I need your help on this one. I am wanting to modify our Packing seminar and would like to get some of your feedback.
If you were to attend a seminar called "Packing Your RV For Fulltime Or Extended Travel", what would you hope to learn from it?
Please give some specifics.
Thanks for your help!
Its about time said
07:11 PM Apr 29, 2011
Hi Linda
I have a solution for the kitchen. I don't know that everyone would choose to use this method; but I like it for a number of reasons. I have used this method since we have started rv'ing from our pop up to the travel trailer and into our 5th wheel. I even use this method in our sticks and bricks.
I have a labeller and label rubbermaid or heavy plastic containers for cereal, rice, sugar, spaghetti, cookies,tea bags, flour etc. It takes a while to find just the correct container for particular food products but when I do it all fits in nicely.
The reason I like this is:(1) I can see when I am getting low enough to buy more of that product. (2.) I only have to deal with recycle once (at time of purchase) not everyday. (3.) The foods stored in these containers do stay fresher longer and are not as subjected to high humidities and changes in temperatures. It extends the life of the food products as they are not constantly subjected to the air. (4) It protects our food from bad little critters who may enter our humble abode (haven't had any yet and don't want any) whether it is mice or ants or whatever. This is just one way of how I organize my kitchen of limited space in our rv. Hope this helps.
See you guys soon Keep safe Kathy Rousseau, Windsor, Ontario Canada
Its about time said
07:27 PM Apr 29, 2011
Hi Linda it's me again.
I guess what I would think most people would like to learn is what size of containers are being used to store specific things in the rv. Whether it is inside or in the basement. Approximate size of those containers and what things (gear) would fit into specific size containers. Things of importance that we all pretty much have to take with us.
Some times we have so many odds and ends and don't know quite what to do with all of it. I guess the rule like with like comes into play here.
I leave the basement to my hubby and I take care of the inside. I am the neat freak and he has his own way of storing things; sometimes I help him with how to store things in the basement; but the odd sizes of somethings and the mixture of things we have, is mind boggling to deal with. There are so many different sizes of storage containers which is another problem. You don't want one to big or too small.
I know that taking too much with us is also a problem; so cutting back and taking only what we need is what we try to do. 2 bath towels per person, 2 beach towels per person etc. Would be another way to keep things in prospective. One to use and a spare.
I think organization in a small living space is the key; but being able to put your hands on what you need very quickly without having to empty out the space each time to find it is also a good thing.
Take care Kathy Rousseau Windsor, Ontario Canada
Ckerr said
10:05 PM Apr 29, 2011
Hi Linda,
I'd like information on how to store canned goods, etc so they don't come flying out of the pantry when you open the door after a move.
Also tips for making the most of limited refridgerator/freezer space.
Currently I'm struggling with seasonal clothes, jewelry and hats! Any ideas for those areas would be greatly appreciated!
Cindy T said
06:40 AM Apr 30, 2011
I'd like to have a list of the basic essentials that must be carried, organized by "system" or area of the RV. For example, basic essentials required for the water system, sewage system, electrical system. Or basic essentials for the kitchen. I'd like a list of questions that I should ask myself before going on an extended trip, so I can be sure to have everything I need.
Cindy T
Terry and Jo said
08:20 AM Apr 30, 2011
This is related to what Kathy just wrote about. I've seen a number of those flat style tubs with rollers (like you find at WalMart) in some peoples RV basements. I even have two of them myself. As a precaution to those tempted with that kind of tub with the intent of "stacking" them, I would guess that the wheels on those might not be heavy enough to support the weight of multiple tubs stacked together.
It might be valuable to folks to take that into consideration when choosing tubs. I think I remember seeing some of those flat tubs at Target but without wheels. The only thing I don't like about the flat tubs is that the lids don't "seal", but just have clamping handles on the ends.
Folks may be interested in at least seeing pictures of the various types of tubs, most of which might be found online. You could show the advantages and disadvantages of each type of tub as well. Someone also mentioned once that they number each of their tubs and then keep a list on their computer as to what each tub then contains, making it easier to find out what tub to look for before going to the basement.
