Setting up your campervan with all the right essentials is crucial for a smooth and comfortable life on the road. From kitchen supplies to outdoor gear and electrical systems, this guide will help you find everything you need to turn your van into a home on wheels.
General Campervan Essenitals
For everyday essentials like bedding, kitchenware, and storage solutions, head to stores that offer a broad selection of items suitable for small spaces.
Best Places to Buy:
- Argos: A UK staple, Argos carries everything from compact furniture to kitchen essentials and camping gear. It’s a convenient option if you’re looking for quick, affordable solutions for your van setup.
- Wilko: Wilko offers a variety of low-cost home and garden products, perfect for van life essentials like storage boxes, cooking utensils, and space-saving furniture.
- IKEA: Known for its clever storage solutions and multi-functional furniture, IKEA is ideal for van lifers. They have affordable kitchen gadgets, collapsible items, and everything you need to organise small spaces efficiently.
- Halfords: While known for car accessories, Halfords is also a great place for campervan essentials like cool boxes, camping chairs, and electrical equipment for vehicle maintenance.
2. Outdoor Gear and Adventure Equipment
Van life often means embracing the great outdoors. Whether you’re planning to camp in the wilderness or spend time hiking and biking, outdoor equipment is essential.
Best Places to Buy:
- Decathlon UK: Offering affordable and durable camping gear, Decathlon is a top choice for van lifers. Their range includes everything from tents and sleeping bags to compact cooking equipment and folding tables.
- Go Outdoors: Go Outdoors has a vast selection of camping and hiking gear. Whether you need waterproof clothing, portable stoves, or sleeping mats, they have you covered with high-quality outdoor essentials.
- Cotswold Outdoor: Known for their premium outdoor gear, Cotswold Outdoor offers more specialised equipment, perfect for adventurers. They stock everything from camping cookers to outdoor furniture, ideal for life on the road.
3. Electrical and Power Systems
Staying powered on the road is a key concern for van lifers, especially if you’re planning to go off-grid. From solar panels to leisure batteries, the right electrical setup will ensure your campervan remains functional no matter where you are.
Best Places to Buy:
- eBay: For second-hand and budget-friendly electrical gear, eBay is a great option. You can find solar panels, inverters, and other off-grid power solutions at more affordable prices.
- Amazon: With a wide selection of power systems like leisure batteries, solar kits, and inverters, Amazon is a quick and reliable option. You can also read customer reviews to ensure you’re making the right purchase.
- Ecotricity: This UK-based company provides eco-friendly solar power systems designed for campervans and motorhomes. If you’re looking to power your van sustainably, they offer expert advice and products to get you started.
4. Kitchen and Cooking Supplies
Cooking in a small campervan kitchen doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right portable and space-saving kitchen gear, you can enjoy hearty meals wherever you park up.
Best Places to Buy:
- Lakeland: A UK favourite for kitchen products, Lakeland offers practical solutions for small-space cooking. From compact utensils to storage-friendly cookware, they have everything you need to kit out your campervan kitchen.
- Camping World: Camping World specialises in camping and outdoor gear, including portable stoves, collapsible cookware, and compact fridges, all perfect for campervan cooking.
- Amazon: For everything from portable grills and kettles to collapsible sinks, Amazon UK has a huge selection of kitchen essentials for van life. It’s also a great place to source multi-functional kitchen tools that save space.
5. Campervan-Specific Gear and Accessories
When it comes to customising your van, campervan-specific stores are your best bet. These retailers offer everything from water tanks to insulation kits, helping you make the most of your campervan conversion or upgrade.
Best Places to Buy:
- Leisure Shop Direct: Specialising in campervan and motorhome accessories, Leisure Shop Direct has a wide range of products, including water tanks, portable toilets, gas systems, and heating solutions.
- Just Kampers: Perfect for VW camper enthusiasts, Just Kampers offers a variety of parts, accessories, and camping gear specifically designed for campervans. Whether you’re looking for thermal screens, bike racks, or roof tents, they have it all.
- A Plan Insurance (Motorhome and Campervan Division): For peace of mind, you’ll also need specialist campervan insurance. A Plan provides tailored insurance policies designed for campervan owners, ensuring your investment is protected.
6. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Products
If you’re looking to live sustainably on the road, there are plenty of eco-friendly options available in the UK. From biodegradable toiletries to reusable products, these retailers will help you reduce your environmental impact.
Best Places to Buy:
- Wearth London: Specialising in sustainable, zero-waste products, Wearth London offers a range of eco-friendly items perfect for van life. They have everything from reusable food storage to natural cleaning supplies.
- Boobalou: For zero-waste essentials, Boobalou is the place to go. Their products include reusable kitchenware, eco-friendly toiletries, and biodegradable cleaning products—great for minimising waste on the road.
- Ethical Superstore: Ethical Superstore is another fantastic option for sustainable campervan living. They stock a range of environmentally friendly products, including solar-powered gadgets, water-saving devices, and eco-conscious camping gear.
7. Storage and Organisation Solutions
One of the biggest challenges of van life is keeping everything organised in a small space. Fortunately, there are plenty of clever storage solutions to help you stay organised on the road.
Best Places to Buy:
- IKEA: IKEA’s space-saving furniture and organisational tools are perfect for van life. Their range includes collapsible storage boxes, under-bed storage, and compact shelving that fits perfectly in small spaces.
- B&Q: Known for its range of DIY and storage solutions, B&Q has everything you need to build custom storage solutions in your campervan. From shelving units to storage bins, they have practical and affordable options.
- The Range: For affordable storage solutions, The Range offers a wide selection of boxes, baskets, and other organisational tools to help keep your campervan clutter-free.
