Buying a new RV is exciting, and you probably can’t wait to take it out on your first camping trip. Still, you need to remember that you can’t store your items like you would in your house. After all, your RV moves!

To keep you and your family safe, you need to know how to properly store your items.

We’ve included some tips and tricks to keep your items from sliding around or becoming stolen.

We’ve also included a guide on what you should store in your RV for a more successful trip.

Keep Your Belongings From Sliding Around

When you bought your RV, you might not have thought about securing your belongings. You’re so used to throwing things into your cabinets at home, that you assumed your RV would be similar.

But what happens when your belongings start to slide around?

Be sure to secure all your belongings inside your RV. This will protect you when you take sharp turns, if you have to slam on the breaks, or if you get into an accident.

The great thing is that preparing your RV for a trip is like baby-proofing your house. There are so many safety devices on the market that can make your RV travel-ready.

To make sure all your belongings are properly stored, follow some of these simple steps:

Place safety latches and locks on all cabinets and drawers. If your RV jerks suddenly, this will prevent the cabinets and drawers from flying open. The last thing you want is to become showered with their contents.
Use corner and edge bumpers on your counters and tables. You may lose your balance while your RV is moving. These will prevent you from stabbing yourself on the edge of your sharp counters.
Equip your furniture and appliances with anchors. More than likely, the furniture that comes with your RV will already be anchored to the ground. But, if you bring in your own furniture or appliances, you’ll need to secure them so they don’t slide.
Use storage containers for all your small items. Safety latches will prevent your items from spilling out onto the floor of your RV. But, they won’t prevent the items from making a mess in your cabinet. The movement of the RV is still likely to cause your items to move around inside the cabinet. Use storage containers to keep everything in place.

Bonus tip:

You can keep more items stored under your bed and if you get a mattress with a hinge from coachbedding.com, it’s even easier to access this storage area!

Keep Your Items From Becoming Stolen

One of your worst nightmares as an RV owner is probably having your RV or the things in your RV stolen. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to keep your RV and your belongings safe from thieves:

If your RV doesn’t come with one, install an electronic security system
Lock your tire boots and X-chocks
Use hitch locks and steering wheel locks
Secure valuables in a cabinet or drawer equipped with a lock

Know What To Bring On Your Trip

When planning for proper storage, it’s important to know what to bring and where to safely store it in your RV.

Create a first-aid kit that you store with easy accessibility in your bathroom. If you don’t already have a medicine cabinet, you can create one with a small container. Keep things like antibiotics, bandages, and other medications you may need.
Keep a file folder in a locked cabinet or drawer in an easily-accessible area. This folder should contain all your important documents. This includes things like your vehicle registration, inspection, and RV manual.
Store an RV toolbox in a locked cabinet in your RV. This toolbox should contain everything you may need in the event that your RV breaks down.
Secure a fire extinguisher under one of the cabinets in your kitchen in case of a fire.

Conclusion

Preparing your RV for life on the road may be more difficult than you anticipated. Still, it doesn’t have to be. Make sure you know what to bring for your trip, and store it properly so that no one gets hurt. Also, be sure to lock down your possessions so that your things don’t get stolen while you’re out enjoying your day.

As long as you follow these tips, you’ll be prepared for any road trip!

Posted on: July 5, 2022