There’s no denying that a road trip can be one of the most memorable adventures you can enjoy during summer. Road trips are a fantastic way to see the United States while making life-long bonds with your family and friends. Before you hit the road, though, it pays to take the time and effort to pack your car correctly. Packing correctly will add to your fun and, more importantly, reduce everyone’s stress level. 

To help you pack your car for maximum fun, NSA Storage put together this handy guide! Read on to pack like a pro for your next road trip and enjoy it to the fullest!

Why Packing Your Car Right is Important

Not convinced that packing your vehicle correctly is important? Well ,if you’re travelling a long distance with several people, and especially if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll want to stay organized so that things like electronics and snacks are easy to find during the trip. That way, everyone stays happy and entertained. It also minimizing the chances of forgetting something at home if you pay close attention to what you’re packing and where. Plus, you’ll be able to maximize the space in your vehicle and bring everything you might need for vacation fun!

How to Pack Your Car: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Make a Packing Plan

As with most activities, making a plan before you start is an excellent idea. When packing your car for a summer road trip be sure to:

• Make a checklist of everything you’ll need. (See below!)
• Separate daily use items from things you won’t need until you arrive at your final destination.
• Group your things into categories like snacks, toys, electronics, clothes, etc.
• Re-check your checklist before leaving!

2. Skip the Suitcases

Suitcases are great when you’re traveling by plane, boat, or bus. For a road trip by car, however, they can be bulky and often don’t always fit well into your vehicle. Instead, use:

• Duffel bags for clothes. You can often squeeze these into tight spaces.
• Soft-sided coolers rather than hard-sided. Like duffel bags, you can squeeze these into tighter spaces more easily.
• Clear plastic bins for things like first aid, snacks and small toys.
• An over-the-seat organizer for items you use the most

Unlike most suitcases, the containers above can be squashed or smooshed into place and help you maximize your space!

3. Load the Heaviest Items First

If you do take large suitcases or a large cooler filled with food, be sure to load them into your vehicle first. They should be towards the bottom and center of your car, to keep it more stable while driving. Also;

• Don’t place heavy items on top of lighter, more fragile items.
• Try to keep your car balanced on both sides.
• Never block windows or mirrors with anything.

4. Make Essential Items Easier to Grab

Having to dig through a bag or bin to find something can be stressful, especially for smaller kids. Instead, keep the following items towards the top or somewhere more accessible, including:

• Phone chargers
• Baby wipes or paper towels
• Water bottles
• Snacks
• A first aid kit
• Travel games

5. Use All Your Car’s Space

Packing your car for maximum fun on your road trip means maximizing all of your vehicle’s space. Here are a few examples of efficient car packing:

• Use the footwells below seats for snacks, activity bags, shoes, etc.
• Fill empty spaces wherever possible with soft items like jackets, pillows, and blankets.
• As mentioned earlier, use over-the-seat organizers
• If necessary, purchase a cargo box to attach to your car’s roof. These are great for things you’ll need when you arrive at your destination.

6. Involve the Entire Family

Since it’s summer, the kids will be on vacation, so be sure to get them involved in packing your car. One excellent way to do this is to give each child their own backpack and have them fill it with:

• Their favorite stuffed animal or toy
• A pillow
• Headphones
• Coloring books
• Travel games
• Their favorite snacks

7. Pack Your Car for Safety

Just like any other car ride, safety should come first when packing for your road trip. Below are a few tips to help you and your family stay safe on the road:

• Don’t stack anything above the back seat. This will keep the driver’s view clear.
• Secure anything loose with bungee cords or cargo nets.
• Keep emergency items in easy to reach places including a flashlight, first aid kit, jumper cables, etc.
• Don’t bury safety gear under other stuff.

8. Have Fun Packing!

Let’s be honest; packing a car isn’t exactly the most fun activity. However, if you get the family involved it can be a little more fun (or at least less boring). Here’s how:

• Create a “packing playlist” of your favorite music
• Have a race to see who can pack their bag the fastest.
• Depending on the bags you use, let your children decorate them using magic markers, stickers, or crayons.
• Give each of your children their own, designated space in the car to use. 