Also keep in mind various options for storing the "Guy" stuff too, such as tools, RV cleaning products, etc.
Since we aren't full-timing yet, I apologize that I can't give you specific ideas as to what we have done.
Terry
Bill Adams said
08:44 AM Apr 30, 2011
One thing I have found to be critical to life on the road is a good tool box. Not only tools for working on the engine/chassis, but just the basic tools for maintaining all kinds of things just like you would if your home did not have wheels. Maybe a list of must have tools, might need tools and tools for the handy man/woman.
Linda said
09:33 AM Apr 30, 2011
Great suggestions so far! Keep them coming!
TDCDintheRV said
10:29 AM Apr 30, 2011
Linda
Have pictures of basement storage in different types rigs and how they have been set up. Tubs make storing and finding things in large compartments much easier. If the compartment is high they can be stacked, if it deep you can have two or three row. Mark the end of the tub with contents, tubs are easy to remove and stack outside of the compartment when cleaning or looking for something!
All tub are not created equal when purchasing tubs check condition of the tubs, I have seen many cheap brands that don’t make it thru shipping to the store. (broken lids and tubs) Also if all the storage spaces are filled will you be over your weight limits.
Wire closet shelf can be cut and installed in interior cupboards to add a shelf, install the front lip up to help keep things from sliding off the shelves.
Tom & Cheryl
53 Merc said
11:52 AM Apr 30, 2011
Linda wrote:
I need your help on this one. I am wanting to modify our Packing seminar and would like to get some of your feedback.
If you were to attend a seminar called "Packing Your RV For Fulltime Or Extended Travel", what would you hope to learn from it?
Please give some specifics.
Thanks for your help!
Linda, this brings up a lot of ideas/questions/suggestions. I think you should include something like a checklist with ideas or suggestions for tool kits. This is so very subjective as to really be problematic. How skilled are you? How ready are you to tackle repair/construction? The tool kits from Craftsman/Ryobi look attractive, both in wrenches and power tools. Lots of tools well contained in bags.
Then it is on to the storage compartment size/configuration/availability. Do you have a built in genset? Portable genset? They consume a lot of room and preclude storage of some items close to them. Perhaps like another poster suggested, a set of photos of different methods. That would be tubs/storage containers/slide out tray or not. Easily accessible or difficult as in the back.
Then inside the RV. Closet space/underbed/under dinette (if so equipped), cabinets and interior storage. Again, photos of methods would be helpful. Space bags? Seasonal clothes? Consider replacement at change of season from thrift shops or goodwill stores. Some people only have shorts and tees, with maybe one or two pairs of long pants. Some carry "party clothes", some don't. Do you feel comfortable going to church in casual clothing? Do you feel comfortable finding a church that is casual dress expected?
Pantry? Do you like to buy quantity and store, or daily trips for shopping? Makes a huge difference. How do you camp, local or remote, ties in to the purchase of bulk or large quantity? How big is the frig? How big is the freezer? Do you have a portable ice maker? Do you use a lot of ice? Use coolers? Buy ice, or put cold drinks in the frig? Again, that goes to size of frig and availability of space in frig.
For a seminar to answer all the questions is impossible. It can only give ideas and suggestions for solutions. I also feel you will get many, many suggestions during a seminar pointed to packing the RV during a presentation. I betcha a seminar could go on all day and still not answer all the questions and discuss all the ideas and suggestions that wold come up during the seminar.
I gotta stop, the more I put in, the more ideas come to mind. I'm getting glassy eyed now.
-- Edited by 53 Merc on Saturday 30th of April 2011 11:54:52 AM
Terry and Jo said
08:29 PM Apr 30, 2011
Just to follow up on my earlier post about tubs, Jo and I were at different places today looking at bakeware, pots and pans, and tubs. In looking at many of the clear tubs (best for seeing what is inside...even a list taped in the end on the inside with a list of contents), I found that Sterilite brand tubs have the most robust looking latches on each end. Some of the others we saw weren't half the size or thickness of Sterilite's latches.
Perhaps you could visit stores like Lowes, WalMart, and Target and photograph different tubs and their lids and latches.
