When you’re planning to take a long road trip, there are quite a few things you need to prepare for. Along with ensuring that your vehicle is in good working order, that you have the funds to support yourself along the way, and that you’ve got everything you’ll need for your trip into your suitcases, you should also spend a decent amount of time strategically packing your car.
To help you in doing this, here are three tips for packing your car for a long road trip.
Always Pack Emergency Items First
Before you start loading your snacks and belongings, the very first thing you should pack into your car are the emergency items you plan to take with you for the duration of your trip. The last thing you want is to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with no way to help yourself if you get in a car accident or have some other type of emergency, so packing these items first is essential to ensuring that they come with you.
According to Red Ashton, a contributor to USA Today, some of the basic emergency items you should be sure to pack before loading in your shoes or suitcases include a first aid kit, basic tools for your vehicle, and an emergency food and water stash. You should also consider including some random items that might be helpful, like duct tape, work gloves, and napkins.
Keep Things Organized And Secure
As for how to pack items into your car, Meredith Bower, a contributor to HowStuffWorks.com, advises that you strive to keep things organized and secure.
Ideally, the heaviest items should be put close on the floor and closest to the center of the car, as this can help keep your center of gravity balanced. Additionally, you should strap everything down once it’s in its place so that, in the event of a car accident or sudden stop, nothing starts flying around and causing injuries to your passengers. And remember, don’t pack your car so full that you can’t see out of the windows.
Know What To Keep By The Doors
When thinking about where to pack certain items, it’s best to keep things that you’ll need along the way as close to the doors as possible.
For items that you won’t be needing until you reach your final destination, feel free to pack other items on top of them and shove them deep into the nooks and crannies of your vehicle. But for things like your snacks, overnight bags, and entertainment options, Driving-Tests.org recommends that you keep those items as easily accessible as possible.
If you’re going to be heading off on a long road trip soon, consider using the tips mentioned above to safely, smartly, and securely pack your vehicle.
