Top 10 Packing Tips for a Caravan Holiday

The reason behind this top tip is because space in static caravans is limited and there is unlikely to be any space to store traditional suitcases. With soft bags (holdalls or laundry bags are great), you can unpack and roll up the bag and put it in the bottom of the wardrobe or under the bed.

Rolling your clothes helps to prevent creased clothing. A well-travelled friend of mine taught me this trick and it really does work. Not only does it help to avoid creases and the need to iron whilst away, it means you can fit more in to your bag.

The smaller the bag, the easier it is to travel so make use of every available bit of space when packing, including wearing your bulkiest clothes for the trip, decanting toiletries and using space in your shoes.

I am a huge fan of lists. Create a list of everything you need to take with you for all family members, print it off and laminate it so it can be used time and again. I have two columns on my laminated list and I use a dry wipe pen to tick off when each item has been packed. Don't forget all the incidental things such as chargers because you'll never hear the end of it if a phone or digital device runs out of battery.

Not very glamourous admittedly but why take huge packs of things when a small amount will suffice?

Bit of an odd one you're probably thinking but if you have decanted down as earlier suggested, it is wise to pop a bit of cling film over the nozzle before replacing the lid - just in case of any spillages en route.

I know this is starting to sound like you need to take your kitchen cupboard with you but you really don't. Have you ever been away and then realised you have nothing to bring back the dirty washing in? Let's face it, we all over pack. Do you really want all the dirty clothes packed directly with the clean ones on the return journey? This is where the trusty bin bags come in handy.

We all do, we can't help it. I am guilty of this myself, always thinking 'just in case'. To help, I try to coordinate outfits and create a capsule wardrobe when I go away so things colour coordinate and can be mixed and matched.

Think about the time of day you will be arriving at your destination. Will you arrive in time for a splash in the pool or will it be night time so it's straight in to PJs? Whatever you're likely to need right away, either pack it on top or put it all in a separate back to save the stress of trying to find it.

If you have small children and need items such as travel cots, high chairs and bed guards, why not phone ahead and see if they can be hired? Leaving these bulky items behind saves a lot of room in the car.