While the long ones are tempting, we will probably go with several of the shallow (six inches?) clear ones and maybe two or three (depending on what bulky items need to be stored) taller ones. Shorter tubs will give us more flexibility, and in some cases the short, shallow ones will even fit under the bed.
Another possibility would be to fasten "tubes" to the ceiling of the basement for such things as fishing poles or other types of poles. Always considering the weight of those items, of course.
What have others done with their portable waste tanks? As you are in campgrounds, try to see how others have set theirs up for storage and photograph them. Somewhere, I have some pictures of one where the owner of the RV has stored both a "Blue Boy" and his step ladder on his rear bumper. You can see those pictures at the link just below, and if you want copies of the photos, let me know and I'll send them to you.
Hi Linda... With what we are going through here in Alabama, I would recommend including a safety/preparedness/bug-out list - items to include in one or two small containers that could be grabbed in a hurry. It seems I remember a post Howard did on this at some point, so you may already include this with your seminar. I've also read others' who've mentioned it, but having a checklist might be helpful.
The crucial items needed for the storm victims in our area would be similar for anyone in a crisis situation - bottled water, non-perishable foods with pop-tops if canned (shortage of can-openers here right now), baby wipes for washing up, hand sanitizer, a change of clothes (sturdy ones in case you are involved in clean-up, packed in waterproof bags), gloves, personal care items, scissors, knife, waterproofed matches, candles, sunblock, medications (including Tylenol, etc), batteries, flashlight, portable radio, light blankets, ziploc bags... The list could go on and on, depending on what is important to the individual. We have two sturdy tote bags (family of 4) which stay in our walk-in closet in hopes that we will be able to access them if needed.
Great ideas submitted so far. Glad you posted this - love reading everyone's great ideas!
jb said
12:38 PM May 1, 2011
We were at the presentation in April. In additon to all the great lists and info provided, we would have liked more specifics on how to make better use of the limited space and how to store things so they don't get damaged. (I am thinking wine glasses). Pictures of how people store things to make the best use of the space would be great, especially in a venue without the opportunity to walk through other RV's.
Bill Adams said
12:50 PM May 1, 2011
Slip your wine glasses in clean white athletic socks. Now they can be stored most anywhere. Safe Travels!
EelKat said
12:49 PM Jul 8, 2011
Ckerr wrote:
Hi Linda,
I'd like information on how to store canned goods, etc so they don't come flying out of the pantry when you open the door after a move.
Also tips for making the most of limited refridgerator/freezer space.
Currently I'm struggling with seasonal clothes, jewelry and hats! Any ideas for those areas would be greatly appreciated!
I had this question a few months back, (about storing canned foods) forget where I asked it now, but I do remember the answer I was given, and thought I'd pass it along.
When you buy food, veggies, fruit, soups, sauces, etc, in cans or glass jars, dehydrate them. If you don't have a food dehydrator (I don't), spred the contents of the can/jar onto a cookie sheet (drain juice from fruits & veggies first!) and "bake" in the oven at low temps (250-ish) for and hour or two, untill the food is completly dry.
For soups and sauces, you'll end up with a sheet that looks like fruit leather. Use a knife to cut the sheet into squares.
Store dried food in ziplock bags or plastic tubs.
To rehydrate, just add boiling water and cook/serve as usual.
If fully dryied with zero moisture, the dried foods will keep idefiantly (as long as they don't get wet).
I have no idea why I did not think of doing this myself, but once I found out about it, it's just amazingly the best way to store food. An in a motorhome you you don't have to worry aboout dented cans or broken glass jars, AND dehydrated foods cut down on weight A LOT and storing them in zipper baggies means you can tuck a whole patry full of food into a counter drawer so it's huge on space saving too.
Hope that helps. (I know it helped me when I was told about doing this!)
Ckerr wrote:
Hi Linda,
I'd like information on how to store canned goods, etc so they don't come flying out of the pantry when you open the door after a move.
Also tips for making the most of limited refridgerator/freezer space.
Currently I'm struggling with seasonal clothes, jewelry and hats! Any ideas for those areas would be greatly appreciated!
