Camping Gear Storage: How to Pack Smart On the Road & Store Like a Pro at Home

Camping is all about escaping the everyday and enjoying nature — but let’s be honest, packing and storing gear can quickly turn into chaos if you’re not organised. The good news? With some simple systems and clever hacks, you can keep your camping gear neat, easy to find, and ready for adventure — whether you’re on the road or back home.

Here’s how to pack smarter, store better, and spend more time enjoying the great outdoors.

On the Road: Portable, Practical Packing

1. Use Zip-Up Underbed Storage Bags

These flexible, zip-up bags are a camping MVP. They're easy to pack into tight car spaces and great for fitting under stretchers or other small spaces. Use them for:

Clothes

Bedding

Towels

Shoes or rain gear

They zip shut to keep everything clean and organised — and fold flat when empty!

2. Categorise & Contain

Organise gear by category:

Kitchen Gear

Toiletries

Kids’ Stuff

Lights & Power

Tent Tools

This makes unpacking at camp and setting up super fast and helps everyone know where to find things.

3. Use Pouches Inside Larger Bags

Packing cubes or clear zipped pouches help divide gear further — great for underwear, socks, tech cords, or first aid.

4. Keep Essentials Easily Accessible

Always pack the "high-use" items at the top or in a dedicated grab-and-go bag — think bug spray, sunscreen, wipes, torches, and snacks.

5. Label Everything

Add temporary labels or tags to each bag or container. It saves time and stops everyone from constantly asking where everything is.

Back at Home: Store Like a Pro

6. Use Stackable Waterproof Containers

Once you’re home and everything’s clean and dry, pack it into labelled waterproof tubs. They're perfect for garages, sheds, or storage cupboards.

7. Label Clearly (and Consistently)

Use matching waterproof labels — think “Camp Kitchen,” “Sleeping Bags,” “Tents & Tarps,” etc. Label both sides and the top so you can identify it easily when stacked.

8. Create a Camping Storage Zone

Keep all gear in one dedicated space to avoid it ending up all over the house. Use shelves or a clear corner of the garage to store all crates and soft gear together.

9. Air Out + Recharge

After each trip, air out sleeping bags and tents, charge up all torches, batteries and power banks, and top up your first aid or cleaning kits so you're not scrambling next time.

10. Keep a Master Checklist With Your Gear

Laminated, digital or printable — just make sure it lives with your camping stuff! Update it after each trip with notes like: “Need new torch batteries” or “Bring extra gas next time.”

Storage Hacks for Clever Campers

Here’s where the fun begins. These hacks will save space, reduce stress, and make your camping gear setup feel a whole lot more streamlined:

Pack in 'Grab & Go' Kits

Pre-pack kits for things like First Aid, Toiletries, Camp Kitchen, and Tech (chargers, power banks, cables). They’re easy to find, quick to grab, and save repacking effort each time.

Label with Washi Tape or Zip Tags

No label maker? Use washi tape or zip tags + Sharpie for temporary labelling that’s easy to update.

Store Torches Inside Shoes

Protects them during travel and helps your shoes keep shape. Win-win!

Use Microfibre Cloths

They dry quickly, take up almost no space, and are perfect for wiping muddy feet, drying dishes, or cleaning spills.

Turn a 10L Bucket Into a Multi-Tool

Use it to carry gear, collect water, store shoes, flip it as a stool or bin — it's one item that earns its space.

Store Sleeping Bags in Cotton Laundry Bags at Home

Breathable bags help sleeping bags stay fluffy and extend their life. Avoid compressing them long-term.

Recharge Station = One Clear Pouch

Keep all techy bits in one place: torches, headlamps, spare batteries, USB cables, and a power bank. Label it “Power” and keep it handy.

Create a Car Boot Mini-Kit

Add a small box with wet wipes, matches, plastic bags, pegs, snacks and tissues. It’ll be a lifesaver when you're miles from the nearest shop.

Final Thoughts: Adventure Ready, Stress-Free

Whether you're pitching tents by the lake or glamping at a powered site, the key to smooth camping lies in preparation and organisation. Use smart systems, label everything, and don’t underestimate the power of a good underbed bag.

With your gear sorted and your setup streamlined, you're free to focus on what really matters: making memories, switching off, and soaking up the magic of the outdoors.

Need the gear to match your new system?
Check out our range of stackable containers, storage bags, and durable labels — designed to look good and work even harder.