Camping Tips – Time To Get Organized!

I am very happy to be working with and compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser to help bring you one of my favorite Camping Tips – Getting Organized! All opinions are mine alone. #OrganizeWithZiplocSpaceBags #CollectiveBias

There’s never quite enough storage space no matter how big the camper or RV. Well, at least that’s how it feels, doesn’t it? We’ve had everything from a pop-up to a 40 foot Class A, to a teardrop pull behind, to a large 5th wheel (love them all, actually!) But no matter the size, I’m always struggling to find space for everything we need. So today I’m taking a slight departure from the norm to bring you one of my favorite Camping Tips I’ve come across in the last couple of years – getting organized with Ziploc® Space Bags®! (But don’t worry… if you’re looking for some great camping food recipes, just check out this awesome Grilled Chicken Sandwich or how about these Cinnamon S’mores?

Sometimes our camping adventures are quiet weekend getaways for the adults; sometimes we bring the kids for some great family experiences. And of course, extra people means extra pillows, bedding, and towels. These things take up space. Lots of space. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that space is a premium in pretty much every camper or RV! There are only so many cubbies, nooks, and crannies to shove things into. Ziploc® Space Bags® to the rescue! These suckers are amazing! They can take those bulky pillows and blankets and shrink them down so they take up 1/3 of the space (compared to uncompressed storage)! So, in the space I have that usually fits one pillow and one small blanket, I can now fit a couple pillows, a fluffy comforter, and a few extra towels. In the same space! You get triple the storage space compared to uncompressed storage! No kidding!

 

It’s important to get the right bag for the right job. I use the Ziploc® Space Bag® 2 Cube Variety Pack for bigger, bulkier items like pillows and down comforters. The Ziploc® Space Bag® 3 Bag Flat Variety Pack is perfect for extra towels and throw blankets. There are lots of sizes that will meet all your needs. Just pick the right size, stuff your stuff into it up to the fill line, close the top with the easy double zipper, stick your vacuum nozzle on the circular valve, turn on your vacuum and watch the magic begin! It’s very cool to watch something collapse down to nearly nothing. Just imagine the space you’ll save! Just compare the picture above (uncompressed) with the picture below (compressed)! It’s ALL the same stuff, just in a lot less space. Nice…

 

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full timer (jealous!) these will quickly become one of your favorite camping items. For the full timer, shrink away rarely used bedding, winter clothing when not in use, and extra pillows and blankets you keep for guests who occasionally join you. These bags actually protect from bugs, moths, dirt, and mildew so they’re perfect for long term storage needs for the full-time RVer. The weekend warrior can bring along extra kids, friends, or parents for a weekend getaway because now there’s room for all those pillows (it’s amazing how much space pillows take!), bedding, sleeping bags, and towels. Now you have no excuse not to bring everyone who wants to go… (that may or may not be a good thing, right?) And when you’re heading back home, just use that portable air mattress pump that most of us campers have to vacuum the Ziploc® Space Bags® back down to size. (Yes, most of those pumps also have a vacuum setting on it. It took me way too many years to figure that out!) Don’t forget… they’re reusable so you’ll get lots of use out of each and every one!

 

In addition to the space saving Ziploc® Space Bags®, I’ve also discovered the Ziploc® Flexible Totes XL! They’re perfect for those frequently used items that you need easy access to but there’s no great place to keep them. I’m talking hoodies and sweatshirts for those cool camping evenings, baseball caps and sunhats for the bright, sunny days, and maybe even my dog leashes for early morning or late evening walks. These totes are the perfect size for these often-used items that tend to get strewn about your camper. Now, they all have a place to go – into the convenient tote that tucks away almost anywhere. Yes, another great Ziploc®  product to keep everything neat, organized, and out of your way! I was able to find all of these at my local Lowe’s store (Here’s a link to see the different varieties available at Lowe’s). They are conveniently located in the home storage and organization aisle, hanging about shoulder level on hooks throughout the aisle. You can’t miss ’em!

Camping Tips – Get Organized With Ziploc®

• Plan to “shrink” some of your largest, bulkiest items – pillows, blankets, towels, sleeping bags, etc.
• Great for long-term storage because it protects against bugs, moths, and mildew.
• Put your dirty clothes into the  Ziploc® Space Bag® at the end of your trip before you pack up and you’ll have everything in one place ready for the laundry.
• Use your vacuum at home, but use your portable air mattress pump when you need it on the road.
• Place similar items into the same bag so you’ll only open up what you need.
• Use Ziploc® Flexible Totes XL for everyday items that tend to get scattered all over your camper.
• Invite all your friends and family now that you have three times the storage space compared to your uncompressed storage days! 🙂

Proper camper or RV organization can make the all the difference in the world! I’ll be the first to admit that the worst day of camping is probably better than the best day of almost anything else (almost…), but being organized so you’re not constantly struggling with where to put things, how to keep them out from under your feet, or simply misplacing important items can eliminate the wee bit of the stress that occasionally creeps into the camping experience. No matter which size or type of Ziploc® Space Bags® you choose, you’ll be glad you did! Enjoy the freedom that comes with organization. And enjoy the freedom that comes with exploring the great outdoors!

And just in case you’re looking for another “non-cooking” camping tip, check out how I do ice here!