Plan to Pack for a Successful Trip
Embarking on a family motorhome adventure is an exciting prospect, but proper preparation is key to a smooth and enjoyable journey. We have been travelling regularly with our kids in a motorhome for 5 years now and so have learned a thing or two about what we need and what we don’t. To ensure you don’t miss a beat, here’s the Ultimate Family Motorhome Packing Checklist for families hitting the road. From essentials to entertainment, I’ve got you covered!
Comfort and Safety:
Ensuring comfort and safety in a motorhome while traveling with kids involves careful planning and the inclusion of essential items. Proper car seats and booster seats are paramount for secure travel, adhering to safety regulations and providing peace of mind. Adequate bedding, including sheets, blankets, pillows, and perhaps a beloved teddy, ensures restful nights for everyone. A well-stocked first aid kit, complete with essential medications, and an essential oils or homeopathy kit, offers preparedness for minor ailments. Safety measures such as a fire extinguisher, fire blanket, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are critical for emergency preparedness. For convenience, portable camping chairs and a foldable table facilitate outdoor dining, while a portable fan or heater ensures comfort in varying weather conditions. Window shades or curtains provide privacy, and childproofing supplies, like cupboard locks, keep young children safe. Reflective vests enhance night-time visibility during outdoor activities, and a buggy or baby/toddler carrier proves invaluable when little ones tire. Together, these items create a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable motorhome experience for families. Check these off as you get them or follow my links for more detailed checklists.
- Car seats and Booster seats
- Bedding for everyone (sheets, blankets, pillows) plus a teddy if desired
- First aid kit with essential medications
- Essential Oils Kit / Homeopathy Kit
- Fire extinguisher / fire blanket
- Smoke / carbon monoxide detectors
- Portable camping chairs and a foldable table
- Portable fan or heater depending on the season
- Window shades or curtains for privacy
- Childproofing supplies if traveling with young children – cupboard locks
- Reflective vests for night-time visibility during outdoor activities
- Buggy and Baby/Toddler Carrier for when kids get tired
Kitchen and Cooking Essentials:
- Cooking utensils, pots, and pans
- Lightweight and unbreakable dishes, cups and cutlery
- Cutting board and serving tray
- Non-perishable food items and snacks – I have put together some ideas for healthy and convenient snacks for kids
- Reusable food containers and ziplock bags
- Tin foil and Kitchen Roll
- BBQ and fire starting equipment
Entertainment for the Kids:
- Travel-friendly board games and card games
- Coloring books, crayons, and other art supplies
- 12V TV with DVD player or tablets for movies
- A basket of children’s books, a read aloud and favorite toys
- Outdoor games like frisbees or soccer balls
Tech and Gadgets:
- Cds or Blue Tooth Enabled Music Device
- Fully charged mobile devices and chargers
- Power bank for charging on the go
- Portable Wi-Fi hotspot or ensure you have a plan for connectivity
- GPS navigation system or apps
- Camera to capture those memorable moments
- Apps to find overnight camping spots
Clothing and Personal Items:
Packing clothing and personal items can be a simple task when you have had plenty of practice. However, it can seem daunting, especially with a large family, if you have never had to pack a capsule wardrobe before. The basics can be summed up under the following headings:
- Weather-appropriate clothing for each family member
- Comfortable walking shoes and outdoor gear
- Swimwear / wetsuits for water adventures
- Toiletries, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, and shower essentials
- Towels and washcloths
- Nappies and wipes (if necessary)
When it comes to packing for kids on a motorhome trip the items required can be age and ability dependant. Likewise creating the perfect mum’s capsule wardrobe for a motorhome adventure involves striking a balance between style and functionality. I would encourage you to check out both of my posts regarding packing for kids and packing for mum and then finding what works best for you and your family.
Cleaning and Organising Supplies:
- Trash bags and recycling bins
- Biodegradable soap and eco-friendly cleaning supplies
- Broom and dustpan for quick clean-ups
- 12v portable hoover
- Collapsible laundry basket / laundry bag for dirty clothes
- Compact storage solutions to keep the motorhome tidy
Maintenance Essentials:
- Tyre pressure gauge and 12v air compressor
- Tools for minor repairs
- Leveling blocks for uneven terrain and mini spirit level for checking the level of the motorhome
- Camping friendly toilet paper and sanitation supplies
- Extra motorhome keys and necessary documentation
- Portable generator or solar panels for power backup
Outdoor Adventure Gear and Misc:
- Camping gear such as tents and sleeping bags if planning to camp outdoors
- Beach Tent or UV Shelter and Wind Breaker
- Bikes and helmets for family rides
- Other outdoor activity equipment such as beach toys and body boards
- Binoculars and magnifying glasses for nature watching
- Books for mum and dad
- Guitar (essential in our house)
Documentation and Emergency Contacts:
- Driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance documents
- Emergency contact list, including roadside assistance details
- Medical information and insurance cards for all family members
- Maps or navigation apps with planned routes and emergency services marked
This detailed packing checklist covers a range of essentials, ensuring that families are well-prepared for a comfortable and enjoyable motorhome journey with their loved ones. When I asked the kids what they thought the essentials were they answered something to do and something to eat! Hopefully with this comprehensive packing checklist, you’re well-equipped to embark on your family motorhome adventure. Tailor the list to suit your family’s specific needs and preferences, and remember to leave some space for spontaneity and new discoveries along the way. Happy travels! Let me know in the comments what you would add to this list.
[…] Park, and Carnfunnock are just a few of the gems waiting to be discovered in Northern Ireland. So, pack your essentials, hit the road, and let the beauty of Northern Ireland unfold before you, one motorhome stop at a […]