Effective ways to best utilise the boot space of your car while planning a trip 05th Sept 2022
Planning a road trip in itself can be a hassle. From deciding the location and handling the logistics to buying all the essentials and packing them, you must have a lot on your to-do list. In addition, the excitement of travelling makes us pack things that might not be necessary, and we carry them due to the slight probability of them coming into use.
But, is this important? Overpacking can lead to an overstuffed car which can ruin the comfort and convenience of your road trip. To save you from one more additional hassle in the morning when you realise that you have overpacked and absolutely nothing fits into the trunk of your car, here are some tips and tricks to help you best utilise the boot space in your vehicle.
1. Planning before packing is the key:
Before stuffing all the suitcases in at once, taking a breather and planning accordingly is advisable. Have a rough idea of the dimensions of your trunk and gauge the amount of stuff you can take. After this, advise all the passengers on the maximum limit of bags and suitcases they can take.
2. Vacuum packing for the win:
Try the effective vacuum packing method to fit the maximum amount of clothes and other travel essentials in a bag. This method allows you to suck the air out of bags, reducing the space taken by clothes up to 50 per cent. You may also use it as an excuse to pack several beach dresses instead of the one you really need! Also, another trick that you can use to save space in suitcases is to roll the clothes instead of folding them.
3. Replacing your suitcases with soft bags:
Squeezing and squashing suitcases are impossible. They are suitable for air travel, where luggage might be thrown around, but for road travel, it is handier to use soft bags like duffles.
4. Heavy things first:
Assemble all your items into their smallest possible state so they can be stored easily in all nooks and crannies of your vehicle. Ensure to store the heaviest luggage first in the boot of your car to prevent them from rolling around and causing harm to the car, the passengers, or other delicate items.
5. Be careful:
It's advisable to be innovative while piling the suitcases on top of each other. Tie it in with bungee cords or ropes if it feels like a suitcase might fly off. Especially in open vehicles, you must be careful and keep the safety of other drivers around you.
6. Get creative with spaces:
The boot of your car isn't the only place to store luggage. Use all available space in the vehicle, including the glovebox, the footrest, and the space beneath the seats. If all these spaces are insufficient, try using a roof box for bulkier suitcases.
7. A carry-on:
The most frustrating thing during a trip is when essential items are deep in the heaviest luggage, which has been kept at the very bottom of the trunk, and you have to unload every single suitcase before you get to it. To avoid this, think about the essential things required for the trip and put it all in the carry bag you'll hold. These can include sunscreen, tissues, and your toothbrush, among other things.
8. Don't overload:
Cramming too much in your car can drastically reduce fuel economy and risk your vehicle's suspension. You should also be mindful of the luggage in your backseat, which might obscure your rear-view mirror. Be mindful of the tyres as they can only take a certain pressure. Check the driver's manual and determine the tyre's pressure for a heavy load.
Successful packing is the key to a hassle-free vacation. Be mindful of the things that you take along with you. Take precautions in advance to avoid facing damage to your car due to an overloaded trunk. But, having comprehensive car insurance handy can be your saviour if you face any damage. However, research new car insurance rates before making the final decision and look for the plan that promises the best coverage and benefits.
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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.