Have you opted for a staycation this summer? Wondering how you’re going to fit in everything you want to take? We’ve got some top tips to help you get the most from your car’s storage space as you get set to hit the road.
Raise the roof
Your roof is your friend when it comes to increasing storage space in your car. Roof boxes can give you loads more space to cram in suitcases and bulkier items, and they come in a variety of sizes.
If you don’t fancy buying one – and wondering where to store it once you get home – then you can always hire one from a supplier. They usually include a fitting and removal service in the price, which is a nice bonus and saves you fiddling about.
If you’re planning to invest in a roof box as you do a lot of staycations and/or camping, don’t forget to take it off when you’re not using it – they’re not the most fuel efficient of car accessories.
How about a trailer?
If you’re making regular journeys with a lot of equipment, and a roof box just won’t cut it, it might be worth investing in a trailer.
It’s surprising how much can fit in these things, even the smallest ones, and you won’t be compromising passenger comfort.
They’re also perfect for storing anything that’s got muddy during your trip, such as camping equipment, wellies and that dog towel!
Back of the seat
This one’s especially important if travelling with youngsters – get yourself some organisers that hang down the back of the front seats and have plenty of pockets for all the bits and bobs that might get lost in the car.
Some also come with a built in phone/tablet holder for them to play their favourite films hands free, and others have a ‘table’ that drops down for easy colouring/reading on the go.
Bikes on the back
If you’re planning to take your bikes with you on staycation, make sure you get the best bike rack you can afford to keep them all safe. Get one from an expert supplier who can show you have to install and remove it properly and safely – they might also allow you to hire one.
You can get bike racks which sit on your car’s roof, but then you’re running a height risk – we’d recommend the bike racks that attach to your boot. Just make sure your rear view isn’t compromised.
