RV Packing Tips & Tricks

It’s tempting to fill your RV with everything you think you’re going to need, as well as everything you think may be nice to have “just in case,” but as you travel you’ll find that extra stuff is only weighing you down.

Make a list

Start from a list you find online — gorving.ca has good ones — and adapt it to your camping style and your storage. Keep it with you and add what you forgot and cross off what you didn’t use, and after a season you have a perfect custom list.

Think lightweight

Every item adds weight. Instead of heavy dishware, consider lightweight and non-breakable options like melamine or acrylic, which still look good.

Meal plan

Planning meals stops you overstocking the cupboards — buy only what the plan needs and pre-portion it into containers before you leave.

Stick to basic and multipurpose

Prioritise things that do more than one job: cookware that goes to the table, bowls that prep and serve. You are not recreating your kitchen at home.

Stay organised

Group like with like in labelled baskets — spices, first aid, toiletries — so everything has a place to come back to.

Edit your wardrobe

Pack for the activities you have planned, in pieces that mix and match. On a long trip, plan a laundry stop rather than packing a change for every day.

Limit the toys

Children do better outdoors than with a pile of toys. Bring the comfort item, and something for a rainy day — games, art supplies.

Leave space

Keep some room for whatever you find along the way.