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only keeping stuff in van for the two of us. I have brought a duvet for me and my partner and when our kids do come with us (they go to their dads/mums every other weekend) they going to use sleeping bags when they come with us . we are both single parents in case the mum/dad bit confused you.

Ive also brought 16 piece knife fork set, tea towels, aluminum non stick pan set ( 3 saucepans and a frying pan. 2 baking trays. duvet cover, and a bed sheet. washing up liquid, dishcloths. got to ceraminc mugs from home, whistling kettle that goes on the hob.

going to get 2 bath sheets and 2 hand towels tomorrow from asda.

Still got other bits to get, was wondering what things you find useful. Your best buys that have lasted you that feels like youve had forever. things you have brought and been a waste of time?

got a wastemaster, aquaroll, gas, hitchlock, patio awning, scatter cushions already part of our package with our caravan.

angela

Don't forget a tin/bottle opener!  A couple of comfy chairs & small table for sitting out, pegs & mallet (if you'll be using an awning)

We keep a full set of toiletries (shower gel, shampoo, deodorants, toothpaste & brushes etc...) in the van & also things like salt, pepper, teabags, cleaning & washing up stuff etc...

A chopping board will be a must if you're not getting one in the package.  Then there's kitchen knives & utensils, scissors, kitchen roll, silver foil, toilet roll.

We have our 'what-if' supplies including coloured tape, small tool kit, spirit level, spare pegs & guy lines, torches & batteries.

Do you have a nose weight guage?  I'd say that's also a must.

The list could go on & on but you'll figure out for yourselves what you really need.  Best thing is to book a weekend local to home so you can nip back for stuff if you need to while you work it all out.

We have decided to try microfibre  towels this year, I got some in Mountain Warehouse in Skipton last week for £6.99 each, blue or pink, 150 cms x 80 cms. Actually when I look they are labelled "Travel Towels" rather than microfibre, but you get the idea!

We have melamine tableware and plastic 'glasses'.  You can pay as little or as much as you want for these. Cheap plastic colander is also useful, as are plastic bowls for salad, fruit etc.  In the summer months you might find a cheap  portable bbq useful as well.

I also have one of those flat dryers that hangs out of the van window and some clothes pegs. I notice alot of people have free standing rotary driers if you prefer, actually that might be preferable with several kids, always wet swimmers and towels about!  Also a cheap pop up laundry basket is useful in the bottom of the wardrobe (mine was £5  from M&S basic range and is pretty strong). 

Couple of those folding plastic crates are useful (mine are B&Q).  I use mine for heavy stuff that goes in the cupboards (tins bottles etc), you dont want anything falling out of cupboards in transit and damaging the inside of your van. They travel on the caravan floor, then I just pop the stuff in the cupboards when I get there.

Has anyone mentioned fire extinguisher/fire blanket?  Also, a selection of caravan fuses is a good idea in case of emergency. 

We also have levellers and chocks for the wheels. 

Washing up bowl and a bin of some sort?  And a silly one but I find it invaluable, one of those little sieve things to go over the hole in the kitchen sink  to stop any bits of food lodging in those narrow van pipes!

We also keep a cool bag (as opposed to a box) and a picnic blanket in the van, useful for days out, days on the beach etc, nothing fancy just supermarket's own. These also get used on long journeys as we take food for the journey rather than pay service station prices. Also means we dont have to leave the van unattended at services, just take it in turn to use the loos!

Have fun kitting out your van! 

Just thought of "must haves" to keep in the van if you have kids ;

calpol (or substitute), antiseptic wipes, plasters, antiseptic and sting/bite cream!  First aid kid in other words.

Three tier steamer pan, its so versitile, you can cook an entire meal with enough to serve upto 4 people in one pan stack, on one gas ring, saving fuel, and the top pans can be used as coulanders for washing salad, or even fruit and veg storage bowls. They are available at most big supermarkets for around a tenner a set, theres no need for any other pans apart from a frying pan, once you have bought one of these handy babies!

Julia  

Quote: Originally posted by Janx on 07/3/2011

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A good torch, small cheap travel alarm clock ( we keep this in van), hot water bottle, and we use small electric grill instead of a barby, cheaper than a cadac etc, great for cooking breakfast and a lot less messy when done outsite or in the awning, and it does great pancakes.

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Quote: Originally posted by bobsbabes on 07/3/2011

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oh on the subject of stings vinegar is great for wasp stings
Annie the £6.99 towels are they the sort of loopy ones or the smooth ( I have really dry hands and can only use the smooth ones the others drive me mad lol)

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Quote: Originally posted by Pigfarmer on 07/3/2011

Quote: Originally posted by Janx on 07/3/2011A good torch, small cheap travel alarm clock ( we keep this in van), hot water bottle, and we use small electric grill instead of a barby, cheaper than a cadac etc, great for cooking breakfast and a lot less messy when done outsite or in the awning, and it does great pancakes.

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Which one do you use? I am in the middle of trying to find a good one!

Quote: Originally posted by bobsbabes on 07/3/2011

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oh and did you check the baking sheets will fit in youur oven ?

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