4 Habits to Always Be Ready for RV Camping
Do you dream of spending more time in your RV, but feel like you don’t have enough space or energy in the week to get ready for another trip? It can be frustrating feeling that constant pull to be in your RV as you watch it sit in the driveway.
Spending less time packing makes it easier to add more trips to your camping season. Try these 4 habits to always be ready for your next RV camping adventure!
Here are 4 habits to always be ready for your next RV camping trip!
- Have a checklist
- Always keep items packed in your camper
- Pack up your campsite like you’re packing for the next trip
- Reset the camper the day you park at home
Habit 1: Have a checklist
Having a packing and task checklist removes some of the mental strain and decision fatigue that comes with travel. Do not underestimate the amount of time and energy thinking about your trip consumes. Referencing a list will help you quickly reset your camper with full confidence that you have what you need.
The key to a successful checklist is having constant access in a format most compatible with you. Do you keep everything on your phone? Download the google doc app to keep a google spreadsheet that allows you to make changes and check off items on the fly. You can also share this list with your spouse as a live document allowing you to see changes each travel partner is making.
Are you the type that likes to put pen to paper? Print out your checklist so you can make notes and mark off items as you go. Keep a laminated copy in the camper to protect it from getting damaged and use a dry erase marker to check off items.
Remember to continue to make improvements on your checklist as you become more familiar with what you need for your adventures. The ultimate goal of your checklist is to take away your mental packing exhaustion!
Habit 2: Always keep items packed in your camper
Don’t waste your time loading and unloading your RV for every trip. If you use it camping then it should just live in your camper. Your goal is to be able to throw food in the fridge and hit the road!
Here are some examples of items that can always stay packed in your RV.
- Towels
- Blankets and pillows
- Clothes
- Shoes
- Rain gear
- Dishes and utensils
- Non-perishable foods and drinks
- Toiletries
- Kids’ toys and crafts
- Camp chairs and tables
These items don’t need to be fancy or expensive. When we bought our first camper we got all our kitchen supplies from the Dollar Store. Slowly, over time we replaced those items with higher quality stuff.
Have something in your house that you have been wanting to replace? Buy it for your house and put the item with a little wear and tear in the RV. That feels like a win-win and may justify your money spent!
Some seasons of life have temporary needs that are not worth purchasing a second set of. Camping with an infant is a great example of this. I do take a little extra time packing some baby items such as a bottle warmer or pack and play because I know I will only need it for one camping season. In that case I just remind myself this is temporary and wont take up my time in the future.
Habit 3: Pack up your site like you’re packing for your next trip
At the end of your memorable and exhausting adventure it is tempting to simply throw your items in the camper or truck bed and say you’ll sort it out later at home. DON’T DO IT! No matter how tired or eager you are to get out of there!
You need to switch gears and think of it as packing for your next adventure rather than trying to make it home quickly. Clean your tables and chairs, wash your dishes, and wipe down your surfaces. Then make sure you put everything away in the designated home or travel spot!
Have a basket for the items that need to go back in your house when you get home. I like to keep a collapsible laundry basket on hand to quickly move items to and from the camper.
The only exception for this habit is if you just survived a monsoon and there is no possible way to go home with clean items. In this scenario you will have to put some extra time into habit 4.
Habit 4: Reset the camper the day you park at home
Just as tempting as it is to throw your items around when packing up, it is just as tempting to leave it there until the next time you need your camper. As soon as you park your RV in the driveway you should be climbing inside to finish your reset. Don’t go in the house, get to work in your RV!
At this time, I bring out my checklist again. I take note of what needs to be restocked and reference the section on my to do list for resetting the camper after a trip.
This is the part where you clean and restock anything that couldn’t be done at the campsite. Bring in the dirty laundry and immediately work on getting your clean clothes back in the camper. Air out any items you had to put away wet and dirty from your inclement weather. Unload the perishable food items that you won’t be eating on your next trip.
This is a perfect opportunity to assign each member of your family with a task. If everyone lifts a hand, this habit can be finished in no time!
Stick with it!
At first these habits may feel like a lot of work, but stay diligent. Like flexing a muscle, it gets easier over time. Remember, this can be an opportunity to give your kids responsibilities to prepare for your trip. Including them in the packing and unpacking stages is a great way to get them excited for the adventure! It also helps take the load off your already heavy plate.
The more you put these habits into practice the quicker you will master them. I hope these habits will help your family to always be ready to say YES to your next RV camping adventure!
