Tips for Packing Groceries in an RV

on Aug 24, 2020, Updated Mar 14, 2024

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This is a sponsored post on behalf of Perfect Packaging. All opinions are my own.

Packing groceries for an RV trip is so easy when we can use items that come in flexible packaging. I’m loving this trend away from cardboard. Here’s why!

Now that we have a travel trailer, I have been scouring the internet for resources, RV must-haves, ideas and tips for everything from bedding to groceries. I have found we can get way more bang for our buck with items that use flexible packaging.

Here are some of my favorite ways to make the most of our small space on the road.

My son and I are obsessed with these little tuna and chicken packs. Because they are already flavored and ready to eat, it couldn’t be easier. Eat them for snacks, on a sandwich or as a dip for veggies. Yum!

How to Organize Groceries in an RV

So far, I have learned that less really is more when it comes to RV living.

That said, you really have a lot of options for smart packing if you think it through.

Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

Shop for items that come in flexible packaging. Collapsible bags pack smaller and produce less waste, which is a win all around. It’s called Perfect Packaging for a reason!
Buy in bulk at home, but only bring what you need in reusable containers.
If you will be in the same campground for a while, don’t forget to use your freezer space for meat, ice cream and even frozen veggies.
Store bread in the microwave. This is a great space-saver and also keeps hungry critters away.
Make the most of your cabinet/closet space by rearranging shelves or adding more.
If you have a large pantry or cabinet, use over the door hooks and baskets for more storage.
Don’t forget the slow cooker! Some of the easiest meals to make in an RV are in the slow cooker, like these sweet and spicy meatballs. This kielbasa and veggies recipe in the oven or on the griddle is another quick win.

Many people will tell you not to shop for groceries until you reach your destination. While it’s true that this does save on weight in the trailer, I would only do that for longer trips.

The last thing I want to do the moment I arrive to my campground is leave for the store!

Perfect Packaging is Awesome for Camping

Yes, living in a trailer is like living at home but if you aren’t used to living in less than 300 square feet, there may be an adjustment period.

Once I started thinking about how much space our packaging would take up, it definitely changed how I shop!

Whether you have an RV or are camping in a tent, flexible packaging saves space, weight and trips to the garbage can. Not to mention, making snacks easier to enjoy while on the road.

What’s a road trip without car snacks? I love these bags because they are resealable, which means fewer spills in the truck.

Finally, when you recycle or dispose of these bags, not only can they be reused, but the waste that does exist has a much smaller footprint. This part is up to us.

As much as 50% of the materials used can be recycled. To see where and how to recycle flexible packaging near you, use this tool. As they say on the campground, leave it cleaner than you found it. We can do that on the road and at home with just a little effort.

And while the process to manufacture and ship flexible packaging uses less energy due to using fewer raw materials, less water, and less space in the trucks, we can still work to make the process even more earth-friendly.

We are just getting started on this RV adventure and enjoying family mealtime is as important to me as ever. I can’t wait to share more as we learn.

In the meantime, happy eating!