It's always messy draining coolant on Vanagons.

Have multiple containers around and 2 or 3 layers of large cardboard,
perhaps fridge boxes or similar large pieces.  The coolant that you
don't catch will be caught and absorbed by the cardboard.  (you could
also use an old carpet).

After you disconnect the hoses, plug them up with something--at
minimum inserts rags then wrap with plastic bags and tie wrap.  A
better solution is to get plastic plumbing fittings from home depot,
insert into the hoses and clamp with hose clamps (plug the other end
of plastic fittings with mating end caps).

And wear safety glasses when underneath so the coolant doesn't drip
into your eyes!

>I can follow the Usual Procedures for draining the coolant before I
>start unhooking hoses. But from there . . . keep a bunch of buckets
>handy? Is that about it? How about some kind of absorbent blanket or
>something to catch the stuff I miss?