roonee When you’re a parent of multiple disabled children, packing the car for a holiday isn’t just about clothes, toiletries, and snacks — it’s a whole different ballgame. It involves meticulous planning, a lot of space, and sometimes a bit of creative problem-solving. As any caregiver in a similar situation will tell you, the biggest challenge often comes down to fitting all the necessary equipment into your car. This is something our family has become all too familiar with!
The Space Dilemma: Equipment That Takes Over the Car
One of the most significant challenges we face when packing for a trip is the sheer volume of specialist equipment we need to bring along. Traveling with our twins, who both have disabilities, requires us to take a mobility aid buggy—a lifesaver when it comes to getting them around safely, especially when they’re feeling dysregulated. This buggy, while essential, takes up a substantial amount of space in our car.
Another space-consuming necessity is our supply of NHS nappies and pads. Both of our children are doubly incontinent, and unfortunately, they’ve outgrown the standard nappies you can find in supermarkets. This means we rely on our NHS-provided nappies, which we need to bring from home. The result? A car packed to the brim with essential items before we’ve even thought about clothes, toys, or anything else.
Car Tetris: The Art of Packing Up
Every time we pack for a trip, it feels like we’re playing a giant game of “car Tetris.” It’s not just about fitting everything in—it’s about fitting everything in safely and in a way that makes it accessible during the journey. The buggy, nappies, pads, and other equipment all need to be carefully arranged to ensure they’re secure and that we still have space for everything else. In the early days of travelling with the twins, we had a couple of nightmare scenarios where we needed to pull over to change a dirty nappy, but the nappies were packed underneath everything else. What resulted, was having to unpack the entire car in a lay-by on the A258! I wouldn’t recommend anyone do this, especially not with disabled children in the car!
We’ve become pretty good at our packing over the years, but it’s always a challenge. Each trip requires a new strategy, and there’s usually some reshuffling before we finally hit the road.
Looking Forward: A Bigger Car and New Solutions
To make things easier, we’re in the process of upgrading to a much bigger car. This will be a game-changer for us, as it will allow us to transport all the necessary equipment with a bit more breathing room. No more cramming everything into every nook and cranny—we’ll have the space we need to pack comfortably and efficiently. This will then open up new opportunities for us to travel for a little later onger and a little further afield in the car. Rather excitingly, I think we are going to have a go at some 3-4 day road trips around the north west, since we will be able to fit everything we need in a new, bigger car – including our camping gear!
In addition to the new car, we’re also investigating the possibility of adding a simple roof box or roof bag. This could give us some extra storage space for lighter, bulkier items, freeing up more room inside the car for the essentials. I’m in the early stages of my research, so any and all suggestions are welcome!
Final Thoughts: Planning Ahead for a Smoother Journey with Disabled Children
Packing for a holiday with multiple disabled children can be a complex and often stressful task, but with a bit of planning and the right equipment, it’s entirely doable. For us, the key has been learning to prioritize what we really need and finding ways to maximize our space efficiently. With our new car and possibly a roof box on the horizon, we’re feeling optimistic about our future travels.
