In any campervan or motorhome, space is the ultimate luxury. Creating your perfect home on wheels is difficult where every item has to fight for its spot.
Whether you’re a full-time vanlifer or are planning your next campervan holiday, we’ve curated a complete campervan packing list of space-saving game-changers.
We’ve compiled 19 of our favourite collapsible items that deserve a spot on every campervan packing list.
Jump straight to our recommendations:
What’s So Cool About Collapsible Accessories?
Space is at a premium in a campervan or motorhome. Some thinking-outside-the-box is required if you’re going to hit the road with all your home comforts on board. This is where collapsible accessories come in…
What if your essentials could shrink when you’re not using them?
These clever gadgets offer all the convenience and smart benefits of their full-sized counterparts but pack away small when you’re done.
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Collapsible Campervan and Motorhome Essentials
Ready to maximise your space?
We’ve gathered our top campervan essentials that all have one thing in common: they collapse, fold, or pack down small.
Discover our favourite space-saving gadgets for your kitchen, office, outdoor setup, and more.
Collapsible Campervan Essentials for Cooking and Kitchen
Let’s start in the heart of your home on wheels.
These clever gadgets are vital essentials for your campervan kitchen, helping you keep your campervan tidy and making life inside the campervan so much easier.
Collapsible Camping Kettle (1.5L)
A traditional kettle can be a real space-hog in a campervan kitchen. This collapsible version solves that problem, folding down almost flat while still offering a generous 1.5-litre capacity – perfect for making that essential morning brew.
- Folds down to a fraction of its size.
- Generous 1.5L capacity is larger than many rivals, great for multiple drinks at once.
- The sturdy stainless steel base is suitable for direct use on most gas hobs.
- You must keep the flame on your gas hob smaller than the metal base to avoid damaging the silicone walls.
- Takes slightly longer to boil compared to a standard all-metal kettle.
Collapsible Pour Over Coffee Dripper
Enjoying a quality pour-over coffee on your campervan trip doesn’t have to mean packing a fragile, bulky dripper. This reusable silicone cone collapses completely flat.
- Packs down to the thickness of a coaster, making it incredibly easy to store.
- Made from flexible silicone, so there are no worries about it breaking in a moving van.
- Sits directly on top of your mug for a simple brew and is very easy to rinse clean.
- The silicone is very flexible, so it requires a steady hand when full of hot water.
- Best suited for making one cup at a time, so less ideal if you're brewing for two
Collapsible Coffee Cup
This reusable cup is a 'must' on the campervan essentials list for any van life coffee lover. Once you’ve finished your drink, it cleverly collapses into a small, leak-proof disc that you can easily stash in a pocket or bag, saving you from carrying around a bulky empty mug all day.
- Collapses into a small, pocket-sized disc.
- The leak-proof design means you can pop it in a bag after use without any drips.
- A brilliant, sustainable alternative to single-use cups for when you're on the road.
- The soft silicone body can be squeezed if gripped too tightly, so it requires a careful hold.
- The lid's complex design can be tricky to clean thoroughly and may absorb coffee odours over time.
Collapsible Colander (2.8 Litres)
A bulky colander rarely makes the cut for van life, but this collapsible version is a game-changer. Not only does it fold flat for storage, but its a genuinely useful size.
- Collapses completely flat, sliding easily into a narrow gap beside plates or boards.
- The design is perfect for small camper van kitchens with limited space.
- Sturdy enough for draining a full pan of pasta or washing a large amount of veg.
- The handles can flex slightly under very heavy loads, like a full pot of potatoes.
- Smaller food items like rice can sometimes get caught in the folding creases, making it a bit fiddly to clean.
Camping Pots and Pans
Stacking normal pots and pans in a van cupboard is a noisy and inefficient nightmare. This nesting cooking set is one of the best camping kitchen essentials because every piece cleverly stacks inside the largest pot, creating one compact, rattle-free unit that takes up minimal space.
- The pans are quite small and best suited for one or two people; cooking a family meal would be a challenge.
- The non-stick coating is delicate and can be scratched easily if you use metal utensils.
- An entire cookware set stacks together into a single compact bundle.
- Made from lightweight aluminium, it won’t add unnecessary weight to your van.
- The non-stick coating makes for easy cooking and quick cleaning.
Joseph Joseph Flip-up Draining Board
A bulky dish rack is a luxury most campervans can't afford. This compact draining board from Joseph Joseph features a clever flip-up rack that holds plates for drying, then folds completely flat again when you just need a surface for mugs and glasses.
- The 2-in-1 design works as both a plate rack and a flat drying mat.
- Its small footprint is perfect for limited campervan worktop space.
- Features a spout that drains water directly into the sink, keeping your worktops dry.
- Its compact size means it has a limited capacity, which can be tricky after a large meal.
- The plastic rack may struggle to hold very large or heavy dinner plates securely upright.
Collapsible Washing-up Bowl with Draining Plug
More than just a washing up bowl, this versatile dishpan is a campervan multi-tasker. It collapses completely flat for storage and features a brilliant integrated plug, so you can drain the water without having to lift and tip a heavy, full basin in a confined space.
