Looking for some RV packing tips? Becoming a RV’er and taking out the camper has its fair share of benefits and excitement, but it can also come with its own set of responsibilities. Whether you’re taking off for a short weekend trip or longer, packing up your RV so you can make the most of your time is key. I must admit, my better half does most of the packing and gives me a dirty look at times when she is done with the task. I talked to her about her packing techniques. What we came up with are 11 simple RV packing tips that will help ensure you have all the supplies you need to get the packing done with as little work and that makes the most of your time.
1. Stock Up On Non-Perishables
Having a designated basket or drawer stocked with non-perishable items in your RV makes prepping for camping trips easier and faster. This includes items like canned goods, box mixes, condiments, spices, and other essentials that won’t go bad – having these items already prepped will save time when packing up for longer trips. We keep spices in the RV all year in containers. Admittedly, sometimes that is not the best idea because we live in a humid climate in South Carolina. You may also want to check out our article on RV meal planning which provides tips on making the most of your limited space.
2. Keep Your RV Plugged In
Packing up for a camping trip can be overwhelming at times – luckily, keeping your RV plugged in before the trip will make things much more manageable. This RV packing trip does just that. Having a fridge that is already cold and loaded with condiments is admittedly something we love about having our RV at home. Not only will any stored perishable items stay fresh, but it’ll also help minimize the amount of time you spend packing.
3. Take Inventory
It’s always important to do a quick inventory check of what’s inside your RV before each trip. Not only will it help you keep track of the items that you’ll need to restock before heading out, but also help make sure no items are left behind when getting ready for the trip. Make sure to double check all storage units, cabinets and drawers for anything that may have been left behind, including batteries or toiletries. Additionally, replace any missing items such as kitchenware or camping accessories if necessary – not having the proper supplies can be a real roadblock on your way to having an enjoyable camping experience.
4. Make Pre-Trip Checklists
Being organized prior to each camping trip is key to less stress on the road. Even for the most prepared, there may be that “hey did you grab” moment. This is one of the RV packing tips that has helped us get ready on many occasions. Creating checklists of your camping supplies can ensure that you’re well prepared in case something unexpected comes up while out and about. When making the list, sort the items into three categories: essentials, perishables (food, etc.) and things you put into each trip (tent poles, sleeping bags, etc.). For the essentials, make sure that it includes only the bare necessities such as cooking utensils, flashlights, toilet paper and a first aid kit – this way you can quickly identify what’s needed if something runs out or gets lost while camping. Additionally, properly organizing perishables such as food and drinks help to avoid any waste or spoilage. Be mindful of what items should be brought on each trip will make sure your RV is not overstuffed with extra items taking up precious space in your camper!
5. Pack Smart
Begin by going through your items and clothes from the last trip, refresh them if needed and pack clean ones future trips as needed. We have started buying clothes specifically for the RV and leave them there. Making sure to sort clothes into categories will make unpacking or knowing what you have much easier when you reach your destination. It can also help save some space in case of limited storage capacity. When packing food items, try to cut down on waste by stocking up on items from the house fridge, such as condiments or snacks, that may otherwise go bad while at home. This way, you won’t need to buy extra supplies on the road and this will help with saving both time and money. Not to mention that mayo in the campground store is always more expensive than the grocery aisle! As mentioned, keeping utensils and other non-perishables in the RV and also reduce shopping trips while away.
6. Color Code Towels and Sheets
Another way to make sure your camping trip runs smoothly is by color-coding your towels and sheets. This way, you can quickly identify which items belong to whom – no more fighting over who’s towel or sheet is whose! Our kids have their own set of sheets in their bunk beds. My son has a Fornite sheet and blanket set that is unmistakable. Color-coding is one of those RV packing tips that helps with laundry sorting when you’re back home as well – just follow the colors for quick sorting of the clean clothes that need to be put away. Additionally, allocating a different color for each family member’s items makes it easy to keep track of them in case anything gets misplaced, making it easy to find in the future.
