RE: Packing the Van
Since I live in a condo and don't have much storage room (and that is
in use) I leave the Westy mostly stocked and ready to go, bedding, dry
foods, canned goods, bottled water, coffee, cooking and eating
ware,etc. Even a set of cold weather clothes, personal stuff (tooth
brush, razor, etc).  Plus a bunch of other 'stuff'.  Through in
perishable foods, enough cloths for the trip, camera and whatever
telescope I'm taking and I'm gone.  The biggest shift in my thinking
has been to remember that especially for food, I can 'get it along the
way'.
I live in a major seismic zone (near Seattle) and that is another
reason to keep a minimal stock of food and supplies in the Westy: 
it's my 'emergency kit'.