Pack It All In: The Ultimate 10-Step Guide to Loading Your Car to enjoy a Luxurious Holiday for Less
Iwan Carrington from BBC One’s Sort Your Life Out is an organisational and cleaning expert who knows how you can live life to the fullest on a budget.
Are you done with no-frills budget travel? Forget tiny budget airline baggage limits, planning a full-frills holiday is all about comfort and enjoyment, and the best trips start with clever packing! Research shows that Brits spend up to £1,500 on items abroad that they could have easily brought with them. To help you avoid that, here’s my guide on how to pack a fully loaded vehicle for a fabulous ferry holiday.
10 Steps to Pack Your Car for a Full-Frills Holiday
- Packing Cubes for Clothing
Essentials like clothing should be categorised for easy access. Use packing cubes that neatly stack into laundry bags to make unpacking at your destination a breeze! Swapping rigid suitcases for soft canvas bags and flexible packing cubes can create more room for other items, as they can be squeezed into tighter spaces.
- Pack in the right order
Colour code or label bags so it’s easy to find the items you need quickly. Make must-reach bags easy to access while putting the things you don’t need until you reach your destination deeper into the car. Remember to have a bag ready for use on the ferry as you’ll leave your car as soon as you step on board. Think about a book, phone charger, games and binoculars to help spot seals, whales and dolphins during the crossing. For an overnight sailing you’ll also need a change of clothes and toiletries as well as anything you want to have in the cabin.
- Creative Shoe Storage
With kids in tow, organisation is key! Hang a shoe storage system on the back of the front seats. This can transform into an activity station filled with their snacks, games, and crayons, creating a fun and clutter-free car entertainment station. This trick can also be used to keep travel documents, charging cables, a first aid kit and water bottles close at hand. Remember items like antibacterial hand gel, tissues and bin bags so you can keep the back seat clean and tidy.
- Essential Food & Drink
Have a rummage through your cupboards and pack food essentials like tea, coffee and tins, which can easily fit into a cleaning caddy, preventing spills and keeping everything tidy. No need to overpay for the basics when you can bring them from home! If you’re sailing outside the UK, make sure you save enough space in the boot for any duty-free wine, beers, spirits and cosmetics bought on board – this can save pounds on your holiday bar bill.
- Budget-friendly Sunscreen
Avoid spending a fortune on sun cream abroad! Purchase it from bargain stores at home, keeping an eye out for containers marked with UV star ratings for protection against harmful rays. There’s no need to buy the travel-sized bottles either as there are no restrictions on liquid volumes when travelling by ferry.
- Pre-packed Beach Essentials
Planning to hit the beach? Pack pool inflatables, sea shoes, and beach towels ahead of time into a beach bag. This keeps you ready for fun in the sun without the hassle of packing last-minute and can be much cheaper to buy at home from the supermarket middle aisle.
- Handling Bulkier Items
If cycling is going to be a big part of your trip, investing in a good quality bike carrier could work out more cost effective than bike hire at your destination. If pushchairs won’t fit in the boot, consider using the passenger footwell and use softer objects like blankets or towels to fill in gaps around them. One of the most overlooked storage spots is underneath seats, this is a great place for storing footwear.
- Thrifty Picnic Gear
No holiday is complete without a picnic! It’s also a great way to save money on dining out and will encourage you to explore bakeries and supermarkets for local delicacies. Bring reusable water bottles, cutlery, beakers, and plates for meals on the go. Remember the corkscrew and bottle opener. A thrifted picnic basket can serve as the perfect storage solution, stylish and practical!
- Luxurious Travel Touches
To add a touch of luxury during your stay, by packing scented candles, bath oils or pillow mists. These little items can create a spa-like feel in your accommodation, making your holiday feel extra special.
- Holiday Entertainment
Don’t forget those must-have travel games that can keep everyone entertained! Look for small-sized games at car boot sales or buy them second-hand online. They won’t take much space, and they’re a fraction of the cost! My favourites are UNO and Bananagrams. To spice up the evenings, throw in mini-speakers, karaoke mics, battery-operated lights, and some party decorations. It’ll create a fun atmosphere to celebrate any occasion!
By following these 10 steps, you’ll be able to fit everything you need into your car while making your travels enjoyable and stress-free. Bon voyage and happy packing!
YouTuber & TV presenter Iwan Carrington has turned his passions for travel, home renovation & charity shops into a thriving online presence. Since launching his Mr Carrington YouTube channel in 2016, Iwan has amassed a loyal following for his weekly videos showcasing travel vlogs, DIY projects and room makeovers. As a presenter for the award-winning hit BBC One series Sort Your Life Out, now on its 5th season, Iwan’s expertise in home organisation and design has earned him recognition, including a bCreator Blogger of the Year nomination in 2019. With an infectious enthusiasm for living your best life on a budget, Iwan continues to inspire his audience to think creatively about their spaces, possessions and adventures beyond the home! Iwan is currently writing his debut book due for release in 2026. Follow him on Instagram for more cleaning and organisation hacks.