Aside from purchasing your RV the next most exciting part of joining the RV community and starting out the lifestyle is stocking your RV. When you purchase your RV you have everything you need to hit the road, but you’ll still need to pick up various items that make it a little more comfortable and homey. Oftentimes these items can be found in your stick home. There’s no need to spend money on items you already have, so be sure to look to other RVers, friends, and in your own home before heading out to make a purchase.
If you were to do a search online for a RV checklist you’d come across lists with sometimes 100+ items. The truth is RVing is about adventure. It’s about escaping from the norm. This means that you DO NOT need everything that you would find in your home. Take a second to really think about what you use at home. Your stand mixer has likely remained untouched since you got it as a Christmas present. Your piano probably hasn’t been played since the kids were in elementary school. We do not need half of what we think we do. When you free yourself from thinking otherwise you’ll not only have a better idea of what you want to bring along on your next RV vacation, but might also start to clear any clutter in your house. Below is a list of basic items to help inspire you when it comes to determining how to stock your RV.
From a comfort perspective you’ll want to ensure you have enough sheets, blankets, pillows and pillowcases for each person who will be traveling. While you likely have a linen closet you don’t want to bring too much extras of these items as they take up a lot of space and add extra weight to the RV.
Your kitchen has a stove and refrigerator, but you still need plates, pots and pans, silverware, and utensils to make and serve your meals. It is also advisable to keep storage bags so you have a way to store any leftovers. If you’re a coffee drinker make sure you pick up a coffee pot and secure it to the counter.
You’ll also want to be sure to stock your bathroom with items like toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and toilet paper (that’s safe for your RV’s sewage system). It’s important to remember to bring along a first aid kit stocked with any medications your family might need, bandages, tweezers, and antibacterial ointment. You can find premade first aid kits at your local drugstore or make your own.
Since you’ll be spending a lot of time in the woods you will also want to bring flashlights, extra batteries, bug repellent, nylon cords for random needs, a pocket knife, and a small tool set.
Truthfully,stocking your RV just takes a little thought and consideration of your own needs. Once you’re aware of what you plan to do and where you’ll be camping you’ll be able to stock your RV in no time.
What “must have” items do you stock your RV with? Share with us on Facebook!
Photo Credit: By GitHub (https://github.com/github/octicons) [see page for license], via Wikimedia CommonsÂ