Road Trip Checklist

As promised, here’s a comprehensive checklist to use when packing your car:

• Chargers for all of your devices
• Snack and drinks
• A first aid kit
• Any necessary medication
• Blankets and pillows
• Bug spray
• Sunblock
• A roadside emergency kit
• Trash bags
• Toys and games
• Entertainment devices like tablets
• Summer shoes and clothing for your final destination

Store Your Gear with NSA Storage After the Trip

The most successful road trips, as we’ve seen, begin with packing your car correctly. If you do it right your road trip will be more fun, less stressful, safer, and infinitely more enjoyable. We hope the guide above empowers you to do exactly that!

If you need to store your stuff after your trip, NSA Storage can help. Our clean, safe, and secure storage units are located in many cities and towns across the United States. You can rent a storage unit from NSA Storage as long, or as short, as you like. Until next time, have a wonderful, memory-making time on your next road trip, and be sure to send a postcard!

The post Road Trip Ready: How To Pack Your Car for Maximum Fun appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

If you’re looking forward to summer adventures in your RV, now is the time to get it ready for the road. With this guide, you can prep your RV so that it’s road trip ready, and you can focus on having fun with the family. Discover all of the best tips from NSA Storage, and make sure your next RV adventure is fun-filled and stress-free!

Step-by-Step On How to Prep Your RV

Below you’ll find a step-by-step checklist for prepping your RV before you get underway this summer. From cleaning and repairs to restocking, follow the list to prep your RV like a pro!

1. Inspect your RV’s Exterior Thoroughly

The exterior of your RV can take a lot of damage during the winter, especially if stored outside. Thoroughly checking the exterior is important, including the following;

• Look for any cracks in the roof and windows, especially at the seals.
• Check for any damage caused by ice, snow, or wind.
• Ensure that all doors and windows close tightly.
• Wash your RV thoroughly to remove any dirt and grime that accumulated over the winter.
• Wax your RV to protect it from the sun’s UV rays.

2. Take a Good Look at Your Tires

A flat tire during a road trip can put a big dent in your summer adventures. To prevent that, be sure to do the following;

• Inflate all tires to their proper PSI. (It should be listed in your RVs manual.)
• Inspect every tire for any flat spots spots or deep cracks
• Go around to each tire and tighten the lug nuts.
• Check your spare tire to make sure it’s in good shape.

Important Tip– Even if your tires look fine, if they’re more than six years old, experts recommend replacing them. Dry rot is a big problem for RV tires.

3. Test the Brakes

Whether your RV is big or small, your safety depends on having brakes that function correctly. To make sure they do, take a short, slow spin around your block to test them. If they don’t seem to be working perfectly, have your mechanic check them and replace any worn brake pads.

4. Flush Your RV’s Water System

Clean, running water is important for any summer road trip, especially if you go to the beach and swim in salty water. Before leaving home, be sure to run through these checks:

• Turn on all of your faucets and showers to check for leaks.
• Connect your RV to a clean water source and flush its entire water system.
• Test your toilet(s) and shower(s) to ensure they’re functioning correctly.
• Use an RV-approved bleach or sanitizer to sanitize your freshwater tank. Let it sit for about 12 hours and then flush and sanitize it again.
• Check all hoses and water supply connectors for leaks.
• Refill your water tank with fresh, clean water before you leave.

5. Test the Lights and Electrical System

Having a dependable electrical system in your RV is, understandably, important. To ensure it’s working properly, do the following:

• Turn on all of the interior and exterior lights to make sure they’re working.
• Check every outlet and the power cord.
• Inspect the breakers to be sure they’re all functioning.
• Replace any bulbs or blown fuses you find.
• If your RV has a generator, be sure to test it.

Important Tip– Take along a few extra fuses as well as power adapters and extension cords, just in case.

6. Inspect All the RV’s Appliances 

If you’ll be living in your RV, having appliances that work is a must. After all, you’ll need to keep your food fresh, and be able to cook it. To be sure you eat well during your summer RV adventure, be sure to:

• Check your refrigerator to be sure it’s getting and staying cold.
• If you have a water heater, check to be sure that it’s functioning properly.
• Test your stove top, microwave, or other appliances to make sure they’re working.
• Turn on the air-conditioning and make sure it’s blowing cold air at the correct level.

