Dawn, we have a similar Keystone bunkhouse trailer and so I especially loved your storage tips. Where did you get the bins that you store the kids clothes in under the dinette? I love that idea!
At 4'11 and 1/4 I have found the little folding plastic stools (1 step) from Wal-Mart or an RV store allow me to see in the top cabinets and the microwave over the fridge...
Just an idea: put your paper goods, napkins, paper plates etc on top shelf in cabinet and put your toilet paper by the trash can under the sink. 😊 Love the new camper! We are looking for one too!
Shout out to KY! I just wish we still had the license plate that said "It's that friendly" with the sunshine coming up over the hill. Those were the best, and we really are that friendly! Have a great trip!
I was so excited to hear you visited my home state of Kentucky, it is a very beautiful part of the country and we are honored that you chose to spent time here!
If you get a chance, Boone Tavern on the campus of Berea College. The hospitality students run it! It's like stepping back in time, and it's not expensive. 😊
The “ehh” quality of campers is why we are converting a school bus with home-grade supplies. Loving these container tips, Dawn!! Can’t wait to stock our bus with containers!!
Stahli Claassen do it!! It’s such an awesome journey! Buses and even already partially converted “rv”s abound right now. Check Craigslist... it might be more attainable than you think ;) best of luck in wherever your travels take you!
Dawn you’re so pretty and have the absolute best energy in every video! I love relaxing and watching your videos in between my housewife life. God bless you and your family!
We camped for years, and we found that having towels, bedding, kitchen stuff etc. along with regular food item just for the RV worked good for us. Packing was a breeze. Makeup bag, a few cloths and the fruit basket and we were ready to toll. Hope you have an uneventful relaxing trip!
Tip for actual traveling with camper. We put the box of water between the door and wall to keep the door in the open position because our plastic snap never kept our door from moving as we were on the road. We also took or bread and stuck it in the microwave to keep the glass plate from bouncing and people told us their plate broke because of rough roads.
Great info. I have one suggestion though...I wouldn't put bread in a container in a cupboard. Trailers get super hot and the mold starts producing super fast. Keep it in a cooler until you get to where you are going.
I will ditto that, because my parents would have to buy bread along the way. Mom always baked bread at home, but that wouldn't last the whole trip. Living in Minnesota at the time, camper vacation time would end after Labor Day and the camper would be cleaned out and go into storage for winter. One time however, they were planning to make one more trip before their LD deadline, but two weeks later it was time to clean it out. Usually they would remove the food as soon as they got home, but this time after those two weeks sitting in hot summer weather, Dad got started. He checked every nook and cranny and discovered a forgotten loaf of store-bought bread. I'm certain it was never eaten even though it had no signs of mold or decay. Sure made us wonder about preservatives though.
Some of my favorite memories from growing up in Alaska (in the 1960's) are of camping trips. We tent camped, usually setting up in a gravel pit alongside the road. I'm the oldest of five children, and if we were with my cousins there would be ten of us kids. Often Mom's parents were with us, too. Wonderful memories.
Helpful, functional ideas, as always! Thank you! That is so exciting that y'all are going to The Ark Encounter!! 😊 We are hoping to go visit there this year some time. I hope y'all are enjoying your trip and pray that it is safe and relaxing for y'all!
You might want to try some shelf liner that is a rubber type. I got mine at Walmart. Stuff doesn’t slide at round inside the cabinets. Also lock the sliding door opened. Does that make since? Anything that can ratel will move around. You have probably already discovered all that by now.
Great job on organizing your RV! That comment coming from someone who loves to organize and owns an RV! You might consider one of those mesh sort of laundry containers for your under your sink since they are taller and pliable and might hold more laundry for your family. Your videos are always very informative and new and interesting! 😀
We don't have a camper, but we car/truck camp a lot! It's imperative to have a place for everything, and everything in its place, and to pack with simplicity in mind. I think your bins for each type of item is so, so smart!
The ark is amazing! The kids (and you and Tom) will all love it! It was fascinating to see all the the ways people have said it couldn't possibly have worked disproven. Have a wonderful trip!
The historical farm at the Land Between the Lake is SUPER amazing! I am a historical reinactment fan - and that place is crazy good. Also the Paducah American Quilters Museum - it was so cool my BOYS wanted to go back and their dad even said it was worth going.
