As space is always at a premium in a van, everything that can store something inevitably will. But what of the spaces we don't use? The answer is shelving. It's always shelving and it's always going to be shelving.

Shelving can't be oversold. I've got books, games and medical supplies that I don't want kicking around, so I grabbed some old bed slats and got to measuring. As it turned out, I had enough matching pieces to make two frames that could later be ply-boarded to create boxes. Good enough for me.

As I now have a roof frame to attach many things to, the overhead shelving can be secured all the way along its length to provide support for a pretty decent amount of weight. Having said that, it's best to keep heavier items low down in the van to keep the vehicle balanced when in motion. The higher up you place weighty items, the worse your handling will be.

With the shelf frames attached to the roof frame, I can start putting weight on it to test it out. This is not the end, of course, as the shelf frames will need to come down again when I fit the roof panel, but at least I can see them in place and get an idea of any tweaks I might need to make.

Overhead frames fitted and new flooring has just arrived.

Also pictured: Donor wood from doors, cupboard and beds.