7. Have Your RV’s Oil and Fluids Checked and Changed

Your RV depends on engine oil and other fluids to run correctly and get you where you want to go. Before leaving on your summer RV adventure, be sure to:

• Check the oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid.
• If needed, refill the windshield wiper fluid.
• Check all coolant levels and also check for leaks. If you’re not sure how to do that, ask your RV dealer.

8. Clean and Organize the Interior of Your RV

While it won’t make a difference in getting to your destination, having a clean and organized RV will make the trip more enjoyable. Be sure to:

• Wipe down all flat surfaces including countertops and cabinets.
• Vacuum your carpets and sweep the floors.
• Check all bed and bathroom linens and, if needed, wash or replace them.
• Restock cleaning supplies like paper towels, soap, and toiletries.
• Open the windows to let in some fresh air and get rid of any unpleasant odors.

9. Check Your RV’s Registration and Insurance

Although unpleasant, accidents can happen when you’re traveling the highways and byways of the United States. For that reason, it’s extremely important that you check your RVs registration and insurance before leaving. Be sure to:

• Check that your RV registration is current.
• Check that your insurance is up-to-date and valid.
• Put copies of all document documents in a folder and place them somewhere safe inside your RV.

Important Tip– If you don’t have it, consider adding roadside assistance to your insurance. If your RV breaks down or you have a problem on the road, roadside assistance can be invaluable.

10. Restock All Essentials

You’ll need a lot of essentials to make sure your summer RV adventure goes smoothly. It’s best to restock all of them before you leave. That way, you won’t have to waste time finding them at a store when you’re on the road. Here’s a quick list:

• A first aid kit
• A fire extinguisher
• A flashlight and rechargeable batteries
• Toilet paper made specifically for RVs
• An extra water hose
• Cooking tools and supplies
• A basic tool set
• Cleaning supplies
• A sewer hose and heavy duty gloves

Fun Tip– Be sure to bring board games and toys for the kids as well as books if you love to read.

Store Your RV When the Summer Adventures are Over

If you prep your RV well, you’ll have a great time on the road without too many hiccups. We hope the RV prepping tips above help you prep your RV and make some magical memories this summer!

At select NSA Storage facilities, you can store your RV in the off season so it’s not taking up room in your garage or driveway. Many of our safe, secure storage facilities have covered RV storage for the ultimate protection from the elements. Reserve your RV storage space online today. Until then, have a fantastic summer traveling the country in your fully-prepped RV!

The post How to Prep your RV for Summer Adventures appeared first on NSA Storage Blog.

You might not realize it, but Indiana is a great state for road tripping. That’s because, with a unique mix of culture, history, cuisine, and natural beauty, Indiana has something for everyone! The question is where do you begin your Indiana road trip?  Which Indiana cities are the most exciting, interesting, and beautiful? Where is the best place to start, or end, your unforgettable Indiana adventure?  

To help you figure out this important question before you hit the road, SecurCare collected the best Indiana cities for road tripping. If you’re planning an Indiana road trip this summer, below are seven of the cities you don’t want to miss!

1. Indianapolis- Indiana’s Heart

Most travel experts agree that, when taking an Indiana road trip, Indianapolis is the best place to start. It’s the heart of Indiana, and the state’s capital, known for its magnificent museums, spectacular sports and exciting entertainment. Some of the top attractions you’ll find in Indianapolis include:

• Indianapolis Motor Speedway-  This is the home of the famous Indy 500 race!
• The Indianapolis Colts of the NFL- The Super Bowl 41 champions play here!
• The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis– The largest children’s museum in the world!
• Mass Avenue Arts District-  This lively shopping, restaurant, and art gallery-filled district is always brimming with excitement.
• White River State Park- The perfect place for biking, hiking, picnic and enjoying Indiana’s bountiful nature.

2. Bloomington- Nature and Academia

The city of Bloomington is home to Indiana University Bloomington, with one of the most beautiful and historic campuses in the United States. Bloomington is also rife with natural beauty, culture, and cuisine. If you’re a fan of nature and great food, it’s the perfect city to visit on your Indiana road trip! Some of the top attractions in Bloomington, IN, include:

• Oliver Winery- One of the oldest and largest wineries in the entire state.
• Indiana University Bloomington- A truly gorgeous campus makes Indiana University worth visiting.
• Lake Monroe- Perfect for camping, boating and fishing, it’s the largest lake in Indiana.
• The B-Line Trail- This scenic trail winds its way through the entire city.

