RV Duplicates That Make Camping So Much Easier

One thing we’ve learned from RV life is this:

Sometimes having duplicates is worth it.

Now before anyone panics and thinks I’m encouraging clutter… hear me out.

I’m actually someone who likes simplifying life. But there are certain things that make camping and RV living so much easier when you keep one set at home and one set in the RV.

It cuts down on packing.
It cuts down on forgetting things.
And honestly, it cuts down on stress.

After a while, you get tired of carrying the same items back and forth every single trip. Especially when you’re trying to get out the door and all you want to do is hit the road.

So over time, we started keeping duplicates of some everyday items right in the RV.

And it has made life so much easier.

Some of the Duplicates We Keep in Our RV

Here are a few things we’ve found helpful to keep both at home and in the camper:

• Keurig
• SodaStream
• Instant Pot
• Toaster
• Can opener
• Pillows
• Crocs
• Toiletries
• Kitchen towels
• Washcloths
• Dish soap
• Cleaning supplies
• Broom

Some of these were bought secondhand from Facebook Marketplace, and honestly, that’s a great way to do it without spending a fortune.

Our RV Instant Pot doesn’t have to be brand new to make chili.

And my “RV Crocs” don’t care if they’re fashionable.

They just need to survive campground bathhouses and muddy campsites.

Other Duplicates You Might Want to Consider

After I started thinking about this more, I realized there are actually several other duplicates we keep in the RV that I didn’t even mention in my first list. Once you start RVing regularly, you really begin to notice which items are annoying to pack over and over again.

Some other things people may want to consider keeping duplicates of include:

Kitchen Items

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Coffee mugs
• Water bottles
• Silverware
• Pot holders
• Cutting boards
• Aluminum foil and zip-top bags
• Spices and cooking oil

Bedding & Bathroom

• Extra blankets
• Sheets
• Bath towels
• Shower shoes
• Hair dryer
• Toilet paper
• First aid kit
• Medicines
• Laundry basket

Cleaning Supplies

• Vacuum
• Mop
• Trash bags
• Disinfecting wipes
• Hand soap
• Laundry detergent
• Bug spray

Outdoor & Camping Gear

• Folding chairs
• Flashlights
• Extension cords
• Phone chargers
• Outdoor rugs
• Grilling tools
• Lighters
• Campfire roasting sticks

Clothing & Everyday Items

• Sweatshirts
• Rain jackets
• Flip flops
• Hats
• Sunglasses
• Charging cords
• Reading glasses

The longer you RV, the more you realize which things are frustrating to pack every single trip.

Those are usually the best things to duplicate.

It Makes Leaving for a Trip So Much Easier

One of the biggest benefits is how much faster we can leave.

Instead of making a checklist and running around the house grabbing things, most of what we need is already sitting in the RV waiting for us.

That means:

• Less chaos
• Less forgetting
• Less frustration

And when you’re trying to enjoy camping, that matters.

Because nobody wants to arrive at the campground and realize the can opener is still sitting in the kitchen drawer at home.

Ask me how I know.

End of Camping Season Reality

Now there is one downside to all these duplicates for us.

Since we have to put our RV into storage at the end of camping season, I unfortunately can’t leave everything inside year-round. A lot of things still need to come back into the house for the winter.

Especially anything soft or cozy that unwelcome little pests might decide would make a nice nesting spot.

So things like:

• Pillows
• Blankets
• Towels
• Washcloths
• Some clothing items

usually come back out before storage season.

I also remove food, toiletries, and anything else that could freeze, leak, spoil, or attract critters.

Not exactly the glamorous side of RV life.

But it’s part of it.

One thing that has really helped me is taking pictures before I empty things out.

I’ll snap photos of cabinets, drawers, baskets, and storage areas so when camping season rolls around again, I remember where everything goes.

Because let’s be honest… six months later I’m standing there thinking:
“Now where in the world did I put the paper towels last year?”

The pictures make setup season so much easier and save me from having to completely reinvent the wheel every spring.

It’s a simple little trick, but it really helps.

Duplicates Don’t Always Mean Clutter

I think sometimes people hear the word “duplicates” and immediately think excess.

But for us, it’s actually helped simplify things.

Everything has a place.
Everything stays ready.
And we aren’t constantly moving items back and forth.

It’s less mental clutter too.

Sometimes convenience is worth more than minimalism.

Start Small

If you’re new to RVing, you don’t have to buy everything at once.

Start with the things you use the most.
The items you’re constantly forgetting.
The things that annoy you to pack every trip.

You might be surprised how much easier camping becomes when your RV stays stocked and ready to go.

Because the goal is enjoying the trip… not packing for three hours beforehand.

And if you can find those duplicates on Marketplace or put them on your Amazon wishlist for gift ideas, even better.

And honestly, every camper eventually figures out what their own “must-have duplicates” are.

These are just some of ours.