RV/Camping Hacks & Shortcuts

We all know camping can be fun, but also challenging at times.  We want to 'rough it' but not that much, right?  Well, I've come up with some ways to still rough it, but make it a little easier.  Here are some fast and furious ways to get stuff done without reverting totally to creature comforts.

Fire starters
I just made some of my own fire starters.  So easy!
Get some of the small Dixie cups, 4oz ones, some
shredded paper, and a candle.  Melt the candle in the microwave.  I used one that was already in a glass container so it made it easy.  Fill the cups with the shredded paper and drizzle the melted wax on top.  Only add about a teaspoon or two to each cup.  Done!  If you want bigger starters you could upgrade to a larger cup, but these work great in getting a fire going. Let them harden before you use them and wallah! Light the paper and it will get a little flame going.  Place your kindling on top and it will go for a quite a few minutes while you work on getting a nice fire built.


The Swedish Candle
Whaaaaat, you say?  I don't know how it got it's name, but we love doing campfires this way.

Get a really big hollowed out stump and cut upside down v's in the bottom - 2 or 3 of them.  Prop the stump on a couple of logs to get airflow through the bottom.  Light your fire in the middle of the stump and watch it burn!  It cuts down on the smoke and burns all night with very little need to feed the fire.  If you don't have an old hollow stump, you can take a regular large log and slice it with a chain saw to create the same effect.

Bedroom Storage
I love to find new ways to keep things organized.  Our camper does not have shelves in the bedroom cabinets.  I saw this on Pinterest and thought what a great idea.  I actually already use one of these on our sailboat for clothing and don't know why I never thought to do it in the camper!  This closet organizer is a great way to make a dresser out of long closet like cabinets with no shelves.


Here's another genius idea to keep things neat and tidy and within reach.  Cut up a shoe organizer and attach to the side of your bed.  You can keep keys, a flashlight, toothbrush and toothpaste if you have a tiny bathroom, hairbrush...it's endless!


You can also use a shoe organizer in the shower to keep everyone's stuff where it should be.



Food Storage 
Transporting spices can be a big pain.  I've always hated trying to figure out which ones to pack.  Sometimes I've left them on our boat or camper and then they get all caked up.  Totally annoying!  I love this idea of using tic tac containers to travel with spices.  Then you don't have to either buy new or take the whole jar.


CoffeeMate bottles make great storage containers for all kinds of things from cereal, snacks, popcorn, ground coffee, rice, you name it!



Coolers
Here are some ideas on keeping you cooler cold and dry.  I just save my milk jugs (or any plastic jug), fill them with water and freeze thoroughly.  Use these instead of purchased ice.  It will keep all the items in your cooler much drier!

Adding a push light to the inside of your cooler by attaching it to the underside of your lid will help you to see what's in there at night without fumbling for a flashlight.

Also, I use plastic baskets at times to store my produce.  It cuts down on storage bags and keeps things pretty dry.



Another milk jug use - Fill a milk jug with water and strap a light to it.  This picture shows a headlamp or you could put a push button light on the bottom.  It makes a nice lantern that is softer than just using your cell phone flashlight.

 Mason Jars