : )

 

[Beeechke1]

Hello welcome to the forum, there not much about owning a cali you wont find an opinion about on here.

"stowage of stuff" my starting point is think carefully about the stuff you start loading into your van, ideally everything needs to have a dual use, not possible but you get the idea. Secondly dont rush out and buy all the available accessories advertised, you only have to look at the number of awnings roof covers etc on sale on here with only used once description. But get out and camp under a variety of conditions and work out what you really need.

Hope that's of some help

 

[Louis II]

Agree with the above, make sure you only take what you need.
for me when we set off everything has to be stowed away, no loose bags shoes etc in the front or back and the only thing on the boot shelf is bedding, hook up and ramps.
Otherwise it just feels like you spend the whole time moving stuff around in the van.
Slide out boot drawer is a game changer but make sure you get one that doesn’t waste much space around the edges.

 

[Toobie]

Thank you 'Wannabecamperman' and 'Beeechke1', all makes good sense. Have you got any tips on stowage in the cupboards i.e. kitchen stuff? Have just invested in polycarbonate glasses and outwell plates. Do you stuff these into boxes, or stack them tight with towels like on a boat perhaps?
SP&'T'

 

[Beeechke1]

"Have just invested in polycarbonate glasses and outwell plates" - Yes we had stuff from our family camping days and have added to it over time, we take a few glass items for wine etc and wrap in a towel stuff inside tea mugs, we haven't gone down the route of expensive boxes that fill the shelf up but just pack things in mostly loose with a few small boxes for smaller items.
Our best buy was good quality Tefal Ingenio pans with glass lids and removable handles

 

[Toobie]

Thank you Beeechke1

 

[Resfeber]

Thank you 'Wannabecamperman' and 'Beeechke1', all makes good sense. Have you got any tips on stowage in the cupboards i.e. kitchen stuff? Have just invested in polycarbonate glasses and outwell plates. Do you stuff these into boxes, or stack them tight with towels like on a boat perhaps?
SP&'T'

Post in thread 'What do you put where' https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/what-do-you-put-where.41214/post-531138

Here are my tips above link

 

[Ghostbuster]

Velcro!
You need Velcro. I have all my cutlery strapped together during transit.
I have none slip bowls and plates.
The pots and pans have felt dividers.
The glasses and mugs sit in a moulded foam separator.
Even the kettle sits in a collapsible bowl so it doesn’t move.
Everything positioned for a rattle free journey.

 

[Viktorgeorge]

Hello All

Cali newbies Steven&Pam from Suffolk and 'Toobie' (180 Ocean SE) looking to learn clever hacks and tips regarding stowage of stuff. Interested to hear all about it : )

My 'tip' for you is VIP membership and the resulting ability to do an advanced search, and then use that increased search facility with relevant words such as: wardrobe, shelves, storage, etc. etc. You will be amazed how much useful information you will discover, also refining futher searches to dated periods and specific forum members whose posts you like.

One problem is that there are so many alternatives, the other is stopping yourself buying too much too soon, that in time you may find superfluous. Watching out for 'For Sale' postings where owners have moved on from a California and are selling stuff has also helped me.

 

[hlobban]

The temptation is to buy everything ever built or made by the third parties for the Cali! At least that what my heart always tells me.

Then I switch on my head, buy a few sensible things for storage like IKEA drawer organisers, reuse old camping gear for plates, cups etc.

+1 on a couple of nice wine glasses (stemless in our case) which can double up for wine, beer, spirits wrapped in a tea towel and stowed safely for transit.

Chemical toilet that fits perfectly under the Sink and is easily accessible when required on long drives with young kids for those “emergency” can’t wait situations!

Probably my best buy though was 200w of solar kit from @Roger Donoghue (search solar camper solutions) and an EcoFlow River 2 Pro. Provided an ability to survive without EHU and still use our creature comforts while also feeling smug about being “green” using the solar.