Packing a motorhome: A checklist for beginners

When it’s time to head out on a trip in your motorhome, you’re not quite going to be able to just jump aboard and zoom off! There’s an important stage to go through first, and that’s packing. You’ll obviously be taking plenty of clothes with you, as well as food and other day-to-day essentials, but it’s often the little things you don’t consider, or forget about, in advance that will catch you out once you’re on your way.

In this edition of our blog we’ll provide a handy checklist of items for making sure your motorhome trip is magical, and forget free!

Don’t be overwhelmed worrying about what how you should pack a motorhome and the items you should pack. It’s a very logical process to arrive at a good list perfect for you. Consider each area of the motorhome, and what you might need (i.e. cooking in the kitchen and washing in the bathroom). Consider things like getting a cold (therefore pack a first-aid kit), and so on.

Stocking your kitchen to ensure a smooth culinary experience while you’re out on the road is essential. At the most ridiculous extreme, you don’t want to find you have a load of chicken to chop, but no knife!

Cookware: Select the cookware that you take wisely, prioritising those items you’ll actually use during your trip. There’s no point in transferring the massive amount of contents of your home kitchen to your motorhome if all you are going to need are a few bits such as a frying pan, saucepan, mixing bowl, whisk etc. These essentials enable you to whip up delicious meals without taking up any unnecessary space in the motorhome kitchen storage.

Knives, forks and spoons, plus plates and bowls: If you’re going to be cooking on your motorhome travels then you’re going to need the right gear for eating – in other words on homemade meals during your travels demands the inclusion of cutlery and crockery. Opt for travel-friendly versions crafted from durable materials to avoid breakages. Remember to pack essentials like knives, forks, spoons, plates, and bowls to cater to your dining needs.

Storage containers: This is, without doubt, one of the most important tips we can give when it comes to motorhome cupboards. Use storage containers to maximise cupboard space. Transfer staples such as cereals, rice and pasta into storage containers which have sealable lids, and which can then be stacked on top of each other. At the most extreme, you might find that you can use another 30 – 40% of the available storage space due to the stacking nature of these plastic tubs and containers. You will also be able to make sure your ingredients stay fresh throughout the trip. These types of container are easily available at any home discount store, so they won’t cost you much.

Staples: We mentioned staple foodstuffs in the previous section. This includes things like pasta, rice, tinned beans, soup, cereals – all of thine things which make up a basic diet and which we consume on a regular basis, if not daily. Make sure you have a good strong supply of these items, and you will always have ingredients on hand ready for cooking hearty meals. Similarly, hydration is key during travels, so have a supply of bottled water to ensure you can take some with you and stay refreshed while exploring away from your motorhome.

Kitchen extras: Things like tin foil and cling film are also essential to take with you on your motorhome trips. These versatile kitchen aids are indispensable as they will allow you to preserve leftover food by wrapping it up and maintaining freshness.

These days, with the entire world connected through the internet, it’s important to not leave your digital devices behind – unless, of course, you want a completely ‘disappeared’ period of time away from home. We’d say that’s probably unwise, as technology offers the opportunity to stay safe and connected with home. You could, of course, limit your interaction with your phone or tablet by restricting to certain hours or times of the day. Nonetheless, taking tech with you on a motorhome trip is important.

Phone: Really, these days a mobile phone is an indispensable piece of kit, as it serves various important purposes – from essential communications to navigation and from social interaction to entertainment. Whether you’re a frequent user or the kind of person who can put it down and forget it about it between breakfast and bedtime, you should probably ensure that you have your mobile phone with you at all times – especially as it could be a life-saver in the case of emergencies.

Charger: Remember to take your plug-in charger (or chargers) so that you can keep your devices powered throughout the journey. It’s also worth investing in a portable charger so that you can take it with you when you are out and about away from your motorhome. That way you shouldn’t lose power when you might most need it, and you can stay connected, even in remote locations where access to traditional power sources could be limited.

Media player: This is an essential for entertainment on the road – whether it means a portable disc player you can hook up to the onboard TV, and some discs of your favourite films or shows, or a media playing hard-drive on which you have stored a vast amount of stuff to watch. You may have been ‘binging’ a show back home and don’t want that immersion to stop just because you’re away in your motorhome. You can also store music on portable hard-drives / media players, so you should always have the right soundtrack for those beautiful country roads.

Cards and games: If you like your entertainment more analogue, then take along a selection of board games for all the family to enjoy. Games night in a motorhome can have a particularly special feel, with everyone gathered up close in the social area and atmospheric ambient lighting offsetting the darkness outside. Take along a pack of cards and indulging in some card game is another way families or friends can have fun.

Being safe and being ready for anything are two of the biggest ‘musts’ when you’re on a motorhome trip. Practical items to ensure are on your packing list include:

Driving licence plus: Ensure that you have your driving licence with you in case you find yourself in a circumstance where it is legally required. Similarly, ensure you have a notebook somewhere secret aboard which contains insurance details etc, in the event of a breakdown (presuming you have breakdown cover). This notebook can also contain necessary phone numbers so that in the event of an emergency, you have immediate access to the numbers you need.

First aid kit: Make sure that you pack a comprehensive first aid kit equipped to handle minor injuries, illnesses and emergencies. Stock up on essential medical supplies like cough medicine, painkillers, plasters, bandages, ointments, creams plus insect repellents and sunblock. Think of any health concerns that might occur while you’re out on the road and pack something that will help you deal with them if and when they arise.

Earplugs: If you’re really serious about your rest then packing some high quality earplugs is a must. You’ll enjoy peaceful sleep even when you’re parked up in bustling surroundings. Modern earplugs appear quite modest but are scientifically engineered using acoustic-property materials so that unwanted noise is filtered out, ensuring you get a decent night’s rest during your motorhome escapades.

Torch: Be prepared for night-time excursions or emergencies, by packing a reliable torch which will allow you to light up your surroundings. You can buy torches which are powered by replaceable batteries, or opt for one which has a USB charge facility.

Road safety: In the unlikely event of having to pull over and getting stranded until emergency services or repairs arrive, you could do with having a road safety kit packed. This should include items such as a warning triangle and hi-visibility safety vests.

Making sure that you pack these essentials means you’ll be able to embark on a motorhome trip in absolute confidence, knowing you are fully equipped for the adventures you’ve been looking forward to on the road ahead – and the unexpected ones too.