How to pack for an RV holiday

“Soft bags make it easier to stow things in spaces where a suitcase won’t fit,” says Melanie Van Dalen, Rental Sales and Partnerships Manager at Apollo. “Soft bags are also less likely than a hard suitcase to damage the interior of your RV.”

Score extra storage space by removing the pads from inside cushions and packing cushion covers with soft items like gloves, scarves, jumpers and fleecy throw blankets for cooler nights, hats.

Your RV may come equipped with cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery, but take plastic containers to store ingredients or leftovers. “The fridge will be smaller than at home so make space by stacking food and using a travel Esky for drinks,” says Melanie. And don't forget to pack cutlery and plates. Stop any rattling when you’re on the road by putting paper plates between dishes and tightly packing a tea towel over the cutlery drawer. Nesting bowls and measuring spoons save space, too.

A few handy space-saving devices can keep everything in place. Install a peg board against a wall to hang pots and pans, hang fruit in a small hammock – it will ripen more evenly too – and invest in under-shelf baskets to boost storage in cupboards. In the bathroom, hang a shoe organiser and use it to store towels, and hang a shower caddy to keep toiletries tidy. Hang a caddy from the side of your bed to keep late-night essentials in one place too.

Be prepared for days when the weather gods work against you. Pack books, DVDS, iPads and a few favourite toys for kids. “A trusty pack of cards is handy and use Ziploc bags to store boardgame pieces,” suggests Melanie. Use a magazine holder next to a couch to store laptops and iPads and use Velcro on remotes to keep them in place.

“Make sure your first-aid kit is refurbished. As you take things out, replace them and make sure nothing has reached its best-before date,” advises Richard. More: What you need in your travel first-aid kit.

Minimise clothing and wash and dry a few essential outfits at campgrounds with laundry facilities. “If you’re taking bulkier items, use space-saving vacuum storage bags,” advises Melanie. “Take coat hangers for a few special items, like a dress or shirt and pants, if you’re going out to dinner.”

“A few simple maintenance jobs may pop up. Major mechanical repairs will need an on-site professional but some basic items to help you along the way include a windscreen repair kit, silicone rescue tape, hose clamps and tyre repair kits,” says Richard.

Many motorhomes have power outlets so mobile phones and tablets can stay charged. Pack some spare batteries for electrical gadgets. “If you go off the beaten track for a night or two, make sure you have portable chargers,” says Melanie. 

As you travel you’ll take plenty of photos, so pack a spare memory card. There’s nothing worse than having to delete photos to make space for new memories. More: How to turn your travel snaps into a photo book.