We’ve been camping for two years and lived in our camper post Hurricane Laura and some of your storage ideas were mind blowing 🤯 We seem to have a similar layout as yall! We have a Stratus, with a walk in closet by the front door, and the bunks and a separate bedroom for us. We have a dinette and it has two long bins under it and the kids and I were talking about how we don’t even use them, and I love your idea of the kids clothes going under there! For the past two years the kids have been packing a bag to bring their clothes and stuff in and I think we’re going to try out the containers instead and a backpack for their extra stuff because they end up bringing an extra bag anyways and then all that stuff ends up on their beds. ugh. I never liked that idea, but now I’m excited with an idea to mend that. & the basket in the bathroom idea is so smart! We’ve just always kept the items on the shower floor when we travel, and i’m always packing an extra bag for the everyday bathroom stuff. Love the idea of the container to bring in and out and make it such an easier transition, and not have those moments of forgetting things, because you’re just grabbing what you are using everyday anyways…Like your better razor instead of the cheaper disposable one you bought while camping one time, and quickly remembering why you don’t use cheap disposables anymore. This video was refreshing and motivating for me to watch during my early wake up quiet time. Thank you! Good luck on your excursion ,double pun, (haha) I can’t believe y’all drive so far for camping trips regularly! We have only driven half that far pulling the camper for a week trip. We drive an hour-ish or less for weekend trips.
I kind of have assumed that since zip/zero/zilch/nada has been said about the 2 puppies, that they must not have been working out and have found a new home... 🤷🏼♀️
I love your simple meal plan ideas. It’s just my husband and I and our 35’ 5th wheel, but he likes full-on meals when we camp. Breakfast has to be bacon and eggs and hash browns and waffles. It’s crazy. And we always boondock, so we have to be more careful about using water and propane and taking a generator. I do like your container idea for cabinets. I’m going to do that for our next trip. I have two big cabinets under a 5’ counter and stuff just gets lost in there. He’s going to make big deep drawers eventually but for now - containers are a great idea. Enjoy your vacation.
Videos like this make me feel like I actually know you AND we’re actually friends. I mean, who else would let me peek insider her cabinets than a friend?! ❤️
The container method has been a life saver...and helped me not be the bad guy when we are decluttering. Also I have super deep cabinets and the containers save my life 5'2" life! Thank you for sharing such a community so that we can all learn.
Dawn! Going to the presentation by Ken Ham at the Ark Encounter is totally worth it!!! It's 90 min, so worthwhile. Good solid worldview teaching for the kids and interesting for adults too! We loved it!!
KY is the home of my husbands ancestors and lots of his cousins there. We did the Ark Encounter on one of our trips there...absolutely amazing to see! Have a great time!
Labeled containers can take some of the Mental Load off. When the bin labled "tp" is almost empty, you know it's time to buy more. You don't have to think of all the places you've stashed it, ask the other members of the household, etc. You don't get home from the store and find a huge package that wasn't where tp is on your mental list, so you ended up overbuying. Love the bins & labels!
I watch a lot of RV videos and several of them have stressed the importance of having a checklist before you head on the road (used each time you stop) and a checklist for setup once you reach a stopping point. You haven’t mentioned that so I thought I’d suggest it.
I had never camped before this past June. Those lists saved me, big time. I would have been sooo stressed without them! (I hope we never camp again, but...) If we camp again, I know exactly what was overkill and what was absolutely necessary.
And add the simple things...put tv antenna down (seen lots that are still up when leaving the park), get the EMS off the outside 50amp electric plug-in (seen someone leave their $500 one 😯), grab the water pressure restrictor off the water spigot (accidentally left ours before), lock all outside doors, etc.
Awesome. I took a flat long rectangular box and put everything i needed for the grill in it . The spices, foil , tools, lighter etc. its been a game changer. We put it on the picnic table and we know where everything is
Totally agree with the folding steps tool idea. I’m 5’ 0” tall . Use it in our truck camper all the time to reach into back of cabinets and to reach into cubbies on the outside of the slides
We went to the Ark Encounter, it's really neat! Also, you should go to the Creation Museum it was SO cool! We hit the Cincinnati Aquarium while we were there too. Lots of fun!
We always keep stuff in the camper towels, toiletries, canned food , extra clothes . Just for when you want to get away and don't have a lot of time to pack 😊 . Hope y'all have fun
For our camper, I pack essentials like shampoo, soap, tooth gear, combs, dishes, pillows/bedding, etc. and leave in the camper for the season. That way we don't have to lug from house to camper and back each time. At the end of the season I take it all in the house for the winter. Makes it easy to only need to pack clothes. When we get to the town we're camping at, we go to the store there so we don't have to pack and carry food.
This have given me a lot of ideas for our home! Thank you! I have a teeny tiny pantry closet that needs an overhaul. Between this video and your mom’s pantry video, I’m inspired!
Since others were giving vacation ideas, you would love the Sight and Sound Theater in Branson MO. They are currently doing a show and it is Fabulous! Called "Jesus", all about his life, death and resurrection. The acting, singing and amazing sets and many live animals were one of a kind. It was our first time there, but we will definitely be going back.
Tension rods are great!! We are full time RV'ers and we have to make use of every space even using lifts to be able to stack a basket over a basket in places with tension rods in front. They work great in Medicine cabinet also.
dawn : we're going to kentucky, not so far from home, it's like ........ an 11 hr drive !!! me : (who has a 10 minute (!) drive to france, 1 hr to italy, 4 hrs to germany, 5 hrs to austria) ... 11 hr drive .. WHAT ?! .. in 11hrs i would probably be in russia or ireland LOL (kidding a little) .. that's crazy to me to drive so far .. happy holidays !
