Moving from a larger motorhome into a smaller campervan meant Jane and her husband had a few things to get used to when living in their campervan on their trips. They already enjoyed travelling with their own accommodation, but making a more compact space work for longer trips took some practice. As they began getting away together, they found that thoughtful packing, a useful awning and a few personal touches helped them feel comfortable wherever they stopped.

Summary

Jane and her husband have gradually developed their own approach to living in a campervan, learning what to pack, where to keep it and which additions make the biggest difference. From getting quicker at putting up their awning to making their bed more comfortable, their experience offers a practical look at adapting to a smaller space while enjoying trips around the UK and Europe.

Getting Used to Living in a Campervan

Jane and her husband chose their Free Spirit campervan because they wanted something smaller and more manageable than their previous motorhome. That decision suited their travel plans, although it also meant thinking differently about the belongings they brought along.

A smaller living area leaves less room for things that might come in handy but rarely get used. Clothing, food and everyday equipment all need somewhere to go, particularly when the seating area becomes a bed at night.

The couple found their feet through using the campervan, taking several trips and adjusting their arrangements as they went. Their experience is reassuring for anyone wondering whether everything needs to be perfectly organised before their first night away. Some preferences only become clear once you have cooked a meal, unpacked your clothes and settled down for the evening.

Finding a Place for Everyday Essentials

Storage was one of the first things they needed to work out. When the bed was in use, finding room for food, crockery and other belongings became more challenging, especially on trips lasting longer than a night or two.

They initially bought a utility tent to give themselves some extra space outside the vehicle. Inside, clothes bags helped them organise their clothing on the shelves, making the available storage easier to use.

Their advice comes down to a simple habit:

“You just have to be sort of very well organised and know where everything is.”

Putting things back in the same place makes a difference when two people share a compact space. It saves searching through bags and moving belongings around whenever you want a clean top or something for breakfast.

When comparing campervan layouts, it is useful to picture the things you would actually bring. Consider where those belongings would sit with the bed out as well as with the seating arranged for daytime use.

How an Awning Changed Their Setup

After their first few outings, Jane and her husband decided to buy an awning. It gave them somewhere to keep their table, chairs, cool boxes and food supplies, taking some of the pressure off the space inside.

The first attempt at putting it up was memorable. They tried it somewhere local, expecting the job to take around half an hour, but it ended up taking two and a half hours.

Their affectionate description of it as “a divorce in a bag” will probably sound familiar to anyone who has wrestled with unfamiliar camping equipment alongside their partner.

With practice, the process became much easier. They reported getting the setup time down to around half an hour and becoming more confident about packing it away too.

“That gives us a lot more room.”

For them, the extra space justified the effort. Having somewhere for equipment outside the main living area helped make the campervan more comfortable once they were staying on a pitch.

Making Their Bed More Comfortable

Sleeping comfortably was another part of the setup they adapted to suit themselves. The couple were open about finding the rock and roll bed less comfortable initially, particularly as they are both tall and were getting used to its width.

Their solution was to buy a mattress topper.

“But that has made it really comfortable.”

They also worked out where to keep the topper while they were camped, explaining that it fitted in the pop-top area. Finding a place for bedding is part of making a smaller interior work, because something that improves your night’s sleep still needs to be accommodated during the day.

Their experience is a useful reminder to spend time trying the bed when viewing a campervan. Lie down, check the available space and ask to see how it folds out and goes away. The couple found that operating theirs took a little practice, so understanding the movement before your first trip can help.

A Small Fridge That Earned Its Place

They appreciated the fridge most. Although compact, it gave them somewhere to keep food chilled, and they were pleased with how well it worked for their needs.

“I mean, I freeze ice cubes in it quite easily.”

Their campervan also has a two-ring hob, while a separate small grill gives them another cooking option outside when the weather suits.

This arrangement reflects how they have approached living in a campervan generally: they have worked out which facilities they use and added equipment where it helps. There is no need to bring everything from a kitchen at home, but it is worth thinking about the meals you enjoy and the utensils needed to prepare them.

Planning around a few familiar meals can also help keep food storage manageable while you learn how much fits comfortably.

Choosing Campsites That Suit Them

Comfort extends beyond the vehicle itself. Jane and her husband’s campervan does not have onboard toilet facilities, so choosing suitable campsites is an important part of how they travel.

They explained that this arrangement works for them, while recognising that other buyers may feel differently. Access to toilets, water and electric hook-up therefore matters when they decide where to stay.

It is a practical consideration to think through before choosing a campervan. Imagine an ordinary evening and morning away, including visiting the facilities, getting dressed and preparing breakfast. Your preferences around these routines can help you decide which layout and campsite arrangements will suit you.

For this couple, using campsite facilities is an accepted part of travelling in their smaller vehicle.

Finding Their Own Comfortable Routine

Jane and her husband have made their campervan work through a series of adjustments based on their own trips. Clothes bags helped with organisation, the awning provided extra space, and the mattress topper made sleeping more comfortable.

Their experience shows why it helps to give yourself time to settle into living in a campervan. Each outing gives you a better sense of what you use, what can stay at home and what might make the next trip easier.

If you are exploring your options, visit Free Spirit Campervans near Chichester to look around the interiors and talk through how you would like to travel. Call 01243 649087 or email info@fscltd.co.uk to arrange a visit.

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FAQs

What helped Jane and her husband get comfortable living in a campervan?

They gradually adapted their setup through taking trips. Organising clothes in bags, adding an awning and buying a mattress topper helped them make the space more practical and comfortable for their needs.

How did they organise their clothes?

They used clothes bags that could be placed on the shelves. Keeping belongings organised and knowing where everything was became an important part of sharing the smaller interior.

Why did they initially buy a utility tent?

They wanted extra storage space for belongings when the bed was out. Food, crockery and other equipment needed somewhere to go, particularly when they were away for several nights.

What difference did the awning make?

The awning gave them somewhere to keep their table, chairs, cool boxes and supplies. Moving these items outside the main living area helped free up space inside the campervan.

Was their awning easy to put up straight away?

Their first attempt took around two and a half hours, considerably longer than expected. With practice, they reported reducing that to about half an hour and finding the process easier.

How did they make the rock and roll bed more comfortable?

They bought a mattress topper, which they said made the bed really comfortable. They also found somewhere to store it in the pop-top area while they were camped.

What should I check when trying a campervan bed?

Check whether its length, width and sleeping surface suit you. Ask to see how it folds out and goes away, and consider where bedding and other belongings will go when the bed is in use.

What cooking facilities do they use?

Their campervan has a two-ring hob and a small fridge. They also have a separate small grill that they use outside when the weather is suitable.

Does their campervan have a toilet?

Their own campervan does not have onboard toilet facilities. They are comfortable using campsite facilities and choose their stops accordingly. This is a personal preference to consider when comparing vehicles.

What advice would they give someone choosing a campervan?

Their advice includes thinking carefully about size, storage, cooking and toilet facilities. They also suggest checking how the bed works and trying a campervan before committing if you have the opportunity.