As for seasonal cloths, I have that problem too. I do a lot of sub-zero winter boondocking myself, plus I like the summer beaches too, so I've got to have a heavy duty winter wardrobe and a lightweight summer wardrobe.
The answer to storage is: layers. Because of my culture/religion I don't wear pants and wear really long floor sweeping dresses/skirts, my biggest one has 7 yards of fabric in the skirt alone, so these take up quite a bit of room. In the winter I kind of wear everything all at once, dress on top of dress ontop of skirt on top of skirt. Keeps warm, saves space, but that only works in the winter. In the summer the layers come off and have to store someplace. My answer to how to store winter layers (including a huge and heavy full leangth mink coat that belonged to my husbands grandmother) is this:
First get rid of the bed that comes with your RV. Next, get a bunk bed to put in it's place. Next get those big 5x3 rubbermaid roll-under-the-bed storage bins and put all your seasonal cloths/bedding in those. Sleep on the lower bunk and use the top bunk and the space under the lower bunk to store boxes of cloths and winter bedding.
For jewelry, I used to wear a ton of it. Lack of space made me change over the years and so, today I pretty much am jewelry free, just a couple of pendents. No earrings, no rings, nothing.
I used to be a hat collector. Big hats. Old hats. Hats with huge feathers. Top hats. Fancy hats. Today all my hats are "crushable" made of felt or canvas, and I can just mash them all together into one hat box, except for my #1 most worn hat of all which is a 1858 beaver skin top hat which I practically live in and usually spend more time on my head than in storage, lol!
Anyways that's what I do to save space. Hope it helps you out.
-- Edited by EelKat on Friday 8th of July 2011 12:53:28 PM
Ginamar said
07:23 PM Jul 8, 2011
One of my most favorite places to shop for organizing items is the Container Store. They have an online store and also you can find where the stores are located. Being a teacher I am always looking and needing to get all my supplies together and I use a label maker that I use is great at home as well. Even my DH has used it more at home than I have. The Container Store has great containers and I have never had any major issues with any that I have bought from them unlike Wal-Mart. FYI Margina
Ckerr said
07:31 PM Jul 8, 2011
Thanks Eelkat! Those are some great ideas. Especially the food dehydrating... Never thought of that...
LandYachty said
07:56 AM Jul 9, 2011
Back in 1998 we got tupperwear designed for kitchen storage for the kitchen (a little spendy - but it is still as good today as back then) these stack, seal very well, and don't fall over. We have vac-bags for clothes and use the baby shop vac we carry to seal them. Everything below is in very heavy duty tubs from either Lowes or Home Depot, again these stack and use the full height of the basement. (fifth wheel).
BruceandTrisha said
05:23 AM Jul 13, 2011
I'm getting great ideas from all you wonderful people! We deal with very limited storage since we live in a Big Foot pickup camper. I am continually rethinking - reorganizing - and tossing more stuff. That's what it comes down to, no matter the size of your RV - clearing out the unnecessary stuff. It's finding that balance between what you absolutely must have and what you want to live comfortably. Who knew the old saying I heard my grandma repeat over and over "there's a place for everything and everything in its place" would become my mantra!
Looking forward to how you put this all together for a valuable resource.
kb0zke said
01:44 PM Aug 6, 2011
I measured the outside storage areas on our mpg, and then bought Sterilite (made in USA) containers that would fit. The individual compartments aren't very big (but then neither is an mpg), so it was fairly easy to designate one as the electric compartment, one as the water/sewer compartment, etc. The compartments for each of those are the ones closest to the respective connection point. That saves a few steps, and helps us remember where to look for what. The storage compartments are all a bit odd-shaped, so there is empty space around the tubs. Extra paper towels, etc. will fit nicely in those places.
I need your help on this one. I am wanting to modify our Packing seminar and would like to get some of your feedback.
If you were to attend a seminar called "Packing Your RV For Fulltime Or Extended Travel", what would you hope to learn from it?
Please give some specifics.
Thanks for your help!
I have a solution for the kitchen. I don't know that everyone would choose to use this method; but I like it for a number of reasons. I have used this method since we have started rv'ing from our pop up to the travel trailer and into our 5th wheel. I even use this method in our sticks and bricks.
