RV Minimalism: This is What You Don't Need in Your Rig

Minimalism offers plenty of perks for savvy RV campers, but downsizing your supplies into a reasonable load can be challenging.

Whether you’re just beginning your minimalist journey or stepping into a smaller RV, we’re here to help.

Today, we’re talking about ten things you don’t need in your RV.

Let’s hit it!

A woman does dishes in her camper. Based on the amount of cookware, it seems she hasn't embraced tiny living.

Downsizing in an RV is Totally Doable!

Newer RV campers are often tempted to outfit their rig with all the bells and whistles. These gadgets and gizmos may offer a dopamine hit when you click the Buy Now button, but you might be sorely disappointed once they arrive in the mail.

Sure, it seems like a good idea to purchase RV-specific versions of all your existing items. However, many are unnecessary and take up valuable space you could use for things you really need. In fact, some things that sound useful could actually land you in hot water down the road.

Other folks have spent years on the road, inadvertently collecting clutter along the way. When it’s time to downsize to a smaller RV or simply reclaim living space, knowing where to start can be difficult.

In either case, we’ve got your back! Before filling your rig to the brim with objects, take a look at these ten items you don’t need in your RV.

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#1 Fancy Clothes

We all like looking and feeling our best, so it’s no surprise that many campers pack their finest digs just in case the opportunity arises to visit a swanky restaurant or head into the city for a night at the opera.

But do you know what doesn’t feel great? Preparing for a hike to find your only clean clothes are stuffy slacks and dress shoes.

We fully support throwing a nice set of threads in your RV closet for the odd occasion to dress up, but don’t dedicate a whole wardrobe to dresses and heels. When it comes to minimalism, most RVers don’t have that luxury.

Instead, focus on functional clothing that can work on the trails and for trips into town. Unless you plan to squeeze a few board meetings into your camping trip, fancy clothes will only take up space.

#2 RV Toilet Paper

A quick Google search for RV toilet paper will reveal many options that typically cost much more than your standard superstore options. Truthfully, it’s a marketing tactic to sucker gullible travelers into flushing money down the drain.

You don’t have to buy special RV or marine toilet paper to treat your black tank carefully. You simply need single-ply toilet paper. Any brand will do. The goal is to purchase a product that dissolves quickly.

Additionally, a black tank treatment can help facilitate the process and reduce anything that goes down the drain into a soupy sludge. Be sure to flush with plenty of water, and you’ll be good to go.

#3 Toilet Plunger

While we’re discussing potty problems, we should mention another tool that’s not worth taking up valuable space in your camper. And this one might surprise you.

RV plumbing doesn’t work like the pipes in brick-and-mortar houses. There’s no S-curve that solid waste must navigate through to get to the other side. Instead, it’s a straight shot to the black tank. As such, you should toss that toilet plunger in the trash if you’re downsizing the items in your RV.

These devices aren’t just useless for campers. They’re also covered in germs and hard to store safely. Do yourself a favor and leave the plunger at home.

#4 Firewood

Close your eyes and imagine you’ve just settled in at your favorite campsite. The sun is setting, the crickets are chirping, and there’s a cool breeze in the air. What’s the first thing you want to do to get into the camping spirit? Build a fire, of course.

So, it’s only logical to add firewood to your packing list. However, we’ll stop you right there.

Firewood tends to harbor tiny invasive insects, fungi, and other biological materials that can quickly harm the delicate ecosystems in natural areas. Many parks, preserves, and campgrounds ban outside wood or firewood that’s traveled across state lines.

To stay in the good graces of park rangers and the local wildlife, buy firewood at your campground or from a nearby vendor. If you’re unsure about your destination’s rules, check the website or call them before heading out.

Here’s a secret for you: 5 Easy Places to Find Firewood Near You!

#5 Washer and Dryer

If you’re accustomed to tossing your clothes in the washer whenever the mood strikes, the idea of coordinating trips to the laundromat and paying per load might sound inconvenient. That being said, it’s important to mention that these heavy, high-ticket items are generally unnecessary for campers.

Firstly, they take up a lot of room. All-in-one appliances are out there, but they’re expensive. Finally, weekly trips to the laundromat aren’t a big deal once you get used to them. Just plan accordingly and pack enough underwear to last until laundry day.