- Pops up to a generous 10L size, then collapses flat.
- The built-in plug is an awesome addition.
- Incredibly versatile – works as a laundry basin, a drinks cooler, or for carrying your washing up on campsites!
- The draining plug, while convenient, can sometimes develop a slow leak over time.
- The soft sides can be accidentally collapsed if knocked, which could lead to a spill if it's full.
Joseph Joseph Tri Scale Digital Kitchen Scales
A full-size digital scale that fits in your cutlery drawer? Yes, please! This ingenious Tri Scale from Joseph Joseph provides accurate weighing for all your kitchen needs, then folds away into a remarkably compact unit, making it a perfect gadget or campervan gift for the space-conscious van baker.
- Folds into an incredibly compact size, fitting easily into any small gap or drawer.
- Features a clear LCD display and a handy ‘add and weigh’ (tare) function.
- Provides accurate readings in a range of units (g, lbs, oz, ml).
- The three-arm design can feel less stable than a flat scale when using a very large or heavy bowl.
- Uses a coin battery (CR2032), which can be harder to find on the road than standard AAA batteries.
Joseph Joseph Twist Whisk- 2 in 1
This clever tool works as both a balloon whisk and a flat whisk for sauces, then twists completely flat to disappear into a shallow drawer. It’s a simple and brilliant kitchen space-saver for campervan conversions.
- Folds completely flat, perfect for tight campervan drawers.
- Acts as two whisks in one, saving valuable utensil space.
- Dismantles for quick and easy cleaning.
- Less robust than a fixed whisk when mixing very thick batters.
- The twisting mechanism can feel stiff, particularly when new.
Collapsible Storage Essentials for your Campervan Trip
Great storage is all about having ultimate flexibility.
These collapsible items are some of the ultimate campervan essentials because they provide ample space when you need it, then disappear when you don’t. They’re perfect for keeping any caravan and motorhome tidy.
Collapsible & Stackable Storage Crates
Keeping small, loose items from rattling around in a campervan cupboard is a constant battle. This set of six collapsible crates is the perfect solution for organising everything from spice jars and toiletries to charging cables, and they fold completely flat when you don't need them.
- Perfect for grouping and organising small items, especially in garage space.
- They stack securely on top of each other to maximise precious vertical space.
- Folds away completely flat, taking up minimal room when not in use.
- These crates are quite small, so be sure to check the dimensions before buying.
- Not great for particularly heavy items.
Collapsible Food Storage Containers
Storing empty food containers can feel like a frustrating puzzle of bulky boxes. This set of four collapsible containers solves that problem, squashing down to a fraction of their height to keep your cupboards organised, making them ideal for van life leftovers.
- Collapses to about one-third of its height, saving a huge amount of cupboard space.
- The airtight, clip-on lids are great for preventing spills in a moving campervan fridge.
- The set includes four different sizes, perfect for everything from leftovers to packed lunches.
- Silicone can stain easily with certain foods like curry or tomato-based sauces.
- The plastic lid clips can feel stiff and may become a weak point over time.
Packing Cubes for Travel
Packing cubes are the ultimate space-saving magic trick for your van wardrobe. They take up no space themselves, folding completely flat when empty, and when you use them, they compress your clothes so you can actually fit more in. For efficient campervan travel, these are essentials to pack.
- Compresses clothing, allowing you to fit more items into tight spaces.
- The cubes themselves are lightweight and fold down to almost nothing when not in use.
- All one size with decent capacity.
- The zips can be a weak point, especially if the cubes are consistently over-packed.
- The lightweight fabric is great for weight-saving but may not stand up to very rough handling over time.
Best Campervan Accessories for Working on the Road
Working from your camper is a dream, but your setup needs to be comfortable and practical. These accessories are essential for a productive life on the road, helping to transform your space into the ultimate campervan office.
Folding Laptop Stand
Working from your van can be a dream, but hunching over a laptop is not. This simple, lightweight stand folds down into a slim stick, but elevates your laptop screen to a comfortable eye-level, instantly improving your mobile office ergonomics.
- Folds away flat into a very small pouch.
- Significantly improves posture by raising the screen, reducing neck and back strain.
- The sturdy aluminum build provides a stable base and helps with laptop cooling.
- To be truly ergonomic, you really need to use it with a separate keyboard and mouse.
- Adjusting the angle is basic and less precise than on more expensive stands.
Collapsible Camping Essentials for Outdoors
Now for the gear you’ll be using outside – such as camping table and chairs. We’ve chosen our favourite collapsible camping accessories – true ‘must-have’ van life essentials for making the most of your time at the campsite.
Collapsible Camping Lantern & Power Bank
This little gadget is the Swiss Army knife of camping lanterns. It collapses down to a tiny disc but provides ample light for your awning or tent, can charge your phone in an emergency, and can even be topped up with its own small solar panel.
- It’s a light, an emergency phone charger, and a solar device all in one.
- Dual charging options (USB and solar) are perfect for off-grid trips.
