Settling in for the Long Stay

Settled in for the long run!

1. Start With the Perfect Layout

Before unpacking everything, take a moment to plan your space.

✔ Where does the sun rise and set?✔ Where’s the shade at midday?✔ Which direction is the wind usually blowing?✔ Where are the noisy neighbours? (Hint: If you see six kids on bicycles, keep driving.)

A good layout can make or break your stay. Ideally, place your outdoor living area on the side that gets afternoon shade — perfect for relaxing without melting into your camp chair.

Pro tip: Mark out a “dry zone” and a “wet zone” during rainy season. Nothing ruins a morning like stepping out into swamp mud with your slippers.

2. The Outdoor Living Room (Your Real Lounge)

Your caravan lounge is lovely… for about 20 minutes. After that, most long-term caravanners practically live outside. So make it comfortable.

Must-haves:

• A sturdy awning or full tent – The difference between summer bliss and UV crispiness.

• Outdoor matting – Keeps dirt out and gives you that “we live here now” feeling.

• Comfortable chairs – If you’re sitting in them for 3 months, they’d better be good!

• A small fold-up table – Coffee, wine, or late-night Rummikub… it’s essential.

Optional luxuries:

• Fairy lights (makes every campsite look like Christmas)

• A weatherproof carpet

• A fan for hot days

• A windbreaker for those days when Standerton says “I’m feeling breezy”

  
  

3. Storage Hacks That Keep You Sane

Small spaces get cluttered quickly. The trick is to create zones and use smart storage.

A few life-changing ideas:

• Plastic drawer towers for clothes or groceries

• Hanging organisers for toiletries and kitchen gear

• Fold-up crates for shoes, cleaning supplies, or braai tools

• Velcro strips to mount remotes, torches, even your fly swatter

• Under-bed containers for seasonal clothing

You’ll save time, space, and your sanity — especially when looking for that one screwdriver that always disappears.

4. Create a Mini Outdoor Kitchen

Cooking inside a caravan during summer is basically volunteering to be slow-roasted. A proper outdoor kitchen setup solves this.

Essentials:

• A sturdy camping table

• Two-plate gas cooker

• Electric frying pan or air fryer (when Eskom behaves)

• Flattop braai or skottel

• Water jug or 20L dispenser

Why this helps:

• Keeps heat and smells outside

• Frees up indoor space

• Makes cooking feel like part of the holiday

Bonus: You’ll quickly become known as “those fancy gourmet caravanners” by the neighbours.

5. Laundry: The Silent Villain of Long Stays

Long-term caravanners know the truth: laundry is the one chore that follows you everywhere.

Stay ahead of it:

• Bring a portable drying rack

• Use fold-up laundry baskets

• Store detergent in small airtight containers

• Choose a site near the washing lines, but not too close to the ablutions (wind + smells = no thanks)

Also, remember:Rainy days are excellent for avoiding laundry and blaming the weather.

6. Comfort Items That Make All the Difference

These aren’t essential… but you’ll thank yourself later.

• A decent mattress topper

• Portable heater or small fan

• Blackout curtains or reflective screens

• A small carpet inside the caravan

• Bluetooth speaker for music or audiobooks

• A proper reading lamp

Long-term caravanning is all about small comforts bringing big happiness.

7. Keep Your Site Tidy and Safe

A neat site not only looks better — it’s safer. Tripping over tent pegs at 10pm while heading to the bathroom is a rite of passage, but once is enough.

Safety tips:

• Use glow-in-the-dark peg covers

• Keep cables off walkways

• Store tools and sharp items out of reach

• Tie down your awning properly (South African winds are not negotiable)

• Keep a basic first-aid kit handy

  
  

8. Add Your Personal Touch

This is your home for the next few months, so make it feel like one.

Add personal touches like:• A few potted plants• A small outdoor rug• Your favourite coffee mug• A sign saying “Home Sweet Caravan”• A solar-powered lantern• Cushions or throws in your favourite colours

You don’t need to overdo it — just enough for the site to feel uniquely yours.

Final Thoughts: Settle In and Slow Down

Long-term caravanning is the art of living simply, comfortably, and intentionally — enjoying your surroundings, your partner, and the small pleasures of daily life.

With the right setup, your campsite becomes more than a place to park your caravan…It becomes your home.

Now switch on the kettle, settle into your camp chair under the awning, and enjoy the slow lane life — because you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.