Five things you didn't know your campervan needed

When you first buy a campervan or RV, there's an overwhelming temptation to buy every gadget available and it's hard to know what you really need! Trust me, I'm a huge sucker for Instagram ads for every camping gadget known to man but there's only so much space and as tempting as it is to purchase ALL THE SHINY THINGS, you don't need that much to be comfortable.

1. Mattress Topper

For me, a terrible terrible sleeper, a thick mattress topper is a must buy. Some people tough it out with a standard one but I'm a princess and I love nothing more than waking up on a cloud on a sunny morning in my VW.

You can buy a small double 10cm topper on Amazon that will fit perfectly on your bed and won't break the bank!

2. Seat Hooks

Instead of stuffing your coat wherever or losing your umbrella which you'll inevitably need if you're in the UK, seat hooks are a fantastic way of keeping yourself organised. I hang my handbag, umbrella, mini backpack and coat or cardigan from there and they're never get in the way.

You can get these cheap and stylish hooks here.

3. Bungee cords

These aren't exciting or shiny but they're incredibly handy. My main use is to roll up the mattress. I simply roll up the mattress complete with sheet and duvet and tie it up with a cord at either end. At bedtime, all I have to do is unhook them and I'm good to go!

Some vanlifers also use them as to hang clothes and bundle things up, and if you've got nearby trees, you can use them to hang all sorts with bungree cords.

4. Portapotti

It's not glamourous but a bit more exciting than bungee cords, especially if you have the humour of a seven year old!

I couldn't go anywhere without my Thetford portable toilet. Some sites are really off-grid and having one of these allows me to camp pretty much anywhere without worrying about where I'm going to pee. This is one of the most popular models and for good reason--it's easy to use, a convenient size for most campers, and is reasonably priced too. If you combine it with a fold up tent, you're going to be truly free to stay on any number of sites across the UK.

5. Firepit

When you picture life in a campervan, you probably envisage nights under the stars and a roaring campfire. Not all campsites let you have open fires but this firepit is a must-have for when they do.

There's a lot of options in terms of foldable firepits but for me, this flat pack one by BobbyQ is the best. It's so sturdy and is literally flatpack. It takes up almost no space and slots together in seconds.

Embracing the vanlife is all about finding that balance between comfort and simplicity. While the temptation to fill your space with every cool gadget is real, it's the practical and essential items that truly enhance the experience. From a plush mattress topper to ensure restful nights, to the versatile bungee cords that keep things organized, each of these items plays a crucial role in making life on the road more enjoyable. So, before you hit that "Add to Cart" button on yet another shiny gadget, remember that less is often more in the world of campervans. Happy travels and may your adventures be both comfortable and unforgettable!

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