Has anyone else noticed that camping is a lot of WORK? Packing, planning, clean up...the list goes on! What have I signed on for? I find myself asking this question as I pack up the camper and unpack everything and clean the dirt we tracked in over 5 days (made 10x worse because it rained). What I then realized was that I don’t ask that question WHILE we are camping. I’m having fun planning activities, or playing Spoons with my daughters, or just hanging around the campfire. That’s why I do this.
No denying camping is a lot of work, but there are things to make it easier. Here are some things I have found help cut down on the work of camping:
1. Make a master list (or two or three). Most important are the things that don’t stay in the camper that need to be brought out there like food items, electronics, hair dryers (yeah, I know, camp hair, don’t care), beach towels and chairs, pet supplies, etc. Other lists could include items that are consumable or clothing lists so kids don’t forget their sweatshirt like my daughter did (then she stole mine). Lots of lists can be found on Pinterest to get you started, but really you have to make one that matches what you need.
2. Everyone helps! Seems obvious, but if you’re anything like me, you forget this and just do it yourself. I know that it can sometimes be easier, but even the smallest camper can help carry some things or pack for themselves (you can review) and that’s one less thing that you have to do and you are helping to build future, independent campers—the goal of all good camping parents!
3. Some basic equipment: we have a big rug that goes right out front that helps knock off a lot of dirt and is a great place to kick off shoes so the inside stays clean. I also have a long, cheap rug right as you enter the trailer. This catches a ton of dirt! When I get home, I shake it out and hose it off. A broom and dustpan are also key items. It only takes a min to sweep everything out and, if you take turns, it helps remind everyone to take off their shoes! Come on, how hard is it to kick off your flip flops??
4. Keep what you can in the trailer. Being able to keep things in the trailer is one of the biggest perks of having a trailer! We clean it out when we get home and put whatever we might need back in for our next trip. We need less for our next trip than our last and I’ve already made our adjustments, so add food and clothes and we’re ready to go! This is one of the reasons I love our trailer!
5. Check Pinterest for lots of hacks, ideas, menu items, etc. I have found lots of storage ideas for our trailer including the idea to hang suction cup hooks on the outside of the trailer which has been a great idea. One stop shopping!
6. Meal plan to reduce waste/time. We save tons of money bringing a lot of what we need regarding food, but having a basic plan is key to saving time, space, and your sanity! Make a chart and fill it in—don’t forget to include condiments, dressings, butter, and any specific spices you might need! Nothing wrong with going out to eat, too! After all, you’re on vacation!
Let me know about any tips on making camping less work in the comment section so we can all benefit from the knowledge!
Have a great day and happy camping!
Tracy