- Collapses into a small, lightweight puck.
- The solar panel is very small, so charging this way is extremely slow and best used for emergency top-ups only.
- The power bank provides a small emergency boost, not enough for a full phone charge.
🔋 If you love power-saving gadgets, you’ll love this: 34 USB Rechargeable and 12V Campervan Accessories You Need in your Life
TREKOLOGY Ultra Lightweight Folding Camping Chair
Traditional camping chairs are notoriously bulky and awkward to store. This popular style of chair from Trekology is a different breed entirely, packing down into a tiny bag that can be tucked away almost anywhere.
- Incredibly small and lightweight pack size; you can store two in the space of one old-fashioned chair.
- Surprisingly comfortable and supportive bucket-seat design.
- Very quick and simple to assemble and pack away.
- They are very low to the ground, which can make them difficult to get out of.
- The small feet have a tendency to sink into soft ground like sand or damp grass.
Folding Camping Kitchen Cupboard
Love cooking outside? This camping table kitchen creates a dedicated and organised cooking station, complete with a worktop and a zipped storage cupboard, that all packs down into a single carry case.
- Creates a dedicated outdoor kitchen, keeping cooking gear organised and out of your van.
- The zipped fabric cupboard is brilliant for storing food and utensils away from the elements.
- Folds into a convenient carry case and has adjustable legs for stability on uneven ground.
- While it folds, the packed-down unit is still quite large and requires dedicated storage space.
- Can be more fiddly to set up and pack away compared to a simple folding table.
Other Collapsible Essentials for your Packing List
Whether you’re tackling a quick repair or keeping pesky insects at bay, these tools and bug-busting solutions are here to make campervan living a little less irksome.
These tools are practical, versatile, and essential for life on the road…
2-in-1 Collapsible Water Container
A rigid water carrier is essential but incredibly bulky to store. This clever 2-in-1 container from Colapz not only collapses completely flat but also doubles up as both a bucket for filling up and a convenient drinks dispenser with its own tap.
- Brilliant 2-in-1 design works as both a bucket and a water dispenser.
- Collapses completely flat.
- The screw-on tap provides easy, controlled dispensing without heavy lifting or spills.
- The flow rate from the tap can be quite slow, so it takes a little patience to fill a kettle.
- You need to ensure the lid is screwed on perfectly straight to prevent leaks when carrying it.
Bivvy Loo Portable Folding Camping Toilet
Not every campervan has space for a fixed toilet or Porta Potti, but having an emergency option provides huge peace of mind on your campervan adventure.
The Bivvy Loo is an ingenious solution, offering a sturdy and reliable toilet that cleverly folds away to the size of a thin briefcase when you need to store it - perfect for smaller campers - such as the VW campervan - etc.
- Folds incredibly flat into its own carry case, making it easy to store almost anywhere.
- Very simple to use with no chemicals; just a bag system for easy and hygienic disposal.
- Surprisingly strong and stable, comfortably supporting over 150kg.
- It is very low to the ground and the seat isn't shaped, making it less comfortable than a standard portable toilet.
- Requires the ongoing purchase of specific biodegradable liner bags.
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How to Choose the Best Accessories for your Camper
So, with so many gadgets available, how do you decide which essentials do you need?
After the excitement of your initial campervan purchase, it can be tempting to buy everything at once.
If you have a new campervan, our advice is to start simple. Your first few trips are the best way to discover what you really need, allowing you to build up your gear thoughtfully over time rather than buying things you won’t use.
Before you buy, think about your travel style. Will you be cooking full meals or just simple ones? Working on the road or completely switching off?
Always measure your cupboards and drawers before buying storage items. This practical approach will help you create your perfect essential campervan setup without unnecessary clutter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Making your campervan feel like a true ‘home on wheels’ is all about adding personal touches and textures.
Start with soft furnishings like cushions, a warm throw, and a cosy rug to instantly add comfort and colour. Warm, dimmable lighting, such as fairy lights or small lamps, can completely change the atmosphere in the evening.
Finally, don’t be afraid to add personal items like photos or small plants to your first campervan. A tidy, organised space is also key, which is where using clever, space-saving essentials really helps create a calm and homely environment.
It’s a valid concern, but modern collapsible products are surprisingly tough. Most quality items are made from food-grade silicone and strong, BPA-free plastic that can handle the bumps of the road. Unlike ceramic or glass, they won’t shatter, and unlike rigid metal, they won’t get dented. As with any product, quality varies, so it’s always worth checking reviews.
In a small kitchen, think vertically! Use wall-mounted magnetic strips for knives or spice racks. Most importantly, choose items that are multi-functional or save space. Incorporating collapsible
items, like the ones on our list, is a ‘must-have’ campervan strategy for maximising every inch of cupboard space.
Conclusion: The Space-saving Campervan Accessories
Creating a functional and spacious home on wheels is all about making smart choices with the gear you bring on board.
We hope our full list of space-saving gadgets helps you build your ultimate packing list and refine your perfect campervan holiday checklist.
Happy travels!
🌟 Are there some gems we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments!
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