We are packing to head off somewhere around Australia and having never done this before, what are the most important things to take with you besides the car and caravan, dog and cat.

Thanks

Karen and Brian

husband, definately more than one use after 32 years

There are previous Posts on this  Subject.   Suggest you  click on "Search" in the blue line  across the top of the page.     Type in Sommat like  "What to Take"  or similar, you should get a few old posts re this.

I would always suggest. Take far fewer clothes than you think you need.   

If its To hot "wear Less"    if your cold  and your  wardrobe is lacking " Go and buy clothing from the  Op Shops or  Gucci  whichever suits your budget.  That way  you will get only what you need.   You wont need evening dress or black tie attire for Happy Hours.

We keep a set of camping clothing in the van all ready to go.  Oh and yes we still carry stuff we never wear.

Don't take masses of food.    Frozen, tinned, or bottled.    You will be passing  IGA's or country stores almost every day unless you are going "Way Off Road"    Give them  country folk your support.   Country stores and Hotels are part of the fun of being on the road in Australia.

Keep the  Weight  in your van down.

Spare    Wheel Bearings set and Seal  Kit for one Van Wheel.     

Certain there are lots of other suggestions going to be posted to you.

Regards

Mike

I used to keep my rego and insurance papers in the glove box of vehicle,but after attending a seminar re work I soon took them out ,was horrified to find out how so many vehicles that get nicked are sold on due to this very fact..So now they are in my small safe locked under the bed, I have transferred the details also into my I phn under a locked code in case I loose the phn

Also if taking away wheel bearings don't forget the Axel grease .

Don't forget  Camps,"the Bible".

Cheers

Sheba.,

If I am going overseas .. Or just traveling in Aus, I always email to myself copies of important documents and leave them on the server, That way if the worst thing happens and I loose important docs and I am away, I can always access copies of my passport, Licence, travel plans, and tickets. I also do the same with insurance and registration docs.  Apart from that, always take my iPad and laptop and  the driver!

Libby

shekon wrote:

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hi Soalls, welcome, I am going through this as we type. I have started to put stuff into the motorhome and believe me I have already dismissed stuff. Put it in the cupboard looked at it and thought what are you thinking Sharon. Have taken said stuff out of the MH and put back into boxes for storage.
So the answer to your question from me, I have not flipping idea. I guess as one travels, there will be things given away and other things bought. Until out there doing it, just not sure at all.

Have fun doing it though.

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 After our first trip which was only 2 months through the cold of winter, we would next time, at the same time of year, only take 2/3 of what we took this trip ... We travel in a camper van  (the type with push out beds and push up roof) so space is more limited than in a motor home or caravan. We generally used the same few items of clothing and washed when we needed to ... We used only thongs and sneakers so the extra shoes were just overkill. We never used the brand new portapot as we usually were near amenities ... We never used the brand new water heater except once and relied on boiling water if needed or the good old standby .. Baby wipes! The cp** we chucked in for the "just in case" gathered dust and space in the back of the car And never got an airing! And the gas heater that we thought we would need also never saw a flame! Of course a lot depends on the type of camping you do and what is and is not available where you go!

I guess everyone learns what they need to take after their first trip and everyone needs to go through that process ... Experience is the best teacher.

You will work it all out but do take advice about the more technical bits and pieces and spares you need to consider for the van and car As all the rest rely on the car and van exiting your postcode!

cheers

We always take a dozen or so home cooked frozen meals (the fridge is running anyway) no great effort to prepare, simply cook a few larger meals starting a few weeks prior to leaving and freeze the excess.

We find them invaluable after having had or are anticipating a long day of travel, remove one from the fridge in the AM and it's set to go by evening, easy.

We do cook on the road most evening, however like others we only carry limited supplies of fresh food, we top up wherever we can, never seems to present a problem.

Hi and welcome, instructions, receipt and warranties for tv, satellite dish, dvd player and computer.  we just needed ours and were glad we had put them all together in a zip lock bag. you can be sure one of them will play up. enjoy.

If you have a vacuum cleaner take space bags for the 'Other' seasons clothes. Amazing how much less space the clothes take up. Also good for the Doonah when you pack it away for the summer.

Lorraine and I came over from NZ Feb last yr. and have been travelling ever since. When we were packing initially only summer cloths, at the last moment threw in warm thermals. Boy are we glad we did. Even then had to go out and buy winter pyjamas. Even bought two pairs of UGG boots!!!!! 
If you are going to be on the road for a full yr I would advise summer and winter clothes. But as some have already said you can allways go to opp shops and buy if needed.

Oh, we are the worst .... haven't been doing this very long, but land up taking all sorts of things to eat, but land up taking most of it back home again.   We always took our baby with (Little Jack Russell called Buddy), but he does not travel very well, so we have been away twice without him and have found out how nice it is to just nip in for a brekky or stop and have lunch somewhere.   Of course if we do go for longer than a weekend, then, we would do a lot of our own cooking.   But, I'm sure we'll get into the packing side of things as we go.   (Must say, we do miss Buddy so much when we do go).

I have both a kitchen step ladder and one of those telescopic extension ones for cleaning the roof of van,very usefull if on the road full time.

 Packs away under the bed.

Mrs W and my laptops