I have a labeller and label rubbermaid or heavy plastic containers for cereal, rice, sugar, spaghetti, cookies,tea bags, flour etc.
It takes a while to find just the correct container for particular food products but when I do it all fits in nicely.
The reason I like this is:(1) I can see when I am getting low enough to buy more of that product.
(2.) I only have to deal with recycle once (at time of purchase) not everyday. (3.) The foods stored in these containers do stay fresher longer and are not as subjected to high humidities and changes in temperatures. It extends the life of the food products as they are not constantly subjected to the air.
(4) It protects our food from bad little critters who may enter our humble abode (haven't had any yet and don't want any) whether it is mice or ants or whatever.
This is just one way of how I organize my kitchen of limited space in our rv. Hope this helps.
See you guys soon
Keep safe
Kathy Rousseau, Windsor, Ontario Canada
I guess what I would think most people would like to learn is what size of containers are being used to store specific things in the rv. Whether it is inside or in the basement. Approximate size of those containers and what things (gear) would fit into specific size containers. Things of importance that we all pretty much have to take with us.
Some times we have so many odds and ends and don't know quite what to do with all of it. I guess the rule like with like comes into play here.
I leave the basement to my hubby and I take care of the inside. I am the neat freak and he has his own way of storing things; sometimes I help him with how to store things in the basement; but the odd sizes of somethings and the mixture of things we have, is mind boggling to deal with. There are so many different sizes of storage containers which is another problem. You don't want one to big or too small.
I know that taking too much with us is also a problem; so cutting back and taking only what we need is what we try to do. 2 bath towels per person, 2 beach towels per person etc. Would be another way to keep things in prospective. One to use and a spare.
I think organization in a small living space is the key; but being able to put your hands on what you need very quickly without having to empty out the space each time to find it is also a good thing.
Take care
Kathy Rousseau
Windsor, Ontario Canada
Hi Linda,
I'd like information on how to store canned goods, etc so they don't come flying out of the pantry when you open the door after a move.
Also tips for making the most of limited refridgerator/freezer space.
Currently I'm struggling with seasonal clothes, jewelry and hats! Any ideas for those areas would be greatly appreciated!
I'd like to have a list of the basic essentials that must be carried, organized by "system" or area of the RV. For example, basic essentials required for the water system, sewage system, electrical system. Or basic essentials for the kitchen. I'd like a list of questions that I should ask myself before going on an extended trip, so I can be sure to have everything I need.
Cindy T
This is related to what Kathy just wrote about. I've seen a number of those flat style tubs with rollers (like you find at WalMart) in some peoples RV basements. I even have two of them myself. As a precaution to those tempted with that kind of tub with the intent of "stacking" them, I would guess that the wheels on those might not be heavy enough to support the weight of multiple tubs stacked together.
It might be valuable to folks to take that into consideration when choosing tubs. I think I remember seeing some of those flat tubs at Target but without wheels. The only thing I don't like about the flat tubs is that the lids don't "seal", but just have clamping handles on the ends.
Folks may be interested in at least seeing pictures of the various types of tubs, most of which might be found online. You could show the advantages and disadvantages of each type of tub as well. Someone also mentioned once that they number each of their tubs and then keep a list on their computer as to what each tub then contains, making it easier to find out what tub to look for before going to the basement.
Also keep in mind various options for storing the "Guy" stuff too, such as tools, RV cleaning products, etc.
Since we aren't full-timing yet, I apologize that I can't give you specific ideas as to what we have done.
Terry
Great suggestions so far! Keep them coming!
Linda
Have pictures of basement storage in different types rigs and how they have been set up. Tubs make storing and finding things in large compartments much easier. If the compartment is high they can be stacked, if it deep you can have two or three row. Mark the end of the tub with contents, tubs are easy to remove and stack outside of the compartment when cleaning or looking for something!
All tub are not created equal when purchasing tubs check condition of the tubs, I have seen many cheap brands that don’t make it thru shipping to the store. (broken lids and tubs) Also if all the storage spaces are filled will you be over your weight limits.
Wire closet shelf can be cut and installed in interior cupboards to add a shelf, install the front lip up to help keep things from sliding off the shelves.
