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You’ve just bought your first caravan – you’ve taken it out for a practice spin and now you’re getting ready for your first trip away.
We get it, packing for any holiday can be a bit difficult but when you’re packing an actual tiny mobile home, it can get a bit overwhelming.
What do you need to take with you? Well, we can assure you that you don’t need everything and the kitchen sink!
We know how frustrating it can be, so we’ve got a few tips for you to hopefully make life easier and not so stressful.
Plan ahead
The number one piece of advice we can give you is to make a checklist before you even get started. Divide it into categories like kitchen and bathroom essentials, bedding, personal items and safety equipment. Depending on the length of your holiday, prioritise things based on necessity and frequency of use.
Something else that will help with planning that you must take into consideration is your caravan’s storage capacity. Caravan weights are very important and you mustn’t go over what is recommended. Work out what yours is and familiarise yourself with the storage space that’s available – think cupboards, drawers, under-bed storage and tunnel boots.
Pack strategically
When you get to the packing stage, make sure to distribute the weight. Balance the weight of your load evenly across the entire caravan to ensure stability while driving. Heavy items should be placed low and over the axle.
Avoid overloading one side of the caravan to prevent tipping or swaying.
Also, make sure to secure loose items – you don’t want to get to your destination and open a cupboard only to find a mess, or worse still a broken mess, inside. Tie down or secure heavy and loose items to prevent them shifting and use non-slip mats or grip liners in cupboards and drawers to keep them in place.
Latch cabinets and drawers – use latches or bungee cords to keep them closed while driving.
Keep accessibility in mind and keep the entrance clear, avoiding blocking the doorway with bags or equipment:
Maximise your storage space
There are plenty of ways you can do this. We love:
Only bring the essentials
Just because you’re travelling in a mobile home doesn’t mean you need EVERYTHING. Keep it simple. Think about what you’re going to cook and what the weather will be like where you’re travelling.
Cookware and utensils – bring only what you’ll need, like a couple of pots and pans, a set of utensils and a cutting board, as well as plates, bowls, cups and cutlery. Bring airtight containers for dry goods and only bring necessary perishable items.
Make sure to pack comfortable bedding that suits the climate you’ll be travelling in.
Don’t forget your personal hygiene items – store them in a travel-friendly toiletry bag and keep it accessible. Don’t go overboard though, only bring the products you’ll actually need.
When it comes to clothing, pack for the weather. Bring layers for varying temperatures and weather conditions and choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched.
You’ll also need cleaning supplies, a laundry bag, toilet paper and towels.
Camping chairs and a table are great for outdoor meals, games, and relaxation.
Entertainment is important too
Remember you won’t be spending all of your time outside of your van and sometimes you’ll be stuck inside if the weather’s not great. So, bring some entertainment!
Depending what your hobbies are, this one is down to personal preference, but here’s a few suggestions:
Safety and Maintenance
Safety and maintenance items are also a must have, wherever you’re travelling.
Make sure to bring a fully stocked first aid kit (include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers and any personal medications), a fire extinguisher, reflective safety vests and warning triangles, and a flashlight with spare batteries or a rechargeable one.
Carry a basic set of tools for minor repairs, plus a spare tyre and jack (suitable for both your vehicle and your caravan) and a portable jump starter in case of a dead battery.
Things you might not think of
It’s happened to us all, you’ve packed everything and are on the way to your destination when you get that feeling in the pit of your stomach – you’ve forgotten something super important.
We like to avoid that, so here’s a few things you might not think of that you’ll definitely need:
