Stay Organized
Here's a tip I picked up from my tree-planter daughter: Pack all your camping gear in big, sturdy plastic totes (Rubbermaid are by far the strongest.) At the end of the season I clean and repack all my gear and stash it in the tote. On the lid I stick a ziplock bag with a detailed list of all the contents written clearly on a card inside. \ I can see what's inside at a glance--and I know it's clean and ready to go. It's good way to ensure I don't forget anything, and if I want to go camping on impulse I just grab the tote, pick up my tent and go.