Planning to hit the road this school holiday? Here are some tips on how to pack your car’s boot and make the most out of the available space.
Start with a clean slate
If your car boot is packed poorly, you’re wasting space. An unorganized boot also makes it difficult for you to find things, which can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you are on the road.
Before you pack, take everything out of your car and make sure that your boot is clean. While the boot is empty, it’s a good time to check the pressure of your spare tyre and equipment.
Know you space
By knowing your vehicle’s boot capacity, it’s easier to know beforehand how much you can pack. You will be able to give each family member an indication of the amount of luggage that they are allowed to take on your trip.
TIP: Discuss with your family what they’re bringing and consolidate where you can – for instance, take just one toiletry bag containing toothpaste, soap and shampoo. By eliminating duplicates you can travel lighter and more efficiently.
Sort your luggage
Place all your fragile and breakable items (including electronic items) into a strong, sturdy box or crate. Give these extra protection by cushioning them with towels or pillows.
Now, in the vicinity of your vehicle, divide your luggage into 4 piles:
- Emergency items such as a first-aid kit, torch, and batteries.
- Soft items such as pillows, blankets and jackets.
- Items that you will need while on the road – maps, books, food and drinks.
- Items that you won’t need until you reach your destination.
Pack in order of access
Start with pile 4 and pack the largest, bulkiest and most awkwardly-shaped items first, pushing everything firmly up against the back seat. Then pack the largest square-ish stuff (suitcases and boxes), fitting everything as close together as possible. Pack the medium-sized items next. Repeat the same process with pile 3.
Next, pack all the small things from piles 3 and 4, and the soft things (pile 2) last – you can usually fill the remaining space by pushing the items into gaps.
Lastly, place emergency items on top for easy access.
Don’t forget about the space under seats, in the footwells, and in the cubby-hole. These are easily accessible storage spaces and ideal for items that you might need on the road.
Safety first
Packing a boot is a bit like playing Tetris but safety must always be your main concern. This means packing everything as flat as possible so that you are always able to see out of your rear window.
Make sure that all items are secure; braking suddenly can send items flying around the car and possibly cause an injury.
Man vs. woman
On average, men pack about 40 items for a 2-week holiday. In contrast, women will back up to 150 items. This vast difference has led to many arguments around packing the car boot. But if you follow our space-saving packing tips, you might just have enough space for your wife’s second (or third!) suitcase.