Tom & Cheryl
Linda, this brings up a lot of ideas/questions/suggestions. I think you should include something like a checklist with ideas or suggestions for tool kits. This is so very subjective as to really be problematic. How skilled are you? How ready are you to tackle repair/construction? The tool kits from Craftsman/Ryobi look attractive, both in wrenches and power tools. Lots of tools well contained in bags.
Then it is on to the storage compartment size/configuration/availability. Do you have a built in genset? Portable genset? They consume a lot of room and preclude storage of some items close to them. Perhaps like another poster suggested, a set of photos of different methods. That would be tubs/storage containers/slide out tray or not. Easily accessible or difficult as in the back.
Then inside the RV. Closet space/underbed/under dinette (if so equipped), cabinets and interior storage. Again, photos of methods would be helpful. Space bags? Seasonal clothes? Consider replacement at change of season from thrift shops or goodwill stores. Some people only have shorts and tees, with maybe one or two pairs of long pants. Some carry "party clothes", some don't. Do you feel comfortable going to church in casual clothing? Do you feel comfortable finding a church that is casual dress expected?
Pantry? Do you like to buy quantity and store, or daily trips for shopping? Makes a huge difference. How do you camp, local or remote, ties in to the purchase of bulk or large quantity? How big is the frig? How big is the freezer? Do you have a portable ice maker? Do you use a lot of ice? Use coolers? Buy ice, or put cold drinks in the frig? Again, that goes to size of frig and availability of space in frig.
For a seminar to answer all the questions is impossible. It can only give ideas and suggestions for solutions. I also feel you will get many, many suggestions during a seminar pointed to packing the RV during a presentation. I betcha a seminar could go on all day and still not answer all the questions and discuss all the ideas and suggestions that wold come up during the seminar.
I gotta stop, the more I put in, the more ideas come to mind. I'm getting glassy eyed now.
-- Edited by 53 Merc on Saturday 30th of April 2011 11:54:52 AM
Just to follow up on my earlier post about tubs, Jo and I were at different places today looking at bakeware, pots and pans, and tubs. In looking at many of the clear tubs (best for seeing what is inside...even a list taped in the end on the inside with a list of contents), I found that Sterilite brand tubs have the most robust looking latches on each end. Some of the others we saw weren't half the size or thickness of Sterilite's latches.
Perhaps you could visit stores like Lowes, WalMart, and Target and photograph different tubs and their lids and latches.
While the long ones are tempting, we will probably go with several of the shallow (six inches?) clear ones and maybe two or three (depending on what bulky items need to be stored) taller ones. Shorter tubs will give us more flexibility, and in some cases the short, shallow ones will even fit under the bed.
Another possibility would be to fasten "tubes" to the ceiling of the basement for such things as fishing poles or other types of poles. Always considering the weight of those items, of course.
What have others done with their portable waste tanks? As you are in campgrounds, try to see how others have set theirs up for storage and photograph them. Somewhere, I have some pictures of one where the owner of the RV has stored both a "Blue Boy" and his step ladder on his rear bumper. You can see those pictures at the link just below, and if you want copies of the photos, let me know and I'll send them to you.
https://s1190.photobucket.com/albums/z458/TerryandJo/Miscellaneous%20Images/
Terry
Hi Linda... With what we are going through here in Alabama, I would recommend including a safety/preparedness/bug-out list - items to include in one or two small containers that could be grabbed in a hurry. It seems I remember a post Howard did on this at some point, so you may already include this with your seminar. I've also read others' who've mentioned it, but having a checklist might be helpful.
The crucial items needed for the storm victims in our area would be similar for anyone in a crisis situation - bottled water, non-perishable foods with pop-tops if canned (shortage of can-openers here right now), baby wipes for washing up, hand sanitizer, a change of clothes (sturdy ones in case you are involved in clean-up, packed in waterproof bags), gloves, personal care items, scissors, knife, waterproofed matches, candles, sunblock, medications (including Tylenol, etc), batteries, flashlight, portable radio, light blankets, ziploc bags... The list could go on and on, depending on what is important to the individual. We have two sturdy tote bags (family of 4) which stay in our walk-in closet in hopes that we will be able to access them if needed.
