Small Van Storage Solutions That Work

If you’re working out of a Combo van, chances are you’ve dealt with clutter. Tools sliding around, gear getting buried, and wasting time digging through boxes when you’re already pressed for time. Small vans can quickly start to feel cramped when the space inside isn’t put to good use. And when you’re on-site trying to find what you need fast, every second matters.

Organising your van’s interior doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right setup, a small van like the Combo can carry what you need without feeling like it’s bursting at the seams. Whether you’re a tradesperson covering several jobs a day or someone who’s always on the road, proper storage keeps you efficient, protects your gear, and makes every job less of a hassle.

Maximising Space With Custom Shelving

Combo vans aren’t the biggest on the road, so making every centimetre count really matters. That’s where shelves come in. Custom shelving for a Combo van gives you the specific storage layout your setup needs. Rather than one-size-fits-all units that leave gaps or wasted space, the right shelving fits snugly and works with your tools and habits, not against them.

It’s worth thinking about the material too. You’ll find a few good options:

1. Plywood: decent strength and lightweight, good for general use
2. Metal: more durable and resistant to wear. A better choice for trades that carry heavy gear
3. Composite: often used to reduce weight without losing too much strength

The type of work you do should guide that decision. A plumber might want deep compartments for pipes and fittings. Someone carrying small power tools might prefer narrower sections to stop items from sliding around.

Don’t just toss in shelves and hope for the best, though. Think about height. You want to use space from top to bottom. Tucking shorter shelves near the floor and placing longer tools overhead can balance the layout. Leave enough clearance for awkward bits of gear that don’t fit neatly anywhere else. A good example is a set of A-frame ladders. One tradesperson we know couldn’t get them to sit securely until they added brackets above one shelving rack, up near the ceiling.

The goal isn’t to pack it all in tight but to make each shelf do a specific job. Once it does, your Combo van doesn’t just carry stuff. It works the way you do.

Utilising Vertical Storage In Tight Spaces

When there’s not a lot of floor to work with, look up. Vertical storage in small vans like the Combo can double your usable space without cramming gear onto the main walkway. It keeps items visible, off the floor, and often completely out of the way unless you need them.

Here are some practical ways to work vertically:

1. Install racking systems on the side walls for tools like spanners or wrenches
2. Use overhead compartments for items used less often, like seasonal gear
3. Fit hooks or rails along the roofline or bulkhead for cords, hoses, or smaller ladders
4. Use magnetic strips for lighter metal tools so they stay secure and within reach

Don’t go overboard, though. Make sure anything mounted high won’t shift while driving. Items that fall can cause damage or injury, so always test the fittings and check they’re suitable for movement.

Vertical storage is also helpful for separation. If you’ve got both wet and dry gear or need to split clean tools from ones used for messier jobs, wall-mounted storage makes that manageable. When things are stored safely, clearly, and in easy reach, the van starts to feel less like a moving cupboard and more like a portable workshop that just works.

Smart Organisation Techniques

To keep a Combo van running smoothly, it’s important to get the organisation just right. Handling tools and materials with care can make your workday less of a hassle. Start by categorising your items. Segregate them based on their type or frequency of use. For instance, power tools should go together, while smaller hand tools can be grouped separately.

Labelling can be a big help too. Clearly mark containers and shelves so you always know where things go. This might sound obvious, but it speeds up unloading when you’re in a hurry. And when you’re packing up after a job, you’ll quickly see if anything’s missing.

Using bins and dividers makes a real difference. Instead of everything rolling around the floor, bins keep bits and pieces in check. Dividers can slot into shelves to create sections for smaller items. While racks help store larger equipment neatly, all these tools work together to keep your van uncluttered.

Don’t forget about accessibility. Frequent-use items should live where they are easy to grab. A good rule of thumb is to put everyday tools at arm’s length, while less common items can go further back. Keeping things handy cuts down wasted time fumbling around during a job. With a balanced approach to organisation, your van’s interior feels more like a streamlined workspace and less like a chaotic mess.

Enhancing Accessibility and Safety

When a van’s loaded with gear, getting to everything safely can be tricky. Arranging your storage to be safe and simple is a priority. Start with securing heavy items. They should sit lower and against sturdy anchors. Load anything delicate on higher shelves, as long as it’s firmly in place. This way, nothing shifts in transit, and unloading becomes less of a headache.

Regularly checking your setup helps avoid accidents. Look out for loose fittings or any signs of wear. If something’s not right, fixing it before it causes trouble is better than dealing with a problem on the road. Routine checks also ensure weight’s properly distributed, which helps maintain the van’s balance and handling.

Safety gear also deserves a spot that’s out of the way but easy to access. Fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and high-vis jackets need to be reached quickly if needed. So, give them a secure but straightforward home inside the van.

Remember, an efficient storage system minimises risk, allowing you to focus on the task rather than worrying about gear flying around. When your van carries everything right, you can feel confident hitting the road, knowing everything’s secure.

Keep Your Combo Van Efficient and Tidy

With a few smart storage strategies, your Combo van can become more than just a tool hauler. Effortless access to organised and secure tools makes your van not just convenient but a part of how you work. Integrated storage lets you work with ease, protect your gear, and get the job done with less stress.

Organised storage habits do more than just clean up the clutter. They make every job smoother. Employing tailored shelving solutions will save you time and effort again and again. Plus, an efficient van is always ready, ensuring you’re equipped and ready to succeed each day.

If your Combo van is feeling too cramped to work efficiently, it might be time to rethink your setup. Demar Van Products can help you get the most out of your space with smart solutions like shelving for a Combo van designed to fit your tools and workflow. Let us show you how better storage can turn your van into a more productive and organised workspace.