Packing the Van

Packing a van for a 1200 mile trip to a Florida takes skill and planning. Getting everything to fit is like putting together a puzzle. Luckily I have photographic templates to follow from past trips.

When we unload the van, will fill two and a half hotel luggage carts. It takes 60-90 minutes to carefully pack the van with everything.

First, I pack the stow and go area under our Dodge Caravan mid-row seats. Sand toys, video games, sandals, and other items that won't be needed until we arrive at our final destination.

Then, the back seat. Two tubs stuffed full with food, kitchen items, and anything else. Computer bags, boxes, pillows, jackets, blankets. 

Then the back end gets filled. Luggage on the bottom. Overnight bags, medicine bags, cable bags (for all of the electronics).

Then the cockpit. I use an inverter with a power strip to power all the kids games during the trip. Then backpacks for their trip toys, bags with snacks and water, and bags with my wife's purse and maps and everything she needs to navigate us.

Somehow, I make it all fit.