The Essential Car Boot Packing Guide

Did you know that not being able to fit everything into the boot, and last-minute packing dramas, are among the most common causes of holiday arguments? Not only does it create family tension, but overpacking the boot of your car can result in unsafe driving. 

In fact, a quarter of Brits admitted to not being able to see out of the back window due to overpacking, with some even driving with the boot open or having to remove spare tyres to fit it all in. 

If this sounds like you, don’t worry — we’re here to help solve your boot-packing woes. We’ve teamed up with an SAS leader to create the ultimate guide to packing safely and efficiently for your summer staycation or upcoming road trip.

Download our guide

How to pack lightly

If you’re planning on taking a road trip or staycation this year, here are some tried-and-true packing hacks to help you save space in your case and car for all the fridge magnets and souvenirs you’ll be bringing home.

Be prepared: make a list and stick to it

Before you start packing, make sure you plan ahead and make a list. The main reason people overpack is because they are unprepared and just throw everything in their suitcase. Planning ahead will keep you focused and organised, and help make sure you don’t take anything you don’t need.

Do your research: what can you not take?

Before you head off for your staycation, make sure you check the local amenities and what items are provided. You’re likely to find that your favourite tea bags and snacks will be available locally, so there’s no need to pack food or drink for the length of your stay.

Be ruthless: pack only what you need

Knowing what is essential and being ruthless is half the battle. Think about what you are packing and whether it is really necessary. And, if you have to think twice about bringing something on holiday, you likely don’t need it.

How to save space when packing your car boot

Wondering what’s the most efficient way to pack your car boot? If you’ve got a boot the size of a Citroen C1’s, this one’s for you. Instead of jamming in your cases at odd angles at the last minute, use these tips to play Tetris with your boot and make loading up the car a breeze.

Utilise space and pack in reverse order

Pack the biggest items first and make sure that anything you might need mid-journey is easily accessible. Utilise all the space in the car for smaller items, such as rolling beach towels and storing them under the front seats.

Use soft luggage holders

Hard, chunky suitcases are much harder to pack into your car’s boot, especially if they have wheels and large handles. Save yourself the hassle and opt for soft luggage like holdalls or duffle bags, which can be squeezed into tighter spaces to make more room.

Roll your clothes

This tip is more of a technique. Most people fold their clothes, but folding then rolling will make the item much smaller, meaning you can fit more in the suitcase. And using a soft case also ensures that it will take up less space.

How to secure luggage in a car boot

The worst thing about driving with a full boot is the chaos that unfolds every time you turn a corner or go round a roundabout. To avoid any slippage, breakages, or injuries along the way (suitcases can be deceptively heavy!) here's how to secure your luggage in the boot of your car safely.

Try car boot organisers

Prevent items from shifting by packing them strategically into a car boot organiser. You can buy handy things like dividers or storage bins to section off parts of your boot and reduce the amount of open space for bags to slide across.

Fill any gaps

If you’ve managed to pack the car and have excess space leftover, congratulations, that’s an achievement in itself. But those gaps could cause your luggage to slide around when you set off, so fill them with soft items like coats or rucksacks if you can.

Tie down your luggage

If your boot looks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it’s a good idea to tie some of those suitcases down before heading off, especially if you want to avoid a luggage avalanche if you have to make an emergency stop. Use nets or luggage straps to secure your luggage together and to any anchor points you might have in your boot.

Car checks to do once you've packed your luggage

Once you’ve packed, it’s time to make sure your car is ready for the road. Here are 10 simple checks you can do yourself that could be the difference between getting to your holiday destination as planned, or sitting by the roadside waiting for recovery.

1. Check your coolant levels 
2. Pack your car jack and locking wheel nut key 
3. Check your engine oil level 
4. Refill your screenwash bottle 
5. Check your tyre pressure on all tyres, including the spare 
6. Check your tyre tread for wear 
7. Check tyre sidewalls for cracks, splits or bulges 
8. Make sure all lights are working properly  
9. Turn on windscreen wipers and check wiper blades  
10. Test your air con is producing cool air.

For more details on how to do each step, head over to our pre-holiday checks blog.

Get your car holiday ready with Kwik Fit

At Kwik Fit, we offer a free vehicle health check. Our trained technicians can advise on any maintenance required, either now or in the near future, so that you set off on your summer holiday with complete peace of mind. 

Designed to help you avoid breakdowns and keep your car running smoothly, you can book in for a free car check online, or by visiting your local Kwik Fit centre. For more driving advice and how-tos, read through our guides or browse our blog.