The Ultimate Family Motorhome Packing Checklist: Don’t Forget These Essentials!

Plan to Pack for a Successful Trip

Embarking on a family motorhome adventure is thrilling, but preparation is essential for a smooth and enjoyable journey. After 5 years of motorhome travel with our kids, we’ve learned what truly matters on the road. To help you get started, here’s the Ultimate Family Motorhome Packing Checklist, covering everything from essentials to entertainment!

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Pre-Departure Checklist:

Documentation & Insurances

We are travelling from Northern Ireland in the UK to mainland Europe so any advice I provide here is from that point of view. As we are from Northern Ireland we have duel citizenship; both British and Irish. If you are travelling from a different part of the world you may have other documents, such as driving licenses and visas, and insurances to consider.

• Passports: Check expiration dates and renew if needed.
• UK EHIC: UK European Health Insurance Card; not a substitute for travel insurance
• Birth Certificates: for the children
• Driving Licenses: both paper and card parts for any drivers
• Vehicle Insurance: Bring a copy of your vehicle insurance and statement of fact.
• Breakdown Cover: Include Europe-wide coverage for your motorhome.
• Logbook: This is your V5C certificate
• MOT certificate : check that your mot will be valid for the entire trip
• Travel Insurance: Ensure it covers motorhome travel and includes emergency and routine care abroad.
• Pet Documentation: Pet passport, vaccination card (especially rabies), and microchip certificate. For us the dog also needs a health check within 72 hours of leaving the country.
• Ferry Bookings: bring a copy of your travel bookings

Carry your documents in safety with one of these fireproof document bags

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:

• Washing up liquid
• Washing and drying cloths and sponges
• Collapsible Washing Up Bowl
• 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
• Old towels or rags for drying up condensation

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.