One of the main questions I get asked is where do I put everything, and how do I know what to bring and where does it all go.

I find this one so tricky to answer for the reason that we do not live in our RV yet, hopefully one day to be full time RVer’s but for now we are vacationing RVers’ or weekenders. Are those even words?

I find that less is best and with no pets or children to pack for it requires no extra stuff so it really keeps packing to the real essentials. I like to live by these three words “keep it simple.”  Although we have had our grandchildren with us for a 2 week vacation and they each had their own duffle bag full of their own essentials.

Now for example, if I am out camping and I am lacking something I need, then yes, it is going to be included on the LIST of items to bring otherwise really the RV we chose has all the space we need.

I did write a post about choosing an RV and some of the ones we looked at were incredible, they were like bringing your home with you. A full kitchen with lots of cupboard space is perfect for full time RVers’ but when you only use your camper 4 or 5 times a year you really have to make a choice that works for you and one you can live with.  I took some advice from some well seasoned campers and it was suggested we get what is required until we really know what it is a need or a want before committing to a large camper.

5 Points for staying within your limits.

1) Parks, not all parks have capacity for toy haulers with long lengths. I mean they say they do but the set up just is not adequate.  Not all parks have pull through sites with 60-foot length camp sites. The ones that do, you tend to go back to over and over because they accommodate so well. This is another reason we never bought the party patio add on, we have not really seen anywhere to use it.

2) Less is best – YOU don’t need everything you use at home with you. Downsizing is what it is all about and just because you are glamping does not mean you have to have a 5 star stay. You need your BBQ a pot and some heat. A coffee pot and some plates. Wooden spoons and utensils. Do not forget vessels to drink from. Simple yet efficient. Easy clean up and easy storage.

3) Clothes and Closet space – how many items can you wear on a 3-day long weekend? So, think about it 3 pairs of jeans, one can even be cargo pants for evenings around the campfire. Flannels and or long johns for warmth. T-shirt and sweatshirt, jacket and rain suit heavy coat for cold nights. You do not need a wardrobe, its camping. So, one closet is appropriate and a drawer. Socks underclothing are all small and take up no space at all. Shoes and boots. Seriously, no slippers like how long will you be inside? A warm pair of wool socks can be used for campfire evenings and inside camper as slippers. I use the packing cubes and fill those they work perfect and fit in closet nicely. Each cube you grab has what you need.

4) FOOD – how much can you eat on a weekend or a weeklong adventure. Plan your meals and bring only what you need. If you plan your meals you will notice you bring exactly what you need and no more, so simple, and so nice to go home with out food.  The fridge and cooler can be cleaned one less thing to do when you get camper parked.

5) Make up and hair products. You need them yes, but you do not need the whole vanity with you. Keeping your list of what is important to you in the camping world comes with great experience of what women need outside. I mean yes we need our moisturizers and our cleansers we need our hairbrush toothbrush but ask yourself do you really need foundation and eye liner and lipstick…whoa wait a minute yes we do need our lipstick LOL That is a requirement for me.