RV living is a great way to live affordably and embrace a lifestyle that is free from traditional tie-downs, like mortgages or leases. While living on the road, there is always more to explore, but it’s important to gather all the must-haves for RV living before you hit the road. Having the right supplies is key to a successful journey.
Here are 12 must-haves for RV living to make sure you’re ready for every trip, whether you’re heading somewhere for the weekend or setting off on a long-term road adventure.
The Ultimate List of Must-Haves for RV Living in Comfort
Living in an RV 24/7 doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. It’s all about having the right essentials to make your home on wheels feel cozy and functional. As you really settle into full-time RV living, these must-haves will ensure you stay comfortable and ready for whatever the road brings.
1. Cleaning Supplies
While you won’t spend as much time cleaning your RV as you would a larger living space, it’s still important to keep things clean! Make sure you pack some essential supplies like:
- Disinfectant wipes
- Microfiber cloths
- Dish soap
- Floor cleaner
- A vacuum
Think about what solutions you’ll need for larger messes and smaller day-to-day tidying tasks.
2. Internet Connection
From booking your next campsite to researching activities in the area, you’ll want to be able to stay connected at each campsite and on the road. Does your RV have mobile internet or a Wi-Fi booster? If not, is there a way you can set it up? In more rural areas, cell phone data service may not be available, so it’s worthwhile to invest in an internet solution for your RV that will stay strong wherever you decide to park.
Keep in mind that some RV parks, such as Meadow Lane, offer internet access as part of their park amenities.
3. Essential Weather Gear
While you may not think of cold weather when you’re parking in warmer states like Texas, nights can drop down to freezing at certain times of the year. If you are living in an RV with beds that are close to the windows, you will want to make sure you have thick blankets and any other supplies needed to keep you warm enough to get a great night’s sleep.
Even in winter, warmer states can get hot during the day, so it’s important to pack reflective insulation for your windows and windshield to keep your space cool. You may also want to pack an awning to set up to provide some shade, along with basic supplies to repair the awning if it begins to wear out.
4. Headphones and Earplugs
When considering must-haves for sleep, it may be time to invest in a good pair of earplugs. As much as you may love the sounds of nature, they can often interfere with your ability to sleep. You may also need to consider noisy neighbors, depending on where you decide to park, especially if the park gets a lot of weekend campers.
Earplugs and noise-canceling headphones can also help you to get a little space from the people you share an RV with, even when physically putting distance between you isn’t an option. Choose an option that is comfortable in your ears so you can wear it for long periods of time.
5. Privacy Curtains
Privacy is key when living in an RV, so curtains that divide beds from the main living area or even split the main area into other sections are a must-have for RV living with multiple people. Whether you just want some space or need a visual break for a bit, these curtains can make it much easier to ensure harmonious living even when you’re cooped up for the whole day.
6. First Aid Supplies
If you plan to use your RV to get out in nature more, you’ll want to make sure you have any first aid supplies you might need on hand. Some of the must-haves for your RV living first aid kit include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Antiseptic solution or wipes to clean minor injuries.
- Bandages in a variety of shapes and sizes.
- Topical treatments for sunburn such as aloe vera gel or lidocaine spray.
- Tweezers for the occasional splinter.
- Sterile gauze pads to use for larger injuries.
- Instant cold packs.
You should also include any personal medical equipment in the RV kit. For example, if you or anyone you travel with has a severe allergy, this would be a good place to keep an EpiPen.
7. Proof of Identity
While you may not want to bring a full filing cabinet with you in an RV, it’s important to bring a few essential documents with you. Birth certificates, passports, driver’s licenses, and government-issued identification cards are examples of documents you can carry for proof of identity. Everyone traveling with you should have at least one form of identification, especially when crossing state lines or handling emergencies on the road.
Remember, you need documentation for your RV, too, including state registration and proof of insurance.
8. School Records (If Traveling with Kids)
If you are traveling with children and plan to enroll them in school during your journey, a must-have is their immunization records, academic transcripts, and proof of residency (if needed). Keeping these documents handy will make enrolling in school a lot smoother.
9. Kitchenware and Appliances
Cooking over a fire and exploring local restaurants are always fun, but sometimes, nothing hits the spot quite like a hearty crockpot soup or a quick microwave meal. Consider what your RV’s kitchenette space has available, or might need, such as:
- Mini fridge, microwave, or stovetop
- Crockpot, blender, or other small appliances
- Food storage solutions (vacuum-sealed containers, food storage bags, etc.)
Additionally, bring along a meat thermometer and basic utensils to make meal prep easier.
Food prep tools, such as your favorite kitchen knife, can also come in handy, but you must store them correctly so they don’t become a safety hazard when you move your RV.
10. RV Repair Supplies and Tools
A mechanic may be able to help you with larger repairs, but if something happens while you’re on the road, you want to be prepared. Basic supplies and tools for minor repair are a must-have for RV living and can be a game-changer, such as:
- A tire pressure gauge
- An adjustable wrench
- Duct tape
- A travel air compressor
These tools can help you make minor repairs in a pinch until you can take your RV to a professional for more long-term fixes.
11. Space-Efficient Hobby Supplies
It’s important to be able to entertain yourself while you’re on the road or when the weather makes exploring the great outdoors an unappealing option. Some great options include an e-reader, a tablet with a stylus for art projects, and a screen to watch movies or TV shows.
Of course, living in an RV doesn’t mean you have to give up your hobbies. As long as you pick compact, space-saving options, you can definitely pack in things like art supplies, such as sketchbooks or crafting tools, portable speakers, a camera, musical instruments, or card and board games.
12. Outdoor Gear
While you’ll spend a lot of time inside your RV, having the right outdoor gear can help you fully embrace the RV lifestyle. Consider packing:
- Foldable camping chairs
- Hiking boots and backpacks
- Fishing poles or kayaks
- Portable grill
This will give you the flexibility to enjoy the great outdoors and take full advantage of your surroundings.
A Note About Must-Haves for RV Living
Most of what you need for RV living are the same basic items you’d need to live anywhere, plus supplies to maintain your RV on the road, and some storage and privacy solutions to make sure your RV travels and stays are always comfortable. However, it’s not identical to life in a typical home, as living in an RV presents some unique challenges that require additional considerations.
Just make sure you have these basic categories covered:
- Specialized equipment to maintain your RV on the road
- Home and personal essentials like clothing, kitchen supplies, and care items
- Space-saving solutions to keep things organized in your compact living space
- Items for privacy and comfort to ensure a little personal space
- Hobbies and decor to really create a space that feels like home
- Outdoor gear to stay prepared while you’re spending time in nature
Full-time RV living requires a mindset that embraces freedom, adaptability, and a willingness to adjust. When you approach it with the right perspective, it can be an incredibly rewarding lifestyle, not to mention affordable.
Once you’ve got that, your positive attitude and strong research skills will take you far!
Enjoy Comfortable, Full-Time RV Living with the Right Must-Haves
Once you’ve gathered everything on your list of must-haves for RV living and are confident with your setup, it’s time to start planning your next trip! At Meadow Lane RV Park, we strive to support your dreams of traveling in an RV, exploring all there is to see and do. We can help you with the best options for parking your RV and enjoying local activities.
To make sure your RV plans in Austin, Texas, are always comfortable and fun, book your stay with Meadow Lane RV Park today.