Yes, that is the “downside” of living in America. Everything is so far. In my state of TN, it’s 8 hours end to end, East to west. 10 hours to Texas, just the eastern edge!
People from North America in general are used to 8 to 14 hours of driving to get somewhere in one day. Rural dwellers moreso as opposed to city dwellers. Most people don't understand as to how we see it as a short drive. It is what you get used to when you are young and never thought anything of it....ohhhh, and we were never allowed to ask "when are we going to get there?" 🤣🥰
This perspective difference is what cracks me up sometimes talking to friends from Europe. They'll make fun of some people from the US for having never travelled outside of their state, much less the country. And not realize that depending on where you live you could drive 5 hours and still be in the same state. Whereas they could visit a completely different country or two for an afternoon outing. 😂
As a camping family, we pack the trial size personal care stuff for each person and keep it with their back packs. That way there is no packing it and unpacking. Simply refill as needed from the house supply. I love your bin idea, I am using it more and more. It helps me know how to shop. It also helps my 21 year old son know "what's for snacking?"
Love containers. I started figuring this out some time ago, but haven't made good use of what I'm doing. Better than before where everything just got jumbled into a drawer, Or... You're helping me get control of my containers and what they are containing. Key... Get rid of a lot of stuff that's not being used. Thanks Dawn.
I like all the white bins. We just got a new camper this year and it needs some organization. Since we don’t use our shower because the water pressure usually is so bad, we put our dirty clothes hamper and all of our shoes in the shower.
Dear Dawn, my first memories of our camper are that I could peep through the - not really heavy - curtain seperating our bed from the lounge that converted into my parents' bed. At first, they would read books or talk and eventually I would be graciously remembered to not peek. Those being the 70s - my mom was at first afraid we would wake up. They ended up disco dancing with the neighbors in the tiny space between lounge kitchenette and our quarters - and we never Knew.
You are a FABULOUS ORGANIZER! May I suggest putting the paper plates you. And family eat on in the tv area and the bug spray (etc.) where the trash bin is? 🙂🙃
Catching up on videos and don’t have a camper so this one got pushed back. Still watched it because I love the small space organizing tips! Now I’m totally fan girling because you are SO CLOSE to me! Need to pack up the kids and go to the Ark to get my Dawn and Tom sighting 🤩 😆
Square campfire irons to make pizza pockets, cheese burger pockets (cooked ground beef with shredded cheese & condiments, then cook fruit pies (2 slices of bread filled with canned pie filling) after cooking over fire sprinkle them with sugar. Very yummy!!!!
We borrowed a camper last summer and packed it very similarly! I went to the dollar tree and spent about $15-20 and everything was so organized and it felt so good!! :-D
We’ve been all over with our camper - a month in Scotland, a month in Norway and above the Arctic Circle, Germany and wine country etc. we pack very similar to you. Our “kids” is a 150lb dog (Leonberger) though. We pack similarly to you. One thing I do keep is a planner/ring binder that lists all our needed inventory plus a pull out checklist and emergency info plus a repair/restock list. The pull out list has been probably the best idea. Yes campers are built like crap. Ours is from 2008 and we love it. Still haven’t found a new one we like better. Enjoy your adventures! This year we are staying closer to home (Denmark) as our “kid” is ancient so we are making travels about her now.
I agree. Also, I wouldn't put anything I am going to eat off of, like plates, cups or napkins, under the sink or next to the garbage. It just doesn't seem hygienic. But I have OCD, so I might be being overly picky.
I agree with Kathy. The Ark and the Creation Museum are both worth a visit. They're both perfect homeschooling days. Unless it has recently changed you get 2 days at the C Museum at one days price.
We've been to the Ark...loved it. Your kids are probably a good age for it. Haven't been to the Creation Museum yet although family members have, and they're planning to go back this month. I'm a Florida transplant.. Met my husband online and moved to Western KY near Paducah. No regrets!
My brother and new wife saw The Ark on their honeymoon. Our family went to the Creation Museum 10+(?) years ago on a trip from MN to PA to FL as a surprise stop for our kids. Wished we had more time.
You will love the ark encounter. Check out the creation museum as well. Thanks for all the camping tips. We are renovating a pop up camper right now. Whew. Have fun!!
I hope you have a wonderful and uneventful holiday. Thinking of bathroom bins we have used two; one for the girls, including Mom, and one for the boys & Dad . We usually showered in the campground to avoid filling the grey water tank. Have fun!! You are building memories.
