With the right packing strategies, that feeling of relief can be yours.

Packing your car for camping correctly can make or break a trip. This blog shares five handy tips to save time, effort, and sanity and give you a sense of accomplishment when you see your efficiently packed car!

1 - Make a Checklist

The first step to ensuring your car is packed perfectly is to make a checklist. Write down everything you need, from tents to camping chairs and tableware. Having a list to tick off will not only confirm you have everything, but it may also help you reduce the number of items you're packing. 

We all want to pack everything but the kitchen sink, but do you need that extra camping table or chair? Creating a checklist is a great way to assess your packing. Line all items up and tick them off when putting them in the car.

2 - Prepare the space

Ensure your vehicle is ready for your camping gear before packing. Drop the back seats and remove the parcel shelf to allow for extra room. We know dropping the seats may not be possible for family campers, but accessing what usable space can make all the difference. 

Consider purchasing a roof box to store extras if all the car seats are taken. You want to use all available space and make the journey enjoyable for the whole family.

3 - Pack Smartly

Packaging smartly is the most crucial tip for packing your car for camping. Think methodically when loading your vehicle. Which items do you need easy access to when arriving at the campsite? These items must be packed last so you don't unload everything and create chaos on the site when you arrive. 

For example, you will need your tent groundsheet and footprint first to position your tent, so make sure this is on top. Heavy items like the tent, cool boxes, and windbreaks can create a great base, and squishy items like sleeping bags and clothing can be put in footwells or wedged between larger items.

4 - Safety

It's not just about the end destination. Ensure you have the right gear and are within easy reach for breakdowns. The emergency kit, which is usually stored in the boot, should be placed in the glove compartment or side door for emergency access, giving you peace of mind in case of unexpected situations. 

Always remember to keep the rear view window clear for safe driving, and don’t forget to pack a warm coat and blanket even in summer, just in case you break down. It's remembering little safety measures for unexpected emergencies.

5 - Take photo evidence

Our last car packing tip is to take photos of the car packed before you head off! Save these on your phone or laptop for your next adventure so you can remind yourself how to pack the vehicle perfectly.

A final note from us

Packing your car for camping will be a breeze if you follow our five handy tips! Plan, prepare, and pack smartly to save time and stress on your next camping holiday. Happy camping!

Follow our social channels to stay up to date with all things Attwoolls Outdoors!