Don't Over Pack

April 12, 2021

How to Pack an RV

We all have a tendency of packing things we might need, “just in case” is what is often said in my house. Those “just in case” items start adding up the weight quickly which can put you over your legal tow limit. So unless it’s your anniversary and you have a nice evening planned, there’s no need to pack three cocktail dresses and four pair of high heels.
 
Keep it to a minimum. If you say to yourself “we should take this just in case”, it’s best to leave it at home because ninety-nine percent of the time you don’t need it.
 
Things to consider when packing clothing. Look at the forecast closer to your arrival date and plan your clothing around the temperatures. Chose clothing that you can wear with different items such as blue shorts and white top, use those same blue shorts another day with a peach top. There is no reason to pack a different outfit for each day. Mix and match it up. When it comes to men they are easy. My husband wears the same pants two days in a row…sometimes three days if I don’t throw them in the hamper in time. Do the same for him, mix and match is key.
 
In the bathroom, storage and space is premium. Invest in command strips and wire baskets to put things in and hang on the wall. I know ladies we have our favorite products, most of those creams, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and lotions come in big bottles and jars. In my house my husband has his manly smelling soap and I use a shower gel, I use my salon shampoo and conditioner while he uses his industrial sized shampoo and conditioner combo.  Relationships require compromise and this  is a pivotal point. Two choices here… compromise and agree on products you can share or buy empty travel plastic jars with lids and bottles for your favorite products.  You can easily find them at your local drug store and just fill with your favorite products to maximize storage. Plus you can re-use them for your next trip.  Another solution simply buy products in travel size for those short vacations.  Ladies there is no need to pack a flat iron, two different curling irons and six hair brushes. Truth is, when we’re camping our hair is up in a ponytail all the time. Ask yourself is this a “just in case” scenario?
 
Kitchen is the most challenging. Let’s be honest we don’t want to eat hamburgers on the grill every night. Take just a few of your favorite pots, pans, and mixing bowls. For smaller kitchens and kitchenettes stacking items is key.  Try placing your frying on the bottom shelf then stack your mixing bowls on top.  When it comes to dinnerware buy melamine, they are available in beautiful colors and patterns, lightweight, inexpensive and best of all re-useable. Plus you don’t feel guilty throwing paper plates away and filling up the land fill.  If your kitchen doesn’t offer a lot of storage, buy a plastic container to store all your kitchen items in to store under the dinette seat.
 
Invest in baskets, keep things simple and less is always more.
 
Angie P – Aspen Trail Owner