When you are in KY your boys would love Ft. Boonesburro, You would like Berea, KY be sure to go where they make dulcimers. I am glad you did this one- through my situation is a little different as I will be living in a Keystone Raptor Toyhauler full time. I still look at your ideas. I have wire shelves I am going to put in some of the cabnets. My bedroom is a little different- has a stackable washer and dryer. I know I've packed too many totes and I still have to sort out when I move. Going from 3 bedroom house to RV is so different- my house looks like a tornado went through. My dh passed and we were married over 40yrs. Keep post. thanks
You will love the Ark Encounter and you should check out the Creation Museum. Both are fabulous. I live in Indiana less then 2 hours from these places. Enjoy your vacation.
We run a dehumidifier at all times and I empty it out once a week on Sunday’s. Works like a charm! Pulls out a lot of moisture when not in use. We also run it while camping to help out the ac.
So, when we are at home, I totally do all the meal planning, making the shopping list, going to get the food, etc. Let us go camping where there will be fire. Hubby plans EVERYTHING. I still do the shopping, but as long as he has his cast iron, he does all the cooking. Eggs, biscuits, everything... it's great.
Having your supplies in bins makes it easy empty them back in the house. I would have to remind myself to return them to the camper. Haha you ideas make sense.
Useful tips for more downsizing. I took one bin of clothes our last trip. You don't want to know how much I took before. I had so much stuff I left duffle bags and a laundry basket on the couch because there was no more space. Thank you for inspiring me to let go of so much "what if" inventory.
Ohhh! So exciting! We are leaving KY Monday after visiting family. It is so beautiful right now! I have been keeping my eyes peeled on the roads for your camper and Excursion! 😀Have a great time!!
You can find the labels that I was using here: amzn.to/3hSszxt We hope you have a great weekend! - Dawn & Tom
Dawn, we have a similar Keystone bunkhouse trailer and so I especially loved your storage tips. Where did you get the bins that you store the kids clothes in under the dinette? I love that idea!
Thank you!
Also, where did you get the acrylic bins?
Have a safe and fun trip!
You’ll be just about 5 hours north of us in Chattanooga, TN!
@@AlisonV362 they’re from Marshall’s and thank you!!!!
@@AlisonV362 clear bins are at a store called The Container Store....Massachusetts.
A lot of this could easily be translated to inside the house. We tend to “over-pack” for our every day lives too!
I know I do and I don’t even have a camper .
So true!
Yes! The tip about doubling uses for things and not having stuff for EVERY eventuality 🤯💗
Tom taking trim off to tighten screws….
….in NEXT video, we see Tom redesigning all the trim and doors and Dawn picking out paint colors! 😂
LOL NO natural wood tones!
@@joybrown9600 whitewash! 🤣💗
I don't even have a camper but at least now I know how to pack one
Lol same girl
Same! 😂
Haha! Same!! But wow.... I think I could live in one of those. It's so cozy!
Haha! Same! 😂
Haha! Same! 😂
If your baskets in the pantry tip forward. Use small tension rods mid basket. Same goes for the fridge.
double yes on the fridge rods! we use the double attached rods from Camco/Camping World
Your coffee cabinet is perfect! The back of the cabinet for short people is tough. I feel that at 5’ 2”.
At 4'11 and 1/4 I have found the little folding plastic stools (1 step) from Wal-Mart or an RV store allow me to see in the top cabinets and the microwave over the fridge...
@@thelittleskipper4794 Same! I'm 4'11. My fiance is 6'1 so he puts everything in the cabinets because I can't reach.
It can be hard to be short! My husband is 6' 5". He is always sticking things on top of the cabinets and fridge, and then I can't find them!
One pan! Wow, there should be an award for keepin' the cooking that simple!
I know!! I'd love to hear their go to travel recipes
They obviously eat a lot of processed foods. That makes it easier.
Just an idea: put your paper goods, napkins, paper plates etc on top shelf in cabinet and put your toilet paper by the trash can under the sink. 😊 Love the new camper! We are looking for one too!
Shout out to KY! I just wish we still had the license plate that said "It's that friendly" with the sunshine coming up over the hill. Those were the best, and we really are that friendly! Have a great trip!
Had to look up that older license plate to see what it looked like. So cute!!
I’m about to have my tea!! It’s awesome to have a new video to reward myself for all my hard work.
Praying that you have a great, relaxing, “boring” trip. 😂❤️❤️
Hahaha can’t wait for you guys to tell us about your very quiet and relaxing holiday!😉
I was so excited to hear you visited my home state of Kentucky, it is a very beautiful part of the country and we are honored that you chose to spent time here!
Love the pink shirt!!! Pastels are your color!! Brightens you up!
If you get a chance, Boone Tavern on the campus of Berea College. The hospitality students run it! It's like stepping back in time, and it's not expensive. 😊
My mom had set of sheets towels etc she just left in the camper when we were kids- it was one from 60's and maybe 30'. It was fun.
My husband does all the cooking while camping and I cook at home. I love it
The “ehh” quality of campers is why we are converting a school bus with home-grade supplies. Loving these container tips, Dawn!! Can’t wait to stock our bus with containers!!
This is our hope one day!