Great ideas submitted so far. Glad you posted this - love reading everyone's great ideas!
We were at the presentation in April. In additon to all the great lists and info provided, we would have liked more specifics on how to make better use of the limited space and how to store things so they don't get damaged. (I am thinking wine glasses). Pictures of how people store things to make the best use of the space would be great, especially in a venue without the opportunity to walk through other RV's.
I had this question a few months back, (about storing canned foods) forget where I asked it now, but I do remember the answer I was given, and thought I'd pass it along.
When you buy food, veggies, fruit, soups, sauces, etc, in cans or glass jars, dehydrate them. If you don't have a food dehydrator (I don't), spred the contents of the can/jar onto a cookie sheet (drain juice from fruits & veggies first!) and "bake" in the oven at low temps (250-ish) for and hour or two, untill the food is completly dry.
For soups and sauces, you'll end up with a sheet that looks like fruit leather. Use a knife to cut the sheet into squares.
Store dried food in ziplock bags or plastic tubs.
To rehydrate, just add boiling water and cook/serve as usual.
If fully dryied with zero moisture, the dried foods will keep idefiantly (as long as they don't get wet).
I have no idea why I did not think of doing this myself, but once I found out about it, it's just amazingly the best way to store food. An in a motorhome you you don't have to worry aboout dented cans or broken glass jars, AND dehydrated foods cut down on weight A LOT and storing them in zipper baggies means you can tuck a whole patry full of food into a counter drawer so it's huge on space saving too.
Hope that helps. (I know it helped me when I was told about doing this!)
As for seasonal cloths, I have that problem too. I do a lot of sub-zero winter boondocking myself, plus I like the summer beaches too, so I've got to have a heavy duty winter wardrobe and a lightweight summer wardrobe.
The answer to storage is: layers. Because of my culture/religion I don't wear pants and wear really long floor sweeping dresses/skirts, my biggest one has 7 yards of fabric in the skirt alone, so these take up quite a bit of room. In the winter I kind of wear everything all at once, dress on top of dress ontop of skirt on top of skirt. Keeps warm, saves space, but that only works in the winter. In the summer the layers come off and have to store someplace. My answer to how to store winter layers (including a huge and heavy full leangth mink coat that belonged to my husbands grandmother) is this:
First get rid of the bed that comes with your RV. Next, get a bunk bed to put in it's place. Next get those big 5x3 rubbermaid roll-under-the-bed storage bins and put all your seasonal cloths/bedding in those. Sleep on the lower bunk and use the top bunk and the space under the lower bunk to store boxes of cloths and winter bedding.
For jewelry, I used to wear a ton of it. Lack of space made me change over the years and so, today I pretty much am jewelry free, just a couple of pendents. No earrings, no rings, nothing.
I used to be a hat collector. Big hats. Old hats. Hats with huge feathers. Top hats. Fancy hats. Today all my hats are "crushable" made of felt or canvas, and I can just mash them all together into one hat box, except for my #1 most worn hat of all which is a 1858 beaver skin top hat which I practically live in and usually spend more time on my head than in storage, lol!
Anyways that's what I do to save space. Hope it helps you out.
-- Edited by EelKat on Friday 8th of July 2011 12:53:28 PM
One of my most favorite places to shop for organizing items is the Container Store. They have an online store and also you can find where the stores are located. Being a teacher I am always looking and needing to get all my supplies together and I use a label maker that I use is great at home as well. Even my DH has used it more at home than I have. The Container Store has great containers and I have never had any major issues with any that I have bought from them unlike Wal-Mart. FYI
Margina
I'm getting great ideas from all you wonderful people! We deal with very limited storage since we live in a Big Foot pickup camper. I am continually rethinking - reorganizing - and tossing more stuff. That's what it comes down to, no matter the size of your RV - clearing out the unnecessary stuff. It's finding that balance between what you absolutely must have and what you want to live comfortably. Who knew the old saying I heard my grandma repeat over and over "there's a place for everything and everything in its place" would become my mantra!
Looking forward to how you put this all together for a valuable resource.