We’re no strangers to camping small…or minimal! In fact, Princess Craft RV specializes in the unique, smaller campers that are completely out of the norm in the industry. When it comes to packing up these tiny trailers, a different level of thought comes in to play. What are the essentials? The nice-to-haves? And everything in between? When it comes to downsizing, we have become experts in knowing what to bring and what to leave behind.
It’s incredibly easy to accumulate…stuff. Throw a camper into the mix, and you’ve doubled it. From buying extra towels for your RV to Tupperware that’ll fit nicely in your RV fridge, you end up having two sets of several items. Not only that, but owning an RV is really another expression of yourself, so of course you want décor – heck, even a theme! That adds on more to the overall accumulation, with extra totes and bins tagging along on your trips. Don’t get us wrong, we love a theme, especially in an RV! It’s such a great way to make your home away from home not only comfortable but incredibly expressive.
When we talk about living small in an RV and downsizing, we’re focusing on what we often find to be unnecessary travel “essentials”.
Always Be Prepared
For many of us, we fall into that old school Boy Scout mentality of always be prepared. So, what does that mean? We think of worst…or best-case scenarios: packing for cold weather, hot weather, extra chairs, and everything in between. Because of this, we end up loading our car and RV until it’s full, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff.
How to Combat Overpacking
First off, don’t worry! If you forget something, chances are you’ll be close to a store that has all the essentials you need. Secondly, you have more than likely packed something that’ll get the job done. And most importantly, if you don’t have the item you need, you probably won’t miss it!
How to Downsize
- If something has been in your camper for 2 or 3 camping trips, chances are you can do without it.
- When it comes to camping with kids, simplicity is key. No, really! In our tech-heavy world, leaving all that behind is a great way for our kids to fully unwind and enjoy their surroundings.
- Do a sweep of what’s in your camper a few times a year. Regularly check for items you’re not using and remove them to keep things organized and minimal in your camper.
- After your first camping trip, make a list of things you didn’t pack but needed. This way, you’ll know what’s truly essential for the next trip.
Additional Tips:
- Prioritize Multi-Purpose Items: Look for items that can serve more than one function.
- Embrace Digital Solutions: Consider digital alternatives. Books, maps, and board games can be easily accessible on tablets or kindles and save lots of room.
- Pack by Activity: Organize your packing by activities you know you’re doing. If you’re not going hiking, you don’t need hiking gear. If you’re not swimming, leave the extra swimsuits at home.
Living small in an RV is all about embracing simplicity and making the most of limited space. Downsizing isn’t just about reducing clutter, it’s about focusing on what truly matters; getting out in nature! So, the next time you pack up your RV, remember that less is often more.
Looking Back at Some of Our Favorite Podcasts:
- Episode 13 | Campground, Spongebob, or Country Song?
- Episode 25 | Airstream Restoration with Trailer Trashin
- Episode 139 | Camping with Characters