Stahli Claassen do it!! It’s such an awesome journey! Buses and even already partially converted “rv”s abound right now. Check Craigslist... it might be more attainable than you think ;) best of luck in wherever your travels take you!
We are planning on it when the kids are out of the house, about 5 more years.
Dawn you’re so pretty and have the absolute best energy in every video! I love relaxing and watching your videos in between my housewife life. God bless you and your family!
You are so kind! Thank you!!!
We camped for years, and we found that having towels, bedding, kitchen stuff etc. along with regular food item just for the RV worked good for us. Packing was a breeze. Makeup bag, a few cloths and the fruit basket and we were ready to toll.
Hope you have an uneventful relaxing trip!
Tip for actual traveling with camper. We put the box of water between the door and wall to keep the door in the open position because our plastic snap never kept our door from moving as we were on the road. We also took or bread and stuck it in the microwave to keep the glass plate from bouncing and people told us their plate broke because of rough roads.
Great info. I have one suggestion though...I wouldn't put bread in a container in a cupboard. Trailers get super hot and the mold starts producing super fast. Keep it in a cooler until you get to where you are going.
I will ditto that, because my parents would have to buy bread along the way. Mom always baked bread at home, but that wouldn't last the whole trip.
Living in Minnesota at the time, camper vacation time would end after Labor Day and the camper would be cleaned out and go into storage for winter. One time however, they were planning to make one more trip before their LD deadline, but two weeks later it was time to clean it out. Usually they would remove the food as soon as they got home, but this time after those two weeks sitting in hot summer weather, Dad got started. He checked every nook and cranny and discovered a forgotten loaf of store-bought bread. I'm certain it was never eaten even though it had no signs of mold or decay. Sure made us wonder about preservatives though.
I usually put mine in the oven area until we get where we are going. Then I leave it on counter
I saw MaryBeth went to the Ark Encounter…looks like fun! A guy that went to church with us now works there and loves it! Have a great get away!!!
Like the pink tee and highlighted hair...fits your personality.... 👍♥️
Looks fabulous!! The ARK encounter is amazing, the kids will love it!!
I find that paper towels work better than napkins. They absorb messy food better and you can use them for multiple things. Have fun!
Nice to see you out of black Dawn. You look pretty in pink.
Some of my favorite memories from growing up in Alaska (in the 1960's) are of camping trips. We tent camped, usually setting up in a gravel pit alongside the road. I'm the oldest of five children, and if we were with my cousins there would be ten of us kids. Often Mom's parents were with us, too. Wonderful memories.
Helpful, functional ideas, as always! Thank you!
That is so exciting that y'all are going to The Ark Encounter!! 😊 We are hoping to go visit there this year some time.
I hope y'all are enjoying your trip and pray that it is safe and relaxing for y'all!
You might want to try some shelf liner that is a rubber type. I got mine at Walmart. Stuff doesn’t slide at round inside the cabinets. Also lock the sliding door opened. Does that make since? Anything that can ratel will move around. You have probably already discovered all that by now.
That's what we did bungie corded together then to something so they couldn't move.
You can command stripnit or use double sided velcro!
I put a dap of silicone on the corners of the containers to keep them from sliding around and they still lift out easy.
What?
I use craft foam-no one can see it and everything is still while traveling!
brings back great memories ... enjoy!
Great job on organizing your RV! That comment coming from someone who loves to organize and owns an RV! You might consider one of those mesh sort of laundry containers for your under your sink since they are taller and pliable and might hold more laundry for your family. Your videos are always very informative and new and interesting! 😀
You're all set to go. Have a wonderful trip!!! :) Can't wait to hear all about it!
We don't have a camper, but we car/truck camp a lot! It's imperative to have a place for everything, and everything in its place, and to pack with simplicity in mind. I think your bins for each type of item is so, so smart!
The ark is amazing! The kids (and you and Tom) will all love it! It was fascinating to see all the the ways people have said it couldn't possibly have worked disproven. Have a wonderful trip!
The historical farm at the Land Between the Lake is SUPER amazing! I am a historical reinactment fan - and that place is crazy good. Also the Paducah American Quilters Museum - it was so cool my BOYS wanted to go back and their dad even said it was worth going.
I just went there with my mom!!
We’ve been camping for two years and lived in our camper post Hurricane Laura and some of your storage ideas were mind blowing 🤯 We seem to have a similar layout as yall! We have a Stratus, with a walk in closet by the front door, and the bunks and a separate bedroom for us. We have a dinette and it has two long bins under it and the kids and I were talking about how we don’t even use them, and I love your idea of the kids clothes going under there! For the past two years the kids have been packing a bag to bring their clothes and stuff in and I think we’re going to try out the containers instead and a backpack for their extra stuff because they end up bringing an extra bag anyways and then all that stuff ends up on their beds. ugh. I never liked that idea, but now I’m excited with an idea to mend that. & the basket in the bathroom idea is so smart! We’ve just always kept the items on the shower floor when we travel, and i’m always packing an extra bag for the everyday bathroom stuff. Love the idea of the container to bring in and out and make it such an easier transition, and not have those moments of forgetting things, because you’re just grabbing what you are using everyday anyways…Like your better razor instead of the cheaper disposable one you bought while camping one time, and quickly remembering why you don’t use cheap disposables anymore.
