Storage and kitchen stuff

Get yourself some of that non slip stuff that you can buy in caravan stores and Poundland type shops and use in cupboards. Vital for stopping slippage during transit. One more tip, always check cupboards are fully closed before setting off. Experienced one or two "oops" over the years and also worth checking if you've gone too quickly over speed ramps or a big pothole.

When we first started Caravanning, we invested in some 'Tefal' pans with folding handles. Not sure If you can still get them but they have been a boon; suffering a bit now but still great. As for everything else, we store it where we store it but agree with all, heavier stuff near the axle. We are about to invest in Correlle crockery; we have accumulated so much melamine stuff but I have never liked it. We have always had China mugs though. Tea isn't the same out of a plastic mug. Like Jill says though, evolve your needs. Much of the stuff we bought we left out for others 'free to a good home' ; we didn't want it in the end and someone else could use it.

we carry most stuff in boxes on the floor but that is because we take it to the caravan that way so its just as easy to leave it in them for transit then unpack on arrival.

So many good ideas , i cant wait to get out in my van we bought it in september and havent been anywhere yet ! Am chomping at the bit , work has eased now xmas is over so am trying to decide where first?

So many good ideas , i cant wait to get out in my van we bought it in september and havent been anywhere yet ! Am chomping at the bit , work has eased now xmas is over so am trying to decide where first?

Write your comments here...  If staying in the North then look for high ground.

Perhaps the "where" could be a place your wife would especially like to visit?  Things she wants to see/do there?  Depending on your time but I would suggest not too long a journey that tires everyone out.  But somewhere far enough to be new to you.  I think a lot of us have travelled too far - I certainly have - when a shorter distance reveals lots of unexplored places of interest etc.  This year a Caravanning friend wanted to stay in Woodhall Spa which is barely 20 miles for me but I found all sorts of new adventures including the wonderful old Kinema in the Woods that I had been trying to get around to for years!  Enjoy!

we spent four days in Woodhall Spa a couple of months back and even got to see a movie in the "Kinema" it was great....

We tend not to carry much food with us, but buy when we arrive on sites.  We use most of our cupboards and everything stays where it is kept, when we travel.  We use Corelle plates and dishes which are virtually unbreakable.  I can't recall us having a problem with things falling out of cupboards in transit.  We use ordinary glasses - just make sure the cupboard is packed tightly.

With regards to saucepans etc., we use the lighter camping variety.  Not only do they weigh less, but food heats up quicker as they ae thinner.

David 

My vote goes for Corelle plates.  I hate drinking out of melamine so we treated ourselves a couple of years ago.  As for pots and pans, we bought a cheap (and therefore lightweight) set from Tesco.  Poundland is excellent for small kitchen utensils.  I have a full set of reasonable knives in the van - got from Tesco when they had one of the "collect the coupon" offers a couple of years ago.  I also keep a small "lock and lock" (Poundland actually) box with lots of small plastic containers with esential herbs, stock cubes etc.  I like to cook when we are away.  We always have the makings of one emrgency meal in the caravan (tin of stewing steak, instant mash), so that we can make up a quick meal if things travel wise don't work out. Part of the fun of kitting out is looking around charity shops where you can often find some excellent bargains - last year we got some elctronic weighing scales complete with battery for £1.50 - needless to say this is not in the caravan! 

When we first started Caravanning, we invested in some 'Tefal' pans with folding handles. Not sure If you can still get them but they have been a boon; suffering a bit now but still great. As for everything else, we store it where we store it but agree with all, heavier stuff near the axle. We are about to invest in Correlle crockery; we have accumulated so much melamine stuff but I have never liked it. We have always had China mugs though. Tea isn't the same out of a plastic mug. Like Jill says though, evolve your needs. Much of the stuff we bought we left out for others 'free to a good home' ; we didn't want it in the end and someone else could use it.

Write your comments here...just bought a set of light weight tefal pans these have a clip on handle and can go direct from hob to oven. Half price!!  Stack so easily In the cupboard under the oven. Chucking out all the old heavy old pans!