Heading off on a Christmas road trip is one of the great joys of the festive season but a badly packed car can quickly turn excitement into frustration, writes Geraldine Herbert From overflowing boots to lost essentials, poor organisation makes every stop harder than it needs to be. The good news is that with smart planning and a few clever packing tricks, you can make the most of your car’s storage space and enjoy a smoother, stress-free journey. Know Your Car’s Hidden Storage Spaces The secret to efficient packing starts with understanding your car’s layout. Many drivers overlook valuable storage areas such as door pockets, cup holders, seat-back pockets, and the glove box. These are perfect for small but frequently used items like snacks, sunglasses, phone chargers, wipes, or travel documents — keeping essentials close at hand and reducing clutter in the main cabin. Fold Seats and Load Strategically If rear seats aren’t needed for passengers, fold them down to instantly increase your luggage capacity. When loading the boot, always start with the largest and heaviest items such as suitcases, prams, or sