Some days I love living in a small space and other days I don’t. I like traveling and taking our stuff with us, but organizing a house with limited space that moves can be a challenge.

Matt manages the exterior storage compartments and I manage the interior storage areas. I can’t speak to his organizational strategy, but I know he always has what we need readily accessible. 

I use clear plastic bins, packing cubes and space saver bags in our cabinets and interior storage areas. These tools aid in limiting the movement of supplies/food while our RV travels along the roadways.

I’m sure it will come as no surprise that I started preparing for our current RV trip weeks prior to our departure. I make many, many lists – essentials, special things I don’t want to forget, supplies to purchase, groceries to take and sometimes additional containers to take. Then, I map out where to stow supplies based on when we need to access them – during travel, while camping and so on. Is all this a waste of time? Maybe, but it’s what I do and who I am.

Below are a few things I’ve learned. 

• Paper plates are great for quick meals and save on water when boondocking, but fill up the trash bin. Real plates make meals feel more like home. Pack members, the Pattersons, always have real plates.
• Travel coffee mugs are great for travel days, but a real coffee mug feels like home.
• Pack a variety of clothes no matter the destination.
  • Soft clothes for evenings inside: Whatever you like to lounge in at home, bring it with you. Days don’t always end by the campfire. Sometimes you just want to get in PJs and be inside.
  • A fuzzy robe is a touch of luxury that all campers should embrace.
  • Winter weather clothes: Always pack warm clothes for cool nights by the campfire, early morning walks or changes in the weather forecast.
  • Clothes for a nice event:  You never know when you may come across a restaurant or event that requires stepping up your clothes game a little. An extra outfit and shoes don’t take up that much space.
• Keep the space tidy. As you do activities throughout the day, it’s easy to throw clothes and other items here and there. Take the time to put things back in their place when you finish with them to keep the space neat.
• You can cook elegant meals using a campfire and/or a propane grill.  It takes a little planning and maybe even some prep time before you leave home, but it’s not as hard as you think.

I’m a work in progress and would love to know your tips for camping and/or traveling. Please share below in the comments.