3. Fort Wayne- The Family-Friendly City

Well known for its beautiful parks and museums, Fort Wayne is considered Indiana’s family-friendly destination. If you have little ones with you on your Indiana road trip, it’s a must see city! Some of the top family friendly attractions in Fort Wayne include:

• Science Central- This  hands-on science Museum will thrill children, and adults, of all ages.
• Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo- Considered to be one of the best zoos in the country.
• Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory- Offers gorgeous gardens and seasonal exhibits that change annually,
• Promenade Park- This riverfront park is truly stunning and a pleasure to walk, relax and even rent a boat.

One of the things that makes Fort Wayne unique is that three rivers run through the city. They include the St. Mary’s River, the Maumee River, and the Saint Joseph’s River. All three eventually lead into lovely Lake Erie.

4. Jeffersonville- Indiana’s Riverfront Treasure

There’s no denying that Jeffersonville, Indiana, is a scenic city. It’s also filled with history and, in a word, delightful. If relaxing by the waterfront and seeing a close-up look of the past are the jelly to your jam, Jeffersonville will be a treat! Some of that must see attractions in the city include:

• Big Four Bridge- You can walk from Jeffersonville to Louisville, Kentucky, along this scenic pedestrian bridge.
• Howard Steamboat Museum- Get an up-close and personal look at America’s magnificent steamboat era!
• RiverStage- Live music and other exciting events are held here throughout the year
• Schimpff’s Confectionery- This family owned candy shop is one of the oldest in the country.

5. Madison- Small Town Charm

You might have noticed by now that several rivers run through Indiana. Madison is located on one of them, the Ohio River. More than that, Madison is one of the most beautiful small towns in the state. If you’d like to take a break during your road trip it would be the perfect choice! While you’re there, be sure to visit the following fantastic places:

• Main Street Historic District- Madison’s downtown area is the personification of quaint and charming.
• Lanier Mansion- Be sure to take a guided tour of this impressive, historic  mansion.
• Madison Vineyards- Ready for a wine tasting? If yes, this lovely vineyard is a great choice.
• Clifty Falls State Park- Beautiful hikes that take you to breathtaking waterfalls? Yes, please!

6. Columbus- The State’s Architectural Gem

If you adore art, a stop in Columbus on your Indiana road trip is a must!  Famous for its modern architecture and unique designs, Columbus is also perfect for history buffs! A few of the city’s top attractions, architecturally and otherwise, include:

• Miller House and Garden- One of the most stunning examples of modern home design you’re likely to see on your road trip!
• Mill Race Park- A covered bridge is the main attraction in this scenic park with several excellent trails.
• Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor- History and sweets come together in this historic ice cream shop / museum! The functional old-fashioned soda fountain is a sight to see!

7. South Bend- Rich in Football and History

If you’re a fan of American football you’ve no doubt heard of the Fighting Irish! Legendary Notre Dame University is South Bend, Indiana’s, claim to fame, and makes the city perfect for football fans! South Bend also has several historic and interesting locations besides Notre Dame including;

• Studebaker National Museum-  for fans of classic cars, there’s no better place to visit in Indiana!
• Potawatomi Zoo-  the oldest zoo in the state, Potawatomi Zoo has over 400 amazing creatures within its walls!
• East Race Waterway-  Some of the most exciting whitewater rafting in the country is found right here!

Moving to One of the Best Indiana Cities? Use SecurCare Self Storage

Were you surprised by all of the amazing cities to explore in the great state of Indiana?  We hope you were and that you’re now prepared for your upcoming Indiana road trip! As we’ve seen today, there are plenty of places to see, things to do, and memories to make in the Hoosier State!

If you’ve decided to stay, or just moved to Indiana and need to store your belongings, SecurCare can help. We offer safe, secure storage units in Jeffersonville, Indianapolis, and several other Indiana cities.

If you need storage right now, click the link to reserve a storage unit online. It only takes a few minutes and, once you’re done, your Indiana storage unit will be ready and waiting. Until then, SecurCare wishes you an amazing, memory making road trip to Indiana this summer!

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