Preparing your Static Caravan for the Holidays

With (hopefully) better weather and longer daylight hours, it’s a good time to start preparing your static caravan for the holidays. To ensure that your holiday experience is comfortable and enjoyable, we hope you find some or all of these general steps helpful.

  1. Check your static caravan insurance policy

Your static caravan insurance should be valid for 12 months a year but it’s a good idea to check your renewal date so that you can be prepared. At Park Home Assist, we offer flexible payment options so you can pay for your insurance by monthly instalments if you wish.

  1. Bring tools and equipment

You may have everything you need at your static caravan. If not, prepare a bucket, a mop, cleaning products, dusters, a stiff broom for outside and of course, your vacuum cleaner. Bicarbonate of soda, vinegar and lemon can be handy alternatives to detergents for some cleaning jobs like cookers, you may want to always leave some in your caravan. You may also want to use the tips here as the basis of a task list to make sure you miss nothing out.

  1. Check for damage

Especially if you are returning after a winter absence, give your static caravan a quick once-over. It can be worth making sure roof tiles are all intact and secure, vents, gutters and drains are cleared of debris.

Preparing your static caravan for the holidays: safety tips

  1. Check the water and gas supply

It may be sensible to check the basics before you spend time doing anything else. Ensure that the water supply is turned on and check for any leaks. If you have a gas supply, check that the gas is turned on and that all appliances are working correctly. It can be a good idea to check the seals on any gas pipes or canisters that you are using.

  1. Check the heating system

If your static caravan has a heating or air-conditioning system, check that it is working correctly, especially as even as the weather warms, this is the UK and the evenings are still cool.

  1. Check the electrical system

You may want to check that all electrical systems are working correctly, including the

lighting, power sockets and appliances. If you have outdoor lighting, it might be a good idea to check the seals and batteries if there are any.

  1. Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

To avoid emergencies later, run some tests on your alarms. You may have to replace batteries after a long time away, so perhaps bring the right ones with you or make a note of those that you need to replace.

  1. Check your security

Of course, if you arrive to find evidence of a break-in or criminal damage, it is a good idea to contact the police and stay outside your caravan until they arrive, especially if you are not sure it is empty. If all is safe, you may still want to ensure all locks are working correctly and that all windows and doors are secure. You might want to consider installing additional security measures, such as a burglar alarm or security lights. You may also want to look into any security schemes that your park runs so your neighbours keep a look out while you are away.

  1. Clean and tidy up

Preparing your static caravan for the holidays means making sure that it’s clean and tidy.

Now you can get down to giving it a thorough clean. Think about asking your loved ones to join in to make it all go quicker and easier. Start by removing any clutter, dusting surfaces, and vacuuming carpets. Don’t forget to clean the windows and mirrors as well.

  1. Stock up on essentials

You probably left an empty fridge and freezer when you last vacated your static caravan. You may also have taken away towels and bed linen to wash. It is a good idea to make a list when you leave, so it’s easier to remember everything when you’re preparing for the next holiday season.

Make sure that you have all the essentials you need for your holiday, such as bedding, towels, toiletries and kitchen supplies. You may also want to bring enough food to get you through the first day when you have travelled and may not feel like going out shopping quite yet.

  1. Prepare for any adverse weather

It’s always a good idea to make sure that you have extra blankets, warm clothing, and any other items you might need in case of adverse weather.

  1. Finally, the garden

Now you are warm, dry and comfortable inside your static caravan, you can turn your attention to the outside. If you have a garden or decking, it may need a tidy up after wind and rain have done their work. A stiff brush and some oxygenated bleach (which is kinder to plants) may be a good cure for mossy, slimy paths and decks. It might also be worth checking any fences and gates are all secure and working.

You could also benefit from having a look underneath your static caravan if possible, to make sure no debris has built up or water accumulated. Check any outbuildings you have too.

We hope these steps help you to prepare your static caravan so that you can fully enjoy it this holiday season.

Please note that all insurance cover is subject to acceptance of terms and conditions.

This is a marketing article from Park Home Assist, multi-award-winning providers of residential park home insurance.  If you would like to speak to an advisor regarding insurance for your park home, please contact our friendly team in our Northampton office on 01604 946 796.

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Published – 14/04/23