PLANNING THE PERFECT LAYOUT
Things to Think About
Coming up with your layout is one of the most exciting steps in the build process! This is where you’ll get to use a lot of creativity, find a layout that works best for you, and then modify it to add some unique ideas that you know you have to have that make it unique to you!
I can’t draw to save my life so I personally don’t like sketching. I use Canva which is a free website to play around and see what I like. (That’s what I used to create the images below). Once you think you have an idea of the layout you want, get some tape to mark the layout in your van. You can even get cardboard boxes to make a mock layout before beginning the build.
Important Questions to Ask Yourself
- Do you have bikes or lots of gear that will need large storage space versus many smaller storage compartments?
- Are you traveling solo or as a couple? Maybe even a family?
- Do you want a bathroom? We will address this directly in the next step. But start thinking about it now!
- What are a few key things you want to be able to add to make it unique and fit YOU?
GEAR- FRIENDLY
If you have a lot of outdoor gear, this is probably the best layout for you. The fixed bed sits as high up as you want which allows tons of big storage space underneath. People with bikes usually prefer this setup so they put their bikes under the bed. It still allows plenty of space for a kitchen as well. The “storage” area across from the kitchen in the image can also be used as a desk or place to work as well. You’ll likely have upper cabinets that will offer plenty of additional storage storage so you can play around with that spot if you want a place to sit that isn’t the bed.
BEST WORKSPACE
This is the layout of my choice! I’m the type of person that will not work well if there is a fixed bed in the van. So being able to change it from a bed to the benches with a table gives me no choice but to sit up and work. This layout is nice too because it gives the van a more open feeling. The image shows only two opposing benches but you can always add a third bench across the back to make a “U” shape. This just offers more storage and access to the third bench from the back of the van if you want somewhere to store any outdoor gear you do have.
Build Tip:
Try not to use inspiration from one single van build. I like combining ideas that I’ve seen from several different vans with ideas that I come up with on my own to create a solid mixture of it all. The general layout can still be the same but come up with creative ideas of your own to make something a little different and stand out from the crowd. Have fun with it!
IDEAL SOLO SETUP
If you love cooking, this may be a great layout for you because it allows you to really maximize your kitchen space. It’s perfect for a solo traveler before the bed that slides out will likely be a bit smaller than a standard 2 person size. Having a layout like this also allows you to have a work space if you include a table around the bench area. You can slide the bed in during the day and work at your table, and then slide it back out at night to make your bed. It also gives you enough space to include a bathroom or closet if you’d like as well!
OPPOSITE SOLO SETUP
This is the same layout as above but flip- flopped. The slide out bed works perfect in the back as well, but Bec & Eamon have even made it work as a couple too! I think the key to this is not making the opposite side storage too big (wide, really). That way you can slide the bed out further and be comfortable at night with two people. Either way, it allows for a lot of kitchen space and ability to have plenty of storage. If you want the opposing side from the bed to be all kitchen, you’ll still have all of those upper cabinets to keep your extra clothes and things in!
I’m only 16 but I have just purchased a 2019 Mercedes sprinter van to convert. I will be travelling alone but have no clue what to expect. Any tips or things you wish you installed in your van??
Hey Ruby, that’s a very brave decision. I have never lived in a van full time but for up to eight weeks in a row on holidays. I’m on my second van build right now.
I wish I’d have had more solar and a better battery setup from the beginning as well as a good fridge. I cheaped out on those things a bit a it came back to me later. Since I had no shower I also wished for my faucet to be extendable out of a window or the side door to spray off bikes and dirty feet as well as have the occasional shower with it.
I recently bought 99 bus and love fixing up. Alot of work to do and appreciate all the advice and thoughts. Thanks
Any thoughts on a layout for family of four with two boys that will be growing into large teens soon? Toilet is a must, my preference would be composting. Not opposed to a pop top but don’t know how that would do in colder, wet weather.
You definitely can. I recommend a bus if your traveling with three people though. You can get a minibus and still have it fit in most regular parking spaces
This is so helpful me and my best friend want to live in a van and be Ocean and Wildlife photographers when we are older and travel Australia in a van could you please make a work friendly, kitchen and storage with a Queen sized bed
i love this so much my dream is to live in a van when i get older this is awsome thanks for the tips!!!
omgg me tooo
Could you possibly create a three person van including a shower, dining area, storage, kitchen(oven, sink) and if the seating could turn into abed as well as a happy jac bed lift or you could do a different design the way you would do it. OPen to any ideas
You definitely can. I recommend a bus if your traveling with three people though. You can get a minibus and still have it fit in most regular parking spaces