7. Pack it Up with Totes and Tubs
To make sure you don’t forget anything, have tote bags by the door in your house so that you can easily identify what needs to be taken to the RV. This will save time, as it means you can easily move everything at once without having to go back and forth numerous times. Additionally, a great way to ensure perishables and medical supplies stay fresh while on the go is by using plastic tubs or boxes – these create an easy seal which will keep things sealed away. Plastic tubs are also more durable than cardboard boxes, preventing any liquids from spilling over into clothes or other items within your luggage. With this kind of organization, your next camping trip will be well prepared!
8. Protect Your Supplies from Ants and Mice
Going on a camping trip can be a blast, but it also means you must be mindful of the little critters that may try to mess up your adventure. To prevent any ants or mice from getting into your supplies, make sure to pack anything they might find appealing inside airtight containers. This is especially important for food items like sugar, honey, candy and chocolate, as well as pet food if you’re bringing man’s best friend along. By keeping these items in containers with tightly sealed lids, you’ll take away the temptation for any furry pest looking for a snack. Additionally, as part of this RV packing tip, consider purchasing insect repellent before leaving on your trip – this will help keep any unwanted guests away from staying in your tent overnight! With proper preparation and packing container measures in place, you’ll be able to rest assured that everyone – and everything – on your camping trip will stay safe and sound.
9. The Everyday Essentials RV Packing Tip
When heading out on a camping trip, it’s essential to make sure your trailer has the items necessary for everyday life. This means stocking up on things like toothbrushes and toothpaste to make sure everyone can practice proper hygiene while out in the wild. For any women camping, a hair dryer is also an absolute must – this will allow you to maintain your hairstyle without having to worry about external weather factors ruining it. In addition, items such as insect repellent and first aid kits are highly recommended for any camping trip. First aid kits will provide peace of mind if an injury were to occur, and insect repellent will help protect you from any annoying critters trying to get into your tent overnight. By utilizing these items ahead of time, you’ll be able to take full advantage of nature’s beauty on your next RV adventure!
10. Reduce Packing and Prep Time with Local Groceries
When going camping, cutting down on the amount of packing and preparation time is essential in helping you make the most of your trip. One great way to do this is by purchasing groceries near the campground – this will ensure that you always have the ingredients necessary to prepare food on-site, saving you time and energy. Additionally, buying groceries near the campground also reduces the stress of having to bring all of your supplies from home. You won’t have to worry about whether or not you packed enough food, or if it will go bad before your camping excursion has ended. Furthermore, local grocery stores are usually able to provide fresh produce that can’t be found elsewhere – ensuring that even cooler trips will be filled with delicious meals!
11. Always Be Prepared with a Travel Snack Box
Having a travel snack box ready to go is an essential part of any camping excursion. Having snacks is one of my favorite RV packing tips! I always need to have a bag of pretzels at the ready when I am driving our rig. By having snacks pre-packaged and stored in one place, you won’t have to worry about searching through all your supplies for something to eat. Not only does this save time, but it also ensures that you are always prepared with nourishment – whether if you’re stuck in traffic or exploring the great outdoors! Moreover, creating a travel snack box doesn’t need to break the bank; most bars, nuts and dried fruits can be found in bulk at an affordable price. If you’re looking for something a bit more special, such as vegan chocolate chip cookies or other treats, you can easily make them ahead of time and store them inside your snack box. Doing this will make sure that no matter what situation arises during your camping trip, there will always be something delicious on hand!
Conclusion
RV packing can quickly become an overwhelming task! I know it seems like a chore before going out on vacation or just a weekend jaunt. Over the years we have implemented some of these RV packing tips and hope at least one of them gives you an idea of how to make things easier. We would love to hear anything you do that and have left off this list. Feel free to post in the comments below, we love to hear from you and definitely read all comments!
