Where does all the ‘stuff’ come from......?

[AndyPK]

The ‘van goes in on Wednesday for its first hab. check. ‘So’, thinks I, ‘maybe I should empty it out and make their job easier.....’
Much later, I’m not so sure it was a good idea - how the hell did I accumulate so many bits-and-bobs (all useful - NOT!), and do I really want to put it all back again.....?
I’m toying with the idea of making a list of said items (how sad is that!?!), but I know that I will add new things and not update the list......
My other thought (yes, I’ve had at least two today!) was to leave most of the ‘stuff’ out, and then see what I really need on our next trip.....whenever that might be.....
Please feel free to make suggestions and/or comments - I promise not to be offended!

 

[RubyOptics]

We had the same shock recently. Amazing how quickly we have added clutter, even when we both agreed we would be careful!!!

 

[Spriddler]

My man-shed's just the same.

 

[Mrsambulancekidd]

I think this happens to most of us, even if you par it down 'things' will creep back in.

 

[LesW]

I have lots of stuff "that'll come in handy, even if I never use it"..

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[Just smiffy]

Everything will always come in handy.... one day, eventually...

 

[Nasher]

When loading my new van for it's first trip, I used a spreadsheet (list!) that has all the 'basic' stuff required for all trips and where each item located in the van

The spreadsheet then has a series of 'tabs' dependent on the trip (snowboarding/paragliding/Isle of Man TT/Europe/etc)
I have updated it over the years and it even details what tools to pack dependent on what motorcycle I'm taking with me (a couple of bits for a modern bikes and a full toolbox for the Classic racers!)

I regular review it and remove stuff (from the Iist & van) I don't really use/need

It means I can load up pretty quickly and not leave anything behind, plus it ensures that the van only contains items that I need...... well it's worked so far


PS: yes the spreadsheet is backed up & available on all devices & the 'cloud'!

 

[two]

It's not just what you take with you, it's often the reason to have more than one (unless you're counting wheels)!

 

[movan]

... I find I take an extra one 'just in case I run out'. Then I forget I've done that, so take another one just in case I run out'.

 

[Bernie P]

We had a major clear out when we changed vans in June. I think the exercise of taking everything out and putting it back every now and then is worthwhile, ask yourself with each item "When was the last time we used this" if the in the answer is we haven't then ask "why have we got it?"
Fortunately most of my collective tat is low in weight i.e. bits of waste pipe, spare bungys, extention leads.

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[jollyrodger]

Went through it when I sold the last van, loads of "stuff" and not a lot of space to store it so carefully boxed. Fast forwards to new van and I can't find half the stuff I didn't really need in the first place, the shed black hole again.

Incedently does anyone else get missing letters when typing on here or I t me and fat fingers?

 

[Langtoftlad]

When loading my new van for it's first trip, I used a spreadsheet (list!) that has all the 'basic' stuff required for all trips and where each item located in the van

The spreadsheet then has a series of 'tabs' dependent on the trip (snowboarding/paragliding/Isle of Man TT/Europe/etc)
I have updated it over the years and it even details what tools to pack dependent on what motorcycle I'm taking with me (a couple of bits for a modern bikes and a full toolbox for the Classic racers!)

I regular review it and remove stuff (from the Iist & van) I don't really use/need

It means I can load up pretty quickly and not leave anything behind, plus it ensures that the van only contains items that I need...... well it's worked so far


PS: yes the spreadsheet is backed up & available on all devices & the 'cloud'!

Wow!
I just put in the stuff I want & take it out if I didn't use it...
Summer stuff out, winter stuff in, not rocket science

 

[jollyrodger]

Ah but when your using it all the time and different climates what a waste of time spent emptying it

 

[The general]

I think when you go a big road trip , and especially if you plan to be in wilderness , it’s best to cover ALL bases for piece of mind ! So load up !!! And yes take a few things twice !

 

[Langtoftlad]

I think when you go a big road trip , and especially if you plan to be in wilderness , it’s best to cover ALL bases for piece of mind ! So load up !!! And yes take a few things twice !

Or source it if you need it...

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[bigwood]

When we swapped from the Duetto to the Rienza we took enough with us for one night away leaving the rest in the dinning room. The Rienza swallowed the overnight gear but the dinning room looked full When we got home.
Most of it has has gone in the Rienza but I tried to be selective with what we threw out.

 

[Nasher]

Wow!
I just put in the stuff I want & take it out if I didn't use it...
Summer stuff out, winter stuff in, not rocket science

You must live a simple '2 season' life

 

[Langtoftlad]

You must live a simple '2 season' life

I live a simple life... full stop.
I've learnt not to overload myself, just incase.
Most places sell toothpaste.

 

[bigwood]

We are ready for any time of year. Two duvets, one summer, one winter. One light sleeping bag one heavy sleeping bag. The only adjustments we make are to what clothes we take. As said anything forgotten can be bought. The internet will find most things.
We are lucky we have the storage space on board to leave things packed all year.

 

[Stroppy Bird]

Whatever you decide to not put back on though, you can bet that next trip out, you'll need it.

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[Vanderek]

... I find I take an extra one 'just in case I run out'. Then I forget I've done that, so take another one just in case I run out'.

That explains why I found three bike pumps in the mh garage

 

[Kirsten]

Andy P K - you need a master list of all the lists you will need , and subdivide these into keeps/ needs renewing / summer/ winter / basics/ extras .. there was another thread on here years ago about lists and packing- one Funster replied that even the Dog had a list. Enjoy

 

[Quackers]

Just emptied our van ready for its service and hab check, blimey how will we fit it all back in?????

 

[AndyPK]

Andy P K - you need a master list of all the lists you will need , and subdivide these into keeps/ needs renewing / summer/ winter / basics/ extras .. there was another thread on here years ago about lists and packing- one Funster replied that even the Dog had a list. Enjoy

You.Cannot.Be.Serious!!!!

 

[two]

Whatever you decide to not put back on though, you can bet that next trip out, you'll need it.

Conversely, you can be pretty sure you won't need any of the stuff you take "just in case".

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[Mark and Mindy]

I emptied our van of everything a couple of weeks ago - we bring the mattresses, bedding and dog beds in anyway in the winter if we aren't using it, easy enough to put it back as the van is on the drive. I wasn't happy with what things were in the various drawers and cupboards and so decided to just empty it entirely and then will spend some time having a think and replacing.
I've washed all our coats and jumpers which were above the cab, all the towels and shower mat, all the crockery and cutlery has been through the dishwasher.
A winter time spring clean!

 

[bobnick]

Only used our bought van 5 times thus far. Each time we return from a trip the van is completely emptied from the habitation area. Garage is mostly left in apart from shoes.

 

[In a Pickle]

I have a kitchen drawer in the van which is similar to one of the kitchen drawers in the house, full of odds and ends that may come in useful. I know that if I got rid of it I’d definitely need something that was in there on our next trip!

 

[The general]

Or source it if you need it...

I didn’t see many shops /malls north of artic circle .

 

[Lenny HB]

About once a year I empty our garage to tidy it up. Look through all my tools an spares and always end up putting more back in than I took out, its fatal having bags of payload.
Some things in there that have never been used but I wouldn't travel without them, e.g. Snow chains, snow shovel etc.

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