CAMPING STORAGE TIPS AND IDEAS
It’s nearly Labour Weekend… And you know what that means! A nice, long weekend (for many), and it’s a great excuse to grab all your camping gear and equipment from your storage, and head on out! And don’t come back till Monday afternoon! And if you’re looking for camping storage tips and ideas… this is the place to go!
Have you ever opened up your tent only to find mouldy bits or missing pieces?! If you don’t store your camp gear well, it can start to smell a little funky, can deteriorate quicker and can become quite possibly unusable much faster. And you don’t want that … Nor do you want to trip over any clutter on your way to your bed after a campfire… Nobody likes a stubbed toe!
So before you start packing for your next outdoor adventure, have a read of some camping storage tips and ideas I have collected for you, that might help keep your gear organised, and for more camping tips and advise, visit: https://www.kathmandu.co.nz/summit-journal/expert-advice/20-essential-camping-tips
- Purchase extra things that are for camping only
This tip is a great time saver when it comes to packing. If you go camping more than a couple of times a year, creating a ‘trip ready’ bag with a list of contents well in advance, works great. Plus, you’ll have a good chunk of the packing already complete for your next trip! Things you can put in your bag can include coffee mugs, utensils, dishrags, soap, tea towel, matches, torch .. Saves running around the house, grabbing things along the way on the day (you’re bound to forget something!).
2. Using clear bins for storing gear
When packing for a camping trip, you can solve a lot of issues, by packing your gear inside clear stackable bins that will fit comfortably in the back of your car. Plastic containers are weather-resistant, durable and will help you keep everything organised.
3. Give each child their own bag
If children are coming along, give each a different (colour) bag and let them bring a few of their choice (and prized) possessions for the trip. Remind them (good luck with that) to put their things in their bag at the end, this way you don’t have to keep track of children’s items on top of everything else. Heaven forbid that Mr Snuffles gets left behind…
4. Pack intentionally to save time, and space
Space is a luxury when camping, it’s a known fact. So, be mindful of what you’re going to bring. You want to be comfortable at the campsite, but you also don’t necessarily need an excess of clothing / bulky items that you won’t use. Try rolling instead of folding clothing for example, or loading items like the tent, torches, suncream etc in the car for easy access.
5. Re-purpose household items at the campsite
There are many ways you can make your life easier while camping, by using what you already have in the house. There is lots of tips about this, but I thought these two were great to use; Keeping toilet paper in an old coffee can so it doesn’t get wet or dropped on the ground. Plus, nobody will see what you’re holding and therefore not know where you’re heading to 😉 Or hanging up a roll of paper towels using a wire clothes hangar (you can’t get more kiwi than that!)
6. Dry your tent before storing it
If weather allows; pack as much as possible bar the tent in your car before breakfast, that way the tent can dry off as much as possible while you’re having breakfast. Then when you get home, set up your tent, or hang it over chairs / balustrade in the sun to let it dry completely. Be sure not to pack your tent back in it’s place at home while still wet, because it will get mouldy and you won’t be able to get that out. Once it’s all dry, clean away any sand or dirt. Do the same for the tent poles and stakes. I know it’s a pain having to clean up & tidy up when you get back, but you will be happy that you did for next time.
7. Air out sleeping bags and blankets
When you’re back home, shake sleeping bags to release loose items from the inside folds, and just let it air out flat. Try not to hang the sleeping bag in direct sunlight as the UV rays can damage the nylon. Cotton blankets can be hung in direct sunlight because the light will act as a disinfectant (!). I read that you can wash sleeping bags, but only in front loaders (best check to make sure).
8. Remove batteries from electronic devices
By removing batteries from torches, headlamps, GPS devices etc before placing them back into storage, helps prevent corrosion or leakages. Storing batteries in a sealed plastic bag that you keep close to the other camping equipment.
9. Cookware
Always make sure your pots & pans, utensils and camp stove are clean before putting them away. We keep all our cooking gear in a small suitcase bag, that way it keeps everything together and is easy to carry everything around but it also stops it getting dusty. Getting rid of food drippings or crumbs will help stop attract ants, cockroaches or any other insects and bacteria.
10. Store camping items in a cool, dry place
Storing all your camping items together in one spot is ideal. If space at home is limited; consider renting a unit from My Storage. We have units in different sizes, and we will keep all of your gear safe, dry and out of your way.
That’s all the tips about camping storage for now. For more information about our storage units, contact us in the office, call us on 03.544.4393 or fill out our contact form below.
In the meantime, have a lovely long weekend (for those who will), be safe on the road! Bye for now..
For the best campsites on the North & South Island visit: https://www.phenomenalglobe.com/where-to-find-the-best-campsites-in-new-zealand
