How to Organise Your Work Van: 5 Upgrades That Save Time Every Day
If you’re living out of your van Monday to Friday, you already know — a messy setup isn’t just annoying, it slows you down. Whether you’re a builder, sparky, plumber or courier, a smart work van storage system can save you hours each week.
Here are 5 practical upgrades that help you stay organised, work faster, and get the most out of your van or ute fitout.
1. False Floor Drawer System
A false floor drawer system is hands-down one of the best upgrades you can make to your van or ute. By raising the floor and adding slide-out drawers, you unlock a whole new layer of storage — without sacrificing floor space for larger gear.
At Workvan, we offer two systems to suit different needs:
The Apprentice – simple, affordable, and ideal for lighter loads.
The Contractor – higher capacity and a built-in key lock for extra security.
Workvan tip: Our systems feature rear and side-access drawers — no more crawling in to reach buried gear.
2. Tool Bags and Crate Dividers
Even the best drawer system needs a little internal organisation. Tool bags, plastic tubs, or removable crates help separate gear by job type (e.g. electrical, fixings, measuring, etc.). They also make it easier to grab and go for site visits.
Pro move: Keep a “frequently used” bin at the rear drawer for tools you use on nearly every job.
3. Vertical Panel Storage
Need to carry levels, conduit, sheet goods, or timber? Adding vertical storage behind your bulkhead or on the side wall keeps long items safe and out of the way. A simple barrier or rack can prevent shifting and damage in transit.
Workvan bonus: With our false floor installed your can still store long items down the sides. We have also added a ladder option to keep the top surface free.
4. Clean-Up Station
Nothing fancy here — just a plastic tub, hand wipes, paper towels, and maybe a spray bottle of cleaner. When your van’s your workspace, being able to clean up fast helps you stay on top of the mess (and makes tool maintenance easier too).
Workvan tip: Mount a hook or small bin near the rear door for rubbish or used wipes.
5. Secure, Dust-Resistant Storage
Don’t just think about space — think about what’s going in it. If you’re carrying expensive tools, secure storage is key. Likewise, if you’re making a lot of sawdust or working in dirty environments, the wrong storage setup will wear out fast.
That’s why we designed the Apprentice system with a simple nylon glide system — no metal runners to seize up when dust gets in. For added security, the Contractor system includes an integrated key lock.
Final thoughts
Getting your tradie van setup dialled doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few smart upgrades — especially a solid van drawer system — you can stay more organised, save time on site, and protect your gear.
Ready to upgrade your van or ute? Explore our range of Workvan false floor drawer systems or get in touch — we’ll help you build the setup that works best for how (and where) you work in New Zealand.
