Are you a packing expert, or are you a packing mess? If you want to pack a bunch of stuff, plus passengers, plus the family pets, and still have some legroom, here are some tips for packing your car for the holiday road trip.
Keep in mind the size of your vehicle. If it’s small, you will be more limited in what you can take with you. Whatever vehicle size you have, see how many non-essentials you can remove from the vehicle, like in the trunk and back seats, before you load it up for the holiday road trip.
Be selective about the number of suitcases you take and how much will go into them. If you can, travel lightly and purchase the toiletries and other disposables when you arrive at your destination.
Place heavier items on the bottom so they do not crush the lighter items. This is important, for sharp turns and sudden stops can shift your cargo around, so plan carefully when loading.
Keep valuables, like computers, phones, and wrapped gifts out of sight. If you cannot put them in the trunk, out of sight, then cover them with a blanket so thieves won’t be as tempted by the bright, shiny, alluring objects they see through your windows.
Lock your vehicle when you stop somewhere. Just be sure to have your keys with you when you lock everything up, or it’ll be a much longer and traumatic road trip than you planned for.
Consider using plastic crates or storage bins to carry miscellaneous items. It’ll create more space and allow you to efficiently stack your cargo.
Be sure to have a clear, visible line of sight through all of your windows. Do not stack cargo above the window line, as this could cause blind spots and increase your risk of an accident.
Consider a storage unit that attaches to the roof of your vehicle. They come in handy and allow for more space inside for your passengers.
Keep the items you’ll need within easy reach. If you pack your overnight clothes on the bottom, you’ll have the trouble of unpacking and repacking everything in your vehicle to find that one small item.
Clear out the trash that’s generated by you and your passengers at every stop. There is no need to keep the trash in your vehicle if you have access to garbage cans or dumpsters.
Consider adding pouches and pockets to the backs and sides of your passenger seats. This will allow for extra storage and prevent items from being stepped on and destroyed.
At Robert’s Collision & Repair, we love to help you any way we can with your vehicle, and we hope you find these holiday packing tips useful. For high-quality auto body repair, mechanical repair, oil changes, auto paint, auto detailing, and tire service, come see us at 234 Ramona Avenue in Monterey, CA. For your convenience, schedule an appointment by calling 831-373-1534.
Robert’s Collision & Repair: The premier auto repair center on the Monterey Peninsula.