Words by Marg McAlister Images by Caravan & Motorhome on Tour
it’s essential that you think carefully about (a) what you really need and (b) where the heck you’re going to put it all!
There are two main things you need to keep in mind: one; how much space each object is going to take up, and two; how much each object weighs. There are laws about how much weight your vehicle is permitted to tow/carry: ignoring those laws can increase the risk of an accident and/or invalidate your insurance.
The more you travel, the more adept you’ll become at knowing what you can do without and how to pack efficiently. Talk to other travellers, too – they are always willing to share storage tips and tricks!
Think ‘lightweight’ and ‘small’
When there’s a choice, opt for a lighter or smaller version of most things. For example, my sewing machine was too heavy, so I bought a mini electric sewing machine that weighed only 2 kilos. There’s a lightweight alternative for most items: tableware, cutlery, drink tumblers, tables, chairs, washing machines.
Think ‘collapsible’
Collapsible items are a boon for travellers. These days you can buy many items that will fold flat: chairs, tables, baskets, rotary clotheslines, storage containers and collapsible measuring cups and spoons. A personal note: after trying some collapsible storage containers I found that I preferred zip-lock bags for most things, plus a supply of clip-lock containers in various sizes. Zip-lock bags are great for storing food flat in the freezer – a great space-saver. I also bought wire racks to make it easier to stack containers in the overhead cupboards.
Think ‘anchor’
When you’re travelling on bumpy roads, you don’t want anything to come adrift – so pack your goods securely. Place a pillow over clothes hangers to stop them moving around (or fit a notched hanger rail), stow TVS for travel, and check that items in cupboards are packed tightly or secured. If you prefer your wine in a glass, then buy glasses in sturdy boxes and pack them away for travel. Bottom line: anchor everything!
Think ‘safety’
When an object becomes a projectile, it exerts much more force than its actual weight. Therefore stow whatever you can away in your cupboards for travel, and make sure there’s a barrier between you and the goods in the back of your car. Pack the heaviest objects down low and towards the centre of the van. Also be wary about adding too much weight to the back of the van: two pushbikes and a heavy toolbox, for example, can increase the ‘sway’ factor. If in doubt, get advice.
Think ‘essential supplies’
Unless you’re going ‘outback’ for weeks, pack only what food you need for a few days then top up as you travel. To save weight, restrict the amount of water in your water tanks, and buy food in plastic containers rather than cans. Make a list of the essentials, which will include basic foodstuffs, a first aid kit and medicine. You should also carry details about your bank accounts, insurance, and business documents etc. You can scan and keep them on your computer to save space.
Think ‘access’
Sensible packing is about more than size and weight – it’s about putting often-used objects in places that are easy to reach! For example, fix a dispenser to the kitchen wall to hold your cling wrap, foil and paper towels, and put another one to the shower for shampoo and soap gel. If you have to stack objects, then make the top row (or front row) the things you use most, or else objects that are lightweight and easy to move.
Think ‘security’
If you are carrying things that are really precious to you, like jewellery, passports, a laptop and spare keys, think about installing a safe in your van. If you free-camp a lot and leave your van while you go sightseeing, buy a wheel clamp for your caravan. You can also install a keypad lockbox on the van, and keep your caravan/car key in there.
Think ‘declutter’
Make sure your everyday space is clear and uncluttered. It’s more relaxing to live
A notch-hanging rail will prevent clothes from falling on the floor
in a tidy space, so make your mantra ‘Don’t put it down, put it away!” If you can’t find enough room to store things, it’s a sign that you need to start pruning. Give away rarely-used possessions, or mail them home.
Think ‘seasonal’
If you’re travelling for a long time you’ll need clothes of different weights. Even on a short trip you can experience big changes in the weather, so think ‘layers’. In warmer climates, winter clothes and shoes can be stowed in the car or under beds.
Think ‘dual purpose’
Avoid taking two objects if one can serve a dual purpose. For example, take a deep-dish electric frypan rather than a shallow frypan and a wok; buy a machine that will chop, blend and mix rather than taking several gadgets. Shade-cloth can act as a barrier for both wind and sun, and a partial barrier for rain – if you’re constantly on the move, do you really need an annexe?