Campers tight on space shouldn’t prioritize these devices, especially if they didn’t initially come with the rig. Plus, plenty of campgrounds offer budget-friendly laundry facilities on-site.

When downsizing your RV, these appliances are a luxury.

#6 One-Dimensional Gadgets

In a world of excess, there’s no shortage of trendy tools that only serve a single purpose. Citrus reamers, egg slicers, and cherry pitters are a few kitchen-based tools that fit this category. In fact, cookware seems to be a major victim of this trend.

You typically don’t need a cabinet full of different pots and pans or enough flatware to feed an army, especially if tiny living is your goal. Consider cutting back to the essentials. For example, you can invest in a high-quality cast iron skillet and one pot big enough to boil pasta. Additionally, think of ways to simplify your cooking routine to minimize the dishes you generate.

Of course, the kitchen isn’t the only area where one-dimensional items appear. Your toolkit may also harbor many one-trick ponies. You can replace the ones that take up lots of room or weigh down your rig with compact multi-tools.

Want more tips? Check out How We Downsized to RV Life!

#7 Bulk Foods

RV downsizing means taking a hard look at how you utilize your storage space. While you might think overpacking food reserves is smart, going overboard is easy.

Before hitting the road, plan out every meal and snack. Then, stick to your menu. Doing this can help you pack a realistic amount of consumables, avoid food waste, and ensure you have plenty of room for the things you need.

Now, we’re fully onboard with taking reasonable safety precautions. Folks heading out for a lengthy backcountry expedition should take more water and food than they plan to use. After all, you never know when disaster will strike or if an unexpected storm will force you to shelter in place for an extra day or three. However, packing for the apocalypse will only weigh you down.

#8 Lawn Ornaments

Many RVers enjoy getting comfortable at their favorite campground and making it home for a season or more. So, it’s only natural these long-haulers want to decorate their site and make it feel like home. But it’s important to think logically about your decor when it comes to minimalist living.

Certain items, such as cafe lights and a couple of comfortable, all-weather chairs, can make your RV cozy and welcoming. Other accessories, like holiday decorations, bring less to the table. Multiply that by the number of days you celebrate, and you could quickly be out of storage space.

Is that small village of gnomes outside your front door really necessary? Probably not.

A woman using the oven in her RV with a curious dog nearby. Her clutter-free space makes it appear that she's embraced tiny living.

#9 All the Cleaning Supplies

Walk down the cleaning aisle in any grocery store, and you’ll see products that promise to make your microwave, oven, and toilet bowls sparkle. These manufacturers want you to think you need a different solution for every surface in your RV, but that simply isn’t true.

Instead, you can use multi-purpose cleaners to tackle most items that need cleaning. For example, Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap can be a body wash, dish soap, laundry detergent, and more. Use it to clean your floors, counters, and shower stall before dropping a bit into your toilet and giving it a scrub.

You can also buy a pack of cheap, reusable cleaning cloths that go in the wash after use. Or, better yet, make your own with clothes you’ve decluttered from your closet.

#10 Every Entertainment Item You Own

Our final RV downsizing tip might not be what you want to hear, but we’re going to say it anyway. Part of tiny living is enjoying the little things. The colors of a sunrise, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, and the feeling of finally hitting the pillow after a long hike all make the list.

However, many campers forget these simple pleasures and cram their RV full of gaming systems, tablets, and other on-grid devices. While we fully encourage you to enjoy your travels however you like, we’d challenge you to try a trip with just the basics.

You may find that a weekend away with a good book is just what the doctor ordered.

Save space with a set of Collapsible Silicone Food Storage Containers with Lids!

Is Minimalist Living Worth It?

Downsizing an RV is tough for anyone, especially those who’ve spent years accumulating camping gear, kitchen gadgets, and other space-sucking items.

That said, minimalism offers plenty of benefits. When you shed the excess, you’ll have more room, less visual clutter, and more time to focus on the things that matter. We suggest taking a long weekend to clear out any junk that isn’t serving you. And, if you’re just getting started, avoid stocking up on these items in the first place!