first trip is 6 days away

I read some advice in Trailer Life YEARS ago - "Take half as many clothes as you think you will need, and twice the money!"

Sounds exciting and fun. I think we all over pack the first time, and still forget something. It will be fun when you come back to let us know what yours was.

The best suggestion I can make is scheduling.

Now far too any people try to cram a 3 week vacation into a 2 week time slot.. This simply does not work, causes all sorts of stress....

But if you try to cram a 2 week vacation into a 3 week time slot.. it is a lot more fun as you find little "ups and extras" to do along the way.

I created a camping list and printed a few copies so that it can be reviewed before leaving. Then after a trip or two I made the necessary deletions and additions.

If your spouse is going to help you back into a campsite always get out and check it yourself. My wife always gives me directions I can't hear or gives me hand signals where I can't see her. It's always good to get into the site without any bumps or bruises or hurt feelings. (In fact, watching someone else get into a campsite can be a sick form of entertainment.)

If you put your awning out pay attention to potential weather changes that might create windy conditions. Replacing the awning can be costly. Put it up if your leaving and conditions could change or use tie downs if necessary.

Before leaving the campground check your trailer carefully to make sure everything on the interior is locked down and secured. If you use your TV antenna make sure it's down before leaving.

I agree with allen8106. If there is something you left home that you really need there are stores. If it is a duplicate of an item you have at home, just leave it on the trailer permanently.

We started doing that 13 years ago and now we seldom have to move anything besides food between coach and house. We are not newbies. It is wonderful to have a fully stocked camper that is mostly ready to roll when you want to go.

Don't be in a hurry.

Suggestion.....leave everything imaginable at home, you won't need it.

One minor suggestion...for the first time, we decided to NOT pack our stuff in duffle bags, instead we just carried our stuff and packed into the drawers/cabinets in he bedrooms. Couldn't believe how not having to step around our over the duffle bags improved the "roominess" of the camper. I know, we should have done that sooner, but never thought about it! lol

x2 on the pen and paper. One column for "Things I had but didn't need." One column for "Things I needed but didn't have." Don't just do it for your first trip, either.

We're headed to a place in Atmore called Magnolia Branch.
http://www.magnoliabranch.com/
It's not too far and it has all kinds of fun stuff for me. Um, I mean for the grandkids.