This video was refreshing and motivating for me to watch during my early wake up quiet time. Thank you! Good luck on your excursion ,double pun, (haha) I can’t believe y’all drive so far for camping trips regularly! We have only driven half that far pulling the camper for a week trip. We drive an hour-ish or less for weekend trips.
Puppy update PLEASE 🥰🥰🥰
Yes please
🐶
I kind of have assumed that since zip/zero/zilch/nada has been said about the 2 puppies, that they must not have been working out and have found a new home... 🤷🏼♀️
Yes, how are they? Will they join the trip..? 😄🙈
The pups were wondering the yard when they put up the pool. Looking healthy!
Both are teaching life skills to your children with organization and travel with enhanced family time. Your children have awesome parents!
Well that was fun! We don’t have a camper-or camp- but I love your approach to storage with contaminates. I’ll share this with friends.
We live full time in our RV and containers are everything!!
I love your simple meal plan ideas. It’s just my husband and I and our 35’ 5th wheel, but he likes full-on meals when we camp. Breakfast has to be bacon and eggs and hash browns and waffles. It’s crazy. And we always boondock, so we have to be more careful about using water and propane and taking a generator. I do like your container idea for cabinets. I’m going to do that for our next trip. I have two big cabinets under a 5’ counter and stuff just gets lost in there. He’s going to make big deep drawers eventually but for now - containers are a great idea. Enjoy your vacation.
Thank you for showing me the value of bins.
Videos like this make me feel like I actually know you AND we’re actually friends. I mean, who else would let me peek insider her cabinets than a friend?! ❤️
The container method has been a life saver...and helped me not be the bad guy when we are decluttering. Also I have super deep cabinets and the containers save my life 5'2" life! Thank you for sharing such a community so that we can all learn.
Dawn! Going to the presentation by Ken Ham at the Ark Encounter is totally worth it!!! It's 90 min, so worthwhile. Good solid worldview teaching for the kids and interesting for adults too! We loved it!!
KY is the home of my husbands ancestors and lots of his cousins there. We did the Ark Encounter on one of our trips there...absolutely amazing to see! Have a great time!
Labeled containers can take some of the Mental Load off. When the bin labled "tp" is almost empty, you know it's time to buy more. You don't have to think of all the places you've stashed it, ask the other members of the household, etc. You don't get home from the store and find a huge package that wasn't where tp is on your mental list, so you ended up overbuying. Love the bins & labels!
I watch a lot of RV videos and several of them have stressed the importance of having a checklist before you head on the road (used each time you stop) and a checklist for setup once you reach a stopping point. You haven’t mentioned that so I thought I’d suggest it.
I had never camped before this past June. Those lists saved me, big time. I would have been sooo stressed without them! (I hope we never camp again, but...) If we camp again, I know exactly what was overkill and what was absolutely necessary.
Yes. A checklist is very important. We use one.
And add the simple things...put tv antenna down (seen lots that are still up when leaving the park), get the EMS off the outside 50amp electric plug-in (seen someone leave their $500 one 😯), grab the water pressure restrictor off the water spigot (accidentally left ours before), lock all outside doors, etc.
We have a Master check list, I write all over it. Then print a new one each trip. Easy pezy.
The Ark Encounter is a great place to take the family. Hoping you will have a fun but relaxing vacation
Wow the bin of clothes amazes me, my 14 year old daughter went to my mum's and took a massive suitcase!!!
I always kept a crock pot in my camper...It was very useful
I think she brought her Instant Pot on trips, but never used it.
Awesome. I took a flat long rectangular box and put everything i needed for the grill in it . The spices, foil , tools, lighter etc. its been a game changer. We put it on the picnic table and we know where everything is
Our vacations were always camping and we loved it. Have fun. You can always buy something if you need it.
Bungee cords can double for clothes line and then wrap or fold back neatly in a container...
Totally agree with the folding steps tool idea. I’m 5’ 0” tall . Use it in our truck camper all the time to reach into back of cabinets and to reach into cubbies on the outside of the slides
We went to the Ark Encounter, it's really neat! Also, you should go to the Creation Museum it was SO cool! We hit the Cincinnati Aquarium while we were there too. Lots of fun!
We always keep stuff in the camper towels, toiletries, canned food , extra clothes . Just for when you want to get away and don't have a lot of time to pack 😊 . Hope y'all have fun
Have a wonderful vacation!!! Enjoy The Ark! It’s amazing!!! Looks like y’all are very prepared for making great memories. Thanks for sharing!
