Even though you’ve made the list and felt you’ve pared it down as far as you can without removing any essentials, when it comes time to pack, it can seem like you still have too much stuff. Or, if you camp regularly, you seem to accumulate more and more until the point that everything seems overfilled and disorganized.
So, it’s time to get declutter and organize smarter. Here are some tips to help you better arrange your packing list and all the items you plan to carry in your RV, especially in two main spots: the kitchen and built-in storage spaces.
Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and in an RV the kitchen it usually even more in the center of everything. Getting this area better organized is key for a harmonious, well-operating RV life for everyone.
It’s important to make use of vertical space, and we don’t mean by stacking things on top of each other in a precarious way. You may need to add another shelf or use organization racks for spices and jars.
Stackable and multi-purpose items are your best friend in the kitchen, and that especially goes for bulky items such as mixing bowls and pots and pans. Thankfully, there are nesting sets available, so you aren’t haphazardly stacking. The only downside is having to put items in a particular order, both for retrieving and putting away. A roll-up dish rack can be used for dishes, drying rack for fresh fruits and vegetables, or even as a trivet for hot pots and pans.
When possible, think square. Round items take up space and are bulkier than their square counterparts. This goes for dishes, too.
You can also utilize under your cupboards and under your counters by screwing in some simple drawers, hooks, or wall file mount for cutting boards. Use the inside of the cabinet doors, too, by adding shelves or file folders or a mounted trash bin.
The backsplash area of your kitchen can also be a good home for a magnetic spice holder or magnetic knife holder. Best of all, magnets help to keep items in place during transport.
Storage areas
Tired of wrangling those pesky power cords and water hoses, or finding them tangled in a bin? You might need something as simple as a hose reel with a built-in crank or repurpose an old Christmas light reel.
Totes are still the go-to way to store and organize camping supplies. Choose clear bins that are appropriately sized for the items that need to go in. That means organizing your items first and then determining which totes you need. Anything that comes out should return to the same tote.
Using a few pieces of plywood or Plexiglass, you can cut pieces to size to fit inside RV storage areas for easily sliding in longer items such as folding chairs and portable picnic tables. Varnish plywood for longevity, and in either case secure with L brackets to the top and bottom.
Honestly, creating dividers is one of the best things you can do. Everything has its place. Everything has a cubby. These spaces can be in closets or even under beds.
Optimize other spaces
Shoe organizers can be used for more than just shoes, although shoes tend to take up a lot of floor space and seem to always be in the way. They can also be used for towel and linen storage in closets
Hooks can be used in the shower, behind doors, and on doors. Use them for towels, shampoo, and coats. Velcro is also a handy trick, such as for any remotes and flashlights on the side or inside of cabinets.
As you pack each item, or as you declutter, ask yourself, do I really need this? Do I really need more of one of this item? Be very selective and help others in your entourage to do the same. This way you’ll have everything you need, without it all being a burden on your lifestyle.