7 Ways to Organize Art Supplies in a Van That Maximize Every Inch

Living the van life doesn’t mean sacrificing your creative passions. You can transform your mobile home into an organized art studio with the right storage solutions and smart space planning.

The challenge: Van space is premium real estate, and art supplies can quickly turn into chaotic clutter without proper organization. The solution: Strategic storage systems that keep your brushes, paints, and canvases accessible while maximizing every square inch of your rolling studio.

These seven proven organization methods will help you maintain a functional creative workspace that moves with you across the country.

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Maximize Vertical Space With Wall-Mounted Storage Solutions

Your van’s walls are prime real estate for art supply storage. Wall-mounted systems keep everything visible and accessible while freeing up precious floor space for your creative work.

Install Magnetic Strips for Metal Tools

Magnetic strips transform any metal surface into instant tool storage. Mount them on your van’s steel walls or cabinet doors to hold brushes with metal ferrules, palette knives, and craft scissors within arm’s reach.

These strips work exceptionally well above your workspace where you’ll grab tools frequently. You’ll never lose small metal items again since they’re always in plain sight.

Use Pegboard Systems for Versatile Organization

Pegboard systems offer unmatched flexibility for changing art supply needs. You can rearrange hooks, bins, and shelves as your creative projects evolve without drilling new holes.

Install a 2×4 foot pegboard section and watch your storage capacity multiply. Hang everything from paint tubes in small baskets to larger items like rulers and cutting mats on specialized hooks.

Mount Fold-Down Tables for Workspace

Fold-down tables mounted to your van’s wall create instant workspace that disappears when not needed. These tables support your art projects while keeping walking space clear for daily van life activities.

Choose tables with integrated storage underneath for frequently used supplies. When folded up, they become shallow shelves that still provide easy access to your most essential tools.

Create Mobile Art Stations With Rolling Carts

Rolling carts transform your van into a flexible art studio that adapts to any creative project. These mobile stations let you roll supplies wherever you need them and tuck everything away when it’s time to hit the road.

Choose Multi-Tier Rolling Organizers

Multi-tier carts maximize your vertical storage without eating up precious van floor space. Look for three-tier models like the RÅSKOG from IKEA or similar metal mesh designs that offer excellent visibility and airflow for wet supplies.

The tiered design lets you separate supplies by function – keep brushes and tools on top, paints and mediums in the middle, and paper or canvases on the bottom shelf. This setup keeps everything organized while maintaining easy access to your most-used items.

Select Carts With Locking Wheels

Locking wheels prevent your cart from becoming a projectile during sudden stops or turns. Choose carts with at least two locking wheels positioned diagonally for maximum stability when parked.

Test the wheel locks before purchasing – they should engage smoothly and hold firmly without requiring excessive force. Quality locking mechanisms like those found on Honey-Can-Do or SimpleHouseware carts will last through countless miles of van life adventures.

Optimize Cart Height for Van Ceiling

Measure your van’s interior height carefully before selecting a cart – you’ll need clearance for both the cart and yourself working above it. Most standard vans accommodate 32-36 inch tall carts comfortably.

Consider removable top shelves for extra flexibility when ceiling height is tight. Some carts like the Songmics 3-tier design offer adjustable shelving that lets you customize the height for different storage needs while maintaining headroom for comfortable art sessions.

Utilize Under-Bed Storage for Bulk Art Supplies

Under-bed space is your van’s hidden goldmine for storing bulky art supplies like paper rolls, canvas boards, and paint sets. This area stays protected from temperature fluctuations and keeps heavy items low for better van stability.

Install Pull-Out Drawers for Easy Access

Pull-out drawers transform dead under-bed space into accessible storage that you can reach without crawling. Mount full-extension drawer slides rated for at least 100 pounds to handle heavy supplies like paint bottles and sketchbooks.

Build shallow drawers (4-6 inches deep) for flat items like watercolor paper and canvas panels. Deeper drawers work perfectly for storing tubes of paint, brush sets, and sculpting tools in organized compartments.

Use Clear Storage Bins for Visibility

Clear plastic bins let you see exactly what’s stored without opening every container. Choose stackable bins with secure lids that won’t pop open during travel – Sterilite and Rubbermaid make excellent van-friendly options.

