How to Pack Your Car for a Holiday: Tips for UK Drivers

Summary

• Heavy items go at the bottom: Pack the heaviest bags in the boot first, as close to the rear seats as possible.
• Don't block your mirrors: You must be able to see out of all windows and mirrors. It's a legal requirement.
• Check your tyre pressures: A loaded car needs higher tyre pressures. Check your handbook for the correct settings. Our tyre guide can help.

Going on a family road trip? Packing your car the right way matters more than you think. A badly packed car handles differently, uses more fuel, and can be dangerous in an emergency stop.

Here's how to do it properly.

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Before You Pack

Start by checking a few things:

• Check your car's payload: This is the maximum weight your car can carry on top of its own weight. You'll find it in your handbook or on a plate inside the driver's door.
• Tyre pressures: When carrying a full load, you'll need to increase tyre pressures. Check the sticker inside the fuel cap or door frame.
• Headlight adjustment: A heavy boot can tilt your headlights up. Some cars have a manual adjuster on the dashboard to correct this.

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How to Load the Boot

Follow these rules for safe, efficient packing:

1. Heaviest items first: Suitcases and heavy bags go in the boot first, pushed up against the back seats.
2. Fill gaps with soft items: Stuff clothes bags and pillows into gaps to stop things sliding around.
3. Keep essentials accessible: Put snacks, drinks, chargers, and entertainment for kids on top or in the back seat.
4. Use a boot liner: It protects your car and stops things sliding on a smooth boot floor.
5. Don't stack above the rear seats: Loose items can fly forward in a crash. Keep the parcel shelf clear.

In an emergency stop at 30mph, a loose item in the boot hits with 20 times its own weight. A 2kg laptop becomes a 40kg projectile.

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Roof Boxes and Roof Racks

If you run out of boot space, a roof box or rack can help. But there are rules:

• Check your roof load limit: Most cars can carry 50–75kg on the roof. Don't exceed it.
• Lighter items on top: Sleeping bags, tents, and soft bags go on the roof. Heavy items stay in the boot.
• Secure everything properly: Use ratchet straps. Check them every time you stop.
• Remember your new height: With a roof box, your car is taller. Watch out for car park height barriers and low bridges.
• Expect higher fuel costs: A roof box increases drag and can reduce fuel economy by 10–25%.

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What to Pack for a UK Road Trip

Essentials

• Driving licence
• Insurance documents
• Breakdown cover details
• Phone and charger
• Sat nav or phone mount
• Cash and cards

Emergency Kit

• Warning triangle
• Hi-vis vest
• First aid kit
• Torch with spare batteries
• Jump leads
• Tyre inflator or spare wheel

Comfort Items

• Snacks and water
• Sunglasses
• Travel pillow
• Entertainment for kids (tablets, books, games)
• Blanket (useful if you break down or stop for a picnic)

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Travelling with Kids

Long car journeys with children need extra planning:

• Car seats: Make sure every child has the right seat for their age and weight. Check our child car seat guide.
• Regular stops: Stop every 2 hours for a break. Kids (and adults) need to stretch their legs.
• Sun shades: Stick-on window shades keep the back seat cool and protect young skin.
• Sick bags: Keep a few in the door pocket. Just in case.

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Travelling with Pets

Taking the dog? By law, pets must be restrained in the car. Options include:

• A dog crate in the boot
• A dog guard between the boot and back seats
• A pet seatbelt harness

Bring water, a bowl, and take regular stops for walks. Never leave a pet in a hot car, even for a few minutes.

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Common Packing Mistakes

• Overpacking: You don't need as much as you think. Pack light and leave space.
• Blocking mirrors: If you can't see out of the rear window, you need a driver's side mirror AND a passenger side mirror. But the fewer blind spots, the safer you are.
• Forgetting to adjust tyre pressures: This affects handling, braking, and fuel economy.
• Loose items in the cabin: Everything must be secured. Use the footwells, door pockets, and seatback pockets.

Before any long trip, it's also a good idea to check your car's full history. Use our free MOT check to make sure everything is in order.

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