Summertime and the car-camping is easy - particularly if you take a few steps to get organized first so you can enjoy the trip!
Start with a packing list, then consider ways to store your gear at home so you can easily get up and go, then consider how to pack the car.
Here are some tips to help you stay organized at the campsite.
PREPARE THOSE LISTS
There are several great websites that can help you get organized before you head out on your outdoor adventure. www.gorp.com has an excellent car-camping packing list, although you have to sign up to see it.
Another list, www.newt.com/wohler/travel/car-camping.html, sorts items by room, such as "garage" and "office." Not what you'd think of for car camping, but a great way of helping put together items needed that you otherwise might not think to bring, like a pad of paper and pens.
There are also some good books dedicated to car-camping with the family, and, of course, check out the library or REI for local camping spots, reservation requirements, optimum times to visit, trail guides and more.
CAMPING GEAR STORAGE
■ Choose a clean, dry area - Most garages are too damp in the winter, but you can dry them out a bit with products designed to draw moisture from the air, like Damp Rid. Always store items only after they have completely dried.
■ Sort like with like - For example, keep all tent items together, such as the ground cloth, blow-up mattress, etc. Sleeping bags should be stored loosely packed in a large bag.
If your storage area is at all damp, keep sleeping bags stored separately inside or wherever it is warm and dry.
■ Separate items with large Rubbermaid bins and bags. Jumbo, plastic zippered bags can hold all kinds of miscellaneous camping items and are see-through and reusable.
Keep all kitchen items together, separate from other items such as games, toiletries and food.
■ Label - Organizers are passionate about labeling. Labeling is vital for getting and staying organized in any situation.
■ Label bins such as "kitchen," "food," "toys/games," "toiletries," etc.
■ Go vertical - Use as much hanging space as possible - bike hooks, for example, or shelves.
Avoid stacking other non-camping items on top, or you'll never get out to the great outdoors.
PACKING THE CAR
Consider what you are going to need first when you pack the car. Most people pack tent gear first, but often your tent is the first thing you want to set up, so keep that within easy reach.
■ Packing your bags - Rolling up clothes keeps them more compact and easier to rifle through if needed. Consider using rubber bands to group items like shorts or T-shirts.
AT THE SITE
■ Kitchen - Keep perishable and nonperishable items separate.
Car coolers that run off the car battery are handy, but be wary of running down your battery.
Bears, raccoons and other wildlife are always a concern, so proper storage, keeping your camp area tidy and easy food cleanup will help reduce unwanted visitors.
Bring a table cloth for the picnic table to really class-up your camping experience.
■ Clean up - To make clean up easier, dedicate a bucket for all items needed, including drying towels and soap.
Use paper plates that can be composted or burned in the camp fire.
You'll also want to think about your camp meals. Mac 'n' cheese is easy to prepare, but not so easy to clean up without hot water.
■ Cooking - Purchase separate camping utensils. Check out Goodwill or a similar store for inexpensive, light utensils you can dedicate solely to camping. Refer to the checklists mentioned above for specifics.
Use a tea kettle; they come to a boil faster than saucepans and don't have to be cleaned before use. A benefit if you just want a quick cuppa in the morning without the flavor of last night's rice dish.
IT CAN BE DONE
Storage and retrieval of camping equipment can often be so unruly and difficult to accomplish that you might decide to bag the trip altogether and stay home.
But as with the home, being organized camping or in any situation requires a little pre-planning, the right kind of container and a dedicated spot for each item.
Leah Stahlsmith owns Simple Works Design, providing home-staging and organizing services. For more information, visit www.simpleworksdesign.com.
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