For our camper, I pack essentials like shampoo, soap, tooth gear, combs, dishes, pillows/bedding, etc. and leave in the camper for the season. That way we don't have to lug from house to camper and back each time. At the end of the season I take it all in the house for the winter. Makes it easy to only need to pack clothes. When we get to the town we're camping at, we go to the store there so we don't have to pack and carry food.
Same!
Grocery pick up at store close to camp!!! HUGE time saver!!!
This have given me a lot of ideas for our home! Thank you! I have a teeny tiny pantry closet that needs an overhaul. Between this video and your mom’s pantry video, I’m inspired!
Hope the Excursion held up!! Have fun!
Since others were giving vacation ideas, you would love the Sight and Sound Theater in Branson MO. They are currently doing a show and it is Fabulous! Called "Jesus", all about his life, death and resurrection. The acting, singing and amazing sets and many live animals were one of a kind. It was our first time there, but we will definitely be going back.
There is also an indoor butterfly habitat that my kids loved so much we went there twice.
Tension rods are great!! We are full time RV'ers and we have to make use of every space even using lifts to be able to stack a basket over a basket in places with tension rods in front. They work great in Medicine cabinet also.
dawn : we're going to kentucky, not so far from home, it's like ........ an 11 hr drive !!!
me : (who has a 10 minute (!) drive to france, 1 hr to italy, 4 hrs to germany, 5 hrs to austria) ... 11 hr drive .. WHAT ?! .. in 11hrs i would probably be in russia or ireland LOL (kidding a little) .. that's crazy to me to drive so far .. happy holidays !
For my family, it's always a 16 hour drive to our favorite camping place in the mountains as we live in the flat prairies ☺️
Yes, that is the “downside” of living in America. Everything is so far. In my state of TN, it’s 8 hours end to end, East to west. 10 hours to Texas, just the eastern edge!
People from North America in general are used to 8 to 14 hours of driving to get somewhere in one day. Rural dwellers moreso as opposed to city dwellers. Most people don't understand as to how we see it as a short drive. It is what you get used to when you are young and never thought anything of it....ohhhh, and we were never allowed to ask "when are we going to get there?" 🤣🥰
I have to drive 7 to 12 hours just to get out of Texas depending on where I’m headed. I live by Mexico border. 😂
This perspective difference is what cracks me up sometimes talking to friends from Europe. They'll make fun of some people from the US for having never travelled outside of their state, much less the country. And not realize that depending on where you live you could drive 5 hours and still be in the same state. Whereas they could visit a completely different country or two for an afternoon outing. 😂
As a camping family, we pack the trial size personal care stuff for each person and keep it with their back packs. That way there is no packing it and unpacking. Simply refill as needed from the house supply.
I love your bin idea, I am using it more and more. It helps me know how to shop. It also helps my 21 year old son know "what's for snacking?"
Love containers. I started figuring this out some time ago, but haven't made good use of what I'm doing. Better than before where everything just got jumbled into a drawer, Or... You're helping me get control of my containers and what they are containing. Key... Get rid of a lot of stuff that's not being used. Thanks Dawn.
Your kids are going to love the playground at the Ark. It is a really neat experience. Can't wait to see how your trip goes!
My 4 yr old granddaughter spent so much time on the zip line. She loved it!
I like all the white bins. We just got a new camper this year and it needs some organization.
Since we don’t use our shower because the water pressure usually is so bad, we put our dirty clothes hamper and all of our shoes in the shower.
Get a hanging shoe storage for the back of door! Life saver and more organized. $10 at target
Dear Dawn, my first memories of our camper are that I could peep through the - not really heavy - curtain seperating our bed from the lounge that converted into my parents' bed.
At first, they would read books or talk and eventually I would be graciously remembered to not peek.
Those being the 70s - my mom was at first afraid we would wake up.
They ended up disco dancing with the neighbors in the tiny space between lounge kitchenette and our quarters - and we never Knew.
You are a FABULOUS ORGANIZER! May I suggest putting the paper plates you. And family eat on in the tv area and the bug spray (etc.) where the trash bin is? 🙂🙃
Catching up on videos and don’t have a camper so this one got pushed back. Still watched it because I love the small space organizing tips! Now I’m totally fan girling because you are SO CLOSE to me! Need to pack up the kids and go to the Ark to get my Dawn and Tom sighting 🤩 😆
The Ark is awesome. Y'all will enjoy that.
Nice work! I'm sure it is more important than ever to stay organized in such a small space!
Square campfire irons to make pizza pockets, cheese burger pockets (cooked ground beef with shredded cheese & condiments, then cook fruit pies (2 slices of bread filled with canned pie filling) after cooking over fire sprinkle them with sugar. Very yummy!!!!
