How to be a happy (organized) camper

Almost every family I have worked with has camping gear stashed somewhere in their home. For seasoned campers and those who only get to sleep under the starts one weekend this summer, I offer you some tips and tricks to make sure your time communing with nature is a happy stress-free experience.

• Make sure you have a camping checklist. When you pack up your camp gear in the fall, make a note of items that need replacing. You can slip the list into a plastic sleeve and put it right on top of your camping tote. When you pull out that list first thing in the spring to take shopping, you’ll know exactly what you need for the upcoming season. There are lots of great printable lists available online so you don’t forget a thing.

• Good gear is SO important. Spend the money to invest in really good sleeping bags. Many a camping adventure has been ‘dampened’ by a lousy wet night in a tent. Water is your worst enemy so be sure to pack tarps, towels, quality rain gear and don’t forget the little things like making sure your instant coffee, salt, sugar, etc. does not get ruined by dampness.

• Simplicity rules! The whole point of camping is to get back to nature and escape the complexities of daily life. Really scrutinize your list and make sure you are bringing only the true essentials. For example, you don’t need a 1 litre bottle of ketchup when a couple packets will do. There are great little divided spice bottles that can give you plenty of flavour options without dragging the entire kitchen pantry with you.

• Keep things clean. From hand sanitizer, potable water and plastic bags to pack things out, you want to bring what you need to make camping a healthy and safe pastime. Practice campsite cleanliness to ward off unwanted critters from ants to bears!

• Safety first. A well-stocked First Aid kit is the cornerstone of a successful camping weekend. Sunscreen, bug dope, Afterbite, Bandaids, allergy medication, headache tablets, etc. make sure before you leave home you have whatever you might need in case of minor injuries and annoyances. There might not be a 24-hour pharmacy nearby for camping emergencies. Lighting is also incredibly important — flashlights, headlamps, along with extra batteries and candles keep midnight bathroom runs safe and accident free.

• Don’t forget to pack the joy! Camping is a wonderful way to get back to nature and feel connected to the beauty around us. My favourite two items for a camping trip are the gingham tablecloth and a sturdy vase. Nothing says “We are happy campers” like a beautiful picnic table and some fresh picked wildflowers.

We live in an incredibly beautiful corner of the earth. People from all over the world come to experience the beauty that exists in our backyard. Whatever brings you joy when you are camping this summer — whether it is a good book, an unbreakable wine glass or a rousing game of washer toss, make it a priority. After all, that’s what camping is all about.

Dartmouth’s Lisa Macdonald is a member of the Professional Organizers of Canada. Referred to as “Halifax’s Answer to Martha Stewart,” her organizing work consists of seniors downsizing, move management, estate organizing, setting up filing systems for small businesses, helping busy professionals and working with families to create a calm and clutter-free existence. Contact Lisa for a complimentary consultation at www.allorganized.ca.