Going from a large home to a small home on wheels for a week puts the squeeze on the amount of stuff you should bring on your adventure. In some ways, there is more freedom because you don’t have to worry about the space restrictions enforced by an airline. However, space will still be limited and the last thing you want is to bring something unnecessary and spend all week tripping over it! In this guide we will help you pack for an RV adventure. We highlight three good rules of thumb in determining what is necessary to bring on your adventure and what can be left at home.
1. Prioritize Essentials – Pack only what you truly need for the RV trip
- Clothing – The highest essential to prioritize!
- Layering: Pack versatile clothing suitable for changing weather conditions. Layering is key. Include lightweight jackets, sweaters, and comfortable shoes. Make sure you only bring what you know you’ll need – which means, unless you are going to fashion week, leave most of the accessories home!
- Laundry: Plan for laundry midway through your trip. Some campgrounds offer laundry facilities, but at the very least you can stop for a lunch & laundry break along the way.
- Personal Care – The key to enjoying your RV adventure!
- Bedding & Towels: Do you plan to bring your own pillows, sheets, and blankets? A good night’s sleep is essential. Pack towels for showers and outdoor activities. GoRVenture does rent these items out if you would rather just get it from us! Let us know when you make your reservation and we will have them waiting in your RV for you upon your arrival.
- Toiletries: Use a minimalist approach – Stick to the basics. Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and toilet paper. Also, consider biodegradable options to minimize environmental impact.
- Entertainment & Comfort – Chargers, memory cards, books, and games!
- Technology: Charging cables and their bases, extension cords, batteries, and memory cards should all be packed for the trip. Don’t forget your camera or telescope!
- Screen-free fun: Board games, books, crossword puzzles, and Uno cards are small, easy, and great for screen-free bonding time around the picnic table or by the water.
2. Space-Saving Solutions – Be mindful of the limited and shared space inside the RV
- Collapsible containers: Collapsible laundry hampers, dog bowls, storage containers, and even water containers do the same job, but take up less space while they do.
- Go vertical: Have a hanging shoe organizer you could bring? How about a couple bungees or an old clothesline. When you’re ready to hang a wet towel, but also have to move on to the next campground, that might come in handy!
3. Plan Your Route – Having a plan will help reduce unnecessary items being brought along
- Laundromat: Knowing where you plan to do laundry will help you know how many changes of clothing and clean towels are necessary to bring
- Showers: Not all campgrounds have water hookups and/or clean showers. Knowing where you’ll be staying and what the amenities available are can help ease your mind while preparing.
- Groceries: Somehow kids always go through food faster than you think they’re going to! Knowing where and when you’ll be doing a top-off on the groceries can help you plan meals and feel less overwhelmed. Speaking of food! If you’re looking for some ideas on how to cook in an RV, check out our blog post on that subject here: Cooking in an RV