By Gail Marsh
We know that buying in bulk can save money. With the ongoing inflation, saving money is on almost everyone’s mind. But how do RVers buy in bulk? We barely have enough space for the few things we pick up at a convenience store. Where would we ever put a giant package of paper towels? Or a family-size pack of chicken breasts? I’m all about saving money, but is buying in bulk even an option while living in an RV?
The answer is yes! And here’s how to do it successfully!
Buying bulk products as an RVer
Nonperishable bulk goods
• Shoe organizer. A shoe organizer like this one can be hung inside a closet or on the back of a door. You can store extra rolls of paper towels or toilet paper inside the “cubbies.” They’re easily accessible and out of the way.
• Back of door shelves. These handy shelves can be hung on the back of a door or wall. (Be sure to screw into studs!) Use it to hold extra toiletries like shampoos, soap, and more.
• Rolling shelf. When searching for extra storage, be sure to look down. A rolling shelf like this might just rest on the floor of your pantry or closet until you need to access the things inside.
• Top it off. This handy organizer, or others like it, will hold extra TP, cleaning supplies, and a host of other goods. You can position it over your toilet or washer/dryer combo, as pictured.
• Sink top storage. While this is sold as a dish drying rack, it might serve many additional uses, as well. You can store extra dish soap, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies up and out of your way. Or store your dishes in it and use the cleared cupboard space for other items.
• Under the bed. Many RVs feature under-the-bed storage spaces. Large bulk items can be stored here. Or you may want to use boxes to keep smaller, similar items together (e.g., laundry supplies, napkins, bars of soap).
• Magazine holders. Use containers like these to store extra packages of aluminum foil, wax paper, and more. These bins are pretty enough to be out in the open. And they hide what’s inside fairly well, too.
• RV basement. If you have room in the storage areas under your RV, you can store non-perishables there until they’re needed. We’ve also used the back of our pickup for storage. The truck bed cover is fairly waterproof. We put paper towels inside sealable plastic totes.
Perishable bulk foods
• Stack ‘em up. Get bins like these that can stack (or nest together when your supply wanes). Store fruit, vegetables, or other foods that need not be refrigerated inside. Note: Always look for square or rectangular containers. You can fit more of this shape than round ones in the same area. See-through containers are also helpful because you can know at a quick glance when you’re running low on something.
• In the fridge. Containers like these will optimize the space inside your RV refrigerator. You can stack them up and still see what’s inside each one.
• Space saver sets. Sets like this one will take up much less space in your pantry than the original packaging does. Sure, you’ll need to empty the foods into the containers, but food will last longer, you can store more in the same amount of space, and the clear plastic allows you to see what’s inside each bin.
• Make and freeze. Many times, before shopping for bulk food, I’ll check out recipes. When I get the bulk food home, I’ll try and make up my chosen recipes and freeze the meals for use later. If you have freezer space, this may also be an option for you. Note: When possible, I freeze soups and stews inside freezer bags. They take up less space than large casserole dishes or Tupperware.
• Collapsible storage. When purchasing food storage containers, look for ones that will collapse when not in use. You’ll save lots of space with containers like these, both while in use and when stored.
• Reusable plastic bags. I like to use bags like these. When I come home from the bulk food store, I’ll take the time to cut apart broccoli, for example, and then separate it into individual meal servings. (Since I’m only cooking for Hubby and me, I know how much we’ll eat at one sitting.) The individual servings take up less space in our fridge, and I know at a glance what veggies we have. It’s also nice to grab a prepared bag of veggies to take along as a snack for a day out.
Other options for RVers buying in bulk
• Shop together. When camping with friends, we’ll sometimes visit Costco (or Sam’s Club) together. Then the families split up the supplies as well as the bill. You can also check local Facebook groups in the area you’re in—many people post on Facebook and find others to share Costco packs with.
• Share with others. When the local food bank was low on supplies, Hubby donated items that we were not able to store in our RV.
Are you an RVer who buys in bulk? Can you share additional storage tips with us? Please leave a comment below.
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RVT1258
Gail, I hate to toss cold water, but well, buying bulky items in bulk still take the same cubic space no matter what storage mods are made. Yes, your storage suggestions have merit. But we can’t spare the space for 6 rolls of paper towel and also carry other necessary items. And buying items in bulk is not conducive to controlling cargo weight.
You beat me to it. While all the things shown will help organize things, they still take up valuable space.
I one thing I really don’t agree with it the sink rack. I cannot imagine this staying put while driving down the road. And just one more thing to find a place to store.
We buy in bulk , but only take what we need in the RV. The rest stays home.
There are a lot of places out there to pick things up as needed.
And hanging “stuff” on doors I don’t believe is a good idea. Door hinges are made, and poorly at that, to hold a door. Add extra weight, and whether the door is kept open or closed, will only throw it out of alignment or eventually tear the hinge screws from the jamb.
Most of those things were useless in an RV unless you’re stationary. Talk about a mess when you get to your destination!
Very interesting article. And it just follows an article that points out that a lot of RV failures happen due to overload. And most RVs built today especially the less expensive ones have barely enough extra capacity to have a full water tank.