We borrowed a camper last summer and packed it very similarly! I went to the dollar tree and spent about $15-20 and everything was so organized and it felt so good!! :-D
We’ve been all over with our camper - a month in Scotland, a month in Norway and above the Arctic Circle, Germany and wine country etc. we pack very similar to you. Our “kids” is a 150lb dog (Leonberger) though. We pack similarly to you. One thing I do keep is a planner/ring binder that lists all our needed inventory plus a pull out checklist and emergency info plus a repair/restock list. The pull out list has been probably the best idea. Yes campers are built like crap. Ours is from 2008 and we love it. Still haven’t found a new one we like better. Enjoy your adventures! This year we are staying closer to home (Denmark) as our “kid” is ancient so we are making travels about her now.
I don’t even have a camper, but this video was very informative on how to organize small spaces! Thanks Dawn!
I'm always nervous putting paper products under a sink for storage. I mean, I guess they'll soak up any leaks. LOL!!!
I agree. Also, I wouldn't put anything I am going to eat off of, like plates, cups or napkins, under the sink or next to the garbage. It just doesn't seem hygienic. But I have OCD, so I might be being overly picky.
@@arcane7298 I was feeling anxiety 😥 bet that too! But I am guessing once they park somewhere the paper products will sit out on the counter.
have a soothing, peaceful trip. this video was soothing and peaceful; absolutely perfect. : )
Hope you and your family have a great and safe vacation.
Girl, perfect timing! I'm taking a family vacation for the first time with the whole crew and needed motivation to NOT over pack. Thanks!!!!
Kentucky Horse Park is amazing too! Enjoy your journey💕
We really enjoyed our trip to see the Ark. You should also go to the Creation Museum in Petersburg.
I agree with Kathy. The Ark and the Creation Museum are both worth a visit. They're both perfect homeschooling days. Unless it has recently changed you get 2 days at the C Museum at one days price.
We've been to the Ark...loved it. Your kids are probably a good age for it. Haven't been to the Creation Museum yet although family members have, and they're planning to go back this month. I'm a Florida transplant.. Met my husband online and moved to Western KY near Paducah. No regrets!
Sounds like fun! I would like to do both of those in one trip! 😄
My brother and new wife saw The Ark on their honeymoon. Our family went to the Creation Museum 10+(?) years ago on a trip from MN to PA to FL as a surprise stop for our kids. Wished we had more time.
Do you guys have a campground you can recommend near the Ark??
KY Mama here and just wanted to say welcome! Hope you have a wonderful visit here!
Have a really nice vacation! Safe travels! Thanks for all the tips....I'm sure I will be able to use some of them.
You will love the ark encounter. Check out the creation museum as well. Thanks for all the camping tips. We are renovating a pop up camper right now. Whew. Have fun!!
I hope you have a wonderful and uneventful holiday. Thinking of bathroom bins we have used two; one for the girls, including Mom, and one for the boys & Dad . We usually showered in the campground to avoid filling the grey water tank. Have fun!! You are building memories.
When you are in KY your boys would love Ft. Boonesburro, You would like Berea, KY be sure to go where they make dulcimers. I am glad you did this one- through my situation is a little different as I will be living in a Keystone Raptor Toyhauler full time. I still look at your ideas. I have wire shelves I am going to put in some of the cabnets. My bedroom is a little different- has a stackable washer and dryer. I know I've packed too many totes and I still have to sort out when I move. Going from 3 bedroom house to RV is so different- my house looks like a tornado went through. My dh passed and we were married over 40yrs. Keep post. thanks
The bag holder was absolutely perfect for the vinyl! 😊
Safe travels and loads of fun❣️
You will love the Ark Encounter and you should check out the Creation Museum. Both are fabulous. I live in Indiana less then 2 hours from these places. Enjoy your vacation.
Suggestion: carry gallon jugs of water and refill your water bottles...saves on recycling or trash and is more economical than cases of bottled water.
We run a dehumidifier at all times and I empty it out once a week on Sunday’s. Works like a charm! Pulls out a lot of moisture when not in use. We also run it while camping to help out the ac.
So, when we are at home, I totally do all the meal planning, making the shopping list, going to get the food, etc. Let us go camping where there will be fire. Hubby plans EVERYTHING. I still do the shopping, but as long as he has his cast iron, he does all the cooking. Eggs, biscuits, everything... it's great.
Thank you for all the idea. I emptied our travel trailer out completely after our last trip. I'll use your ideas when I return what needs to return. 😊
Having your supplies in bins makes it easy empty them back in the house. I would have to remind myself to return them to the camper. Haha you ideas make sense.
Tim is amazing. You’re so lucky to have him at your disposal. Great job!!!
Tom
Sorry type-o
Useful tips for more downsizing. I took one bin of clothes our last trip. You don't want to know how much I took before. I had so much stuff I left duffle bags and a laundry basket on the couch because there was no more space. Thank you for inspiring me to let go of so much "what if" inventory.
Ohhh! So exciting! We are leaving KY Monday after visiting family. It is so beautiful right now! I have been keeping my eyes peeled on the roads for your camper and Excursion! 😀Have a great time!!