Size your bins to fit your bed platform height, leaving 2-3 inches for easy sliding. Group similar supplies together: one bin for paints, another for brushes, and a third for paper and canvases.

Label Everything for Quick Identification

Labels eliminate the guesswork when you’re searching for specific supplies in low-light conditions. Use a label maker or waterproof markers to create clear, readable tags on every bin and drawer.

Include both the contents and quantity on labels – “Acrylic Paints (24 tubes)” or “Watercolor Paper (20 sheets).” This system helps you track inventory and know when it’s time to restock during your travels.

Transform Cabinet Doors Into Organizational Powerhouses

Cabinet doors are the most underutilized real estate in your van. Every door offers vertical storage potential that’s literally right at your fingertips.

Add Over-Door Shoe Organizers for Small Items

Over-door shoe organizers turn wasted door space into 20+ compartments for your art supplies. You’ll keep tubes of paint, brushes, and pencils perfectly visible and sorted by color or type.

Clear vinyl organizers work best since you can spot exactly what you need instantly. Heavy-duty versions like the Simple Houseware 24-pocket organizer handle the weight of acrylic paints without sagging.

Install Shallow Shelving on Interior Doors

Shallow shelves on cabinet doors create perfect spots for your most-used supplies without blocking the main storage area. Install 2-3 inch deep shelves using piano hinges to maintain door function.

These narrow shelves excel at holding sketch pads, reference books, and paint palettes. Position them at eye level for instant access to your daily essentials while keeping cabinet interiors free for bulkier items.

Create Clipboard Storage for Paper and Canvases

Mount clipboards vertically inside cabinet doors to transform them into instant flat storage for papers and small canvases. This system keeps artwork flat and wrinkle-free while maximizing every inch of door space.

Use binder clips to attach different paper sizes to each clipboard. You’ll organize watercolor paper, sketching sheets, and reference prints in one compact location that’s always accessible when creativity strikes.

Implement Modular Storage Systems for Flexibility

Modular storage transforms chaos into order by letting you reconfigure your van’s organization as your art practice evolves. You’ll appreciate this flexibility when switching between painting and sketching seasons or picking up new creative hobbies on the road.

Choose Stackable Containers That Fit Van Dimensions

Stackable containers maximize vertical space while maintaining easy access to your supplies. Measure your van’s interior height and subtract 6 inches for ventilation and movement clearance.

IRIS USA weathertight containers work exceptionally well in 12-quart and 32-quart sizes. You’ll find these dimensions fit most van cabinet widths perfectly while stacking securely during travel. Choose clear containers so you can identify contents without unstacking everything.

Use Drawer Dividers for Small Supply Organization

Drawer dividers prevent small art supplies from becoming a jumbled mess during van movement. Adjustable dividers like Rubbermaid‘s spring-loaded versions adapt to different drawer sizes and supply collections.

Create dedicated sections for brushes, pens, erasers, and color pencils using bamboo expandable dividers. You’ll save precious minutes searching for specific tools and maintain better inventory control. Replace cardboard dividers with plastic versions that won’t warp from van humidity.

Select Containers With Secure Lids for Travel

Secure lids prevent supply disasters when your van hits unexpected bumps or takes sharp turns. Twist-lock containers like Rubbermaid Brilliance series create airtight seals that protect supplies from moisture and road vibrations.

Avoid snap-only lids that pop open under pressure. Choose containers with gasket seals for paints and liquids, and consider adding velcro strips inside lids for extra security. Test your containers on a rough road before trusting them with expensive supplies.

Design a Dedicated Art Supply Command Center

Creating a centralized hub transforms scattered supplies into an organized creative workspace. This command center becomes your artistic nerve center where everything you need stays within arm’s reach.

Designate One Area for All Supplies

Pick one corner or wall section as your art supply headquarters. I’ve seen too many vans with supplies scattered everywhere, making it impossible to find anything when inspiration strikes.

Choose a spot near your main work area but away from high-traffic zones. Install a small cabinet or dedicate shelf space specifically for art materials. This concentrated approach prevents the “supply creep” that turns your entire van into a cluttered studio.

Create Zones for Different Art Mediums

Separate your supplies by medium – paints in one section, drawing tools in another, paper goods in a third. This zoning system prevents cross-contamination and speeds up your creative process.

Use small containers or drawer dividers to maintain these zones. Label each section clearly so you can grab watercolors without digging through oil pastels. I recommend clear acrylic organizers that let you see contents at a glance while maintaining strict boundaries between mediums.

Include Good Lighting for Supply Selection

Install LED strip lights or a small task lamp directly over your command center. Poor lighting leads to grabbing the wrong supplies and wasting precious creative time.

Position lights to eliminate shadows when you’re reaching for materials. Battery-powered LED strips work perfectly for this application, consuming minimal power while providing bright, even illumination. Consider lights with adjustable color temperature to match your artwork’s needs.

Secure Everything for Safe Van Travel

Your beautifully organized art supplies won’t stay that way if they’re flying around your van during travel. Every item needs to be locked down before you hit the road.

Use Bungee Cords and Cargo Nets

Bungee cords create flexible security systems that adapt to different load sizes. Stretch them across open shelving to hold supplies in place during bumpy rides. Heavy-duty cargo nets work perfectly over larger storage areas like your art supply command center.

Install anchor points every 12 inches along your van walls using eye bolts or carabiners. This spacing gives you maximum flexibility for different cord configurations.

Install Safety Latches on All Storage

Cabinet doors and drawers need positive-locking mechanisms to prevent spills during travel. Standard RV barrel bolts work reliably and cost under $5 each. Magnetic catches aren’t strong enough for van life’s constant motion.

Touch latches let you open storage with one hand while carrying supplies. Install them on every drawer and door that holds art materials – even your lightest watercolor pencils can create chaos if scattered.

Pack Fragile Items in Padded Containers

Foam-lined cases protect your most delicate supplies from road vibration and sudden stops. Harbor Freight’s Apache cases offer excellent protection at budget prices. Pelican cases cost more but handle extreme conditions better.

Cut custom foam inserts for oddly shaped items like pottery tools or glass palettes. Pool noodles work surprisingly well as cheap padding for tubes and long brushes in larger containers.

Conclusion

Living the van life doesn’t mean sacrificing your artistic pursuits. With these seven organization strategies you can transform your mobile space into a functional creative studio that travels wherever you roam.

The key to success lies in maximizing every inch of available space while keeping your supplies secure and accessible. From vertical wall storage to modular systems each method addresses the unique challenges of creating art in a compact environment.

Remember that the best organization system is one that evolves with your needs. Start with the strategies that resonate most with your art practice and gradually build your perfect mobile studio. Your creative journey awaits—now you have the tools to make it organized and inspiring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I maximize storage space in my van for art supplies?

Utilize vertical space with wall-mounted storage solutions like magnetic strips, pegboard systems, and fold-down tables. Install pull-out drawers under beds, transform cabinet doors into storage areas, and use stackable modular containers. Rolling carts provide mobile organization while keeping floor space clear for other activities.

What’s the best way to organize small art supplies in a van?

Use drawer dividers, clear storage bins, and modular container systems with multiple compartments. Create zones for different art mediums using labeled containers. Over-door shoe organizers and tiered rolling carts help keep small items visible and easily accessible while preventing clutter during travel.

How can I create a functional workspace in my van?

Install fold-down tables that can be tucked away when not in use. Use rolling carts to create mobile workstations that can be moved around as needed. Ensure good lighting with LED strip lights or task lamps, and designate a specific command center area for easy access to supplies.

How do I keep art supplies secure while driving?

Use bungee cords and cargo nets to hold supplies in place during travel. Install safety latches on cabinet doors and drawers to prevent spills. Pack fragile items in padded containers with foam inserts, and ensure all storage solutions have secure lids to protect against movement and moisture.

What storage solutions work best for bulky art supplies?

Utilize under-bed storage with pull-out drawers for items like paper rolls and paint sets. Keep heavy items low for better van stability. Use clear storage bins for visibility and install shallow drawers for flat items, deeper ones for larger supplies. Label everything for quick identification.

Can I reorganize my van art studio as my needs change?

Yes, choose modular storage systems with stackable containers and adjustable shelving. Pegboard systems allow for easy rearrangement of tools and supplies. Select adjustable drawer dividers and containers that can be reconfigured as your art practice evolves, ensuring long-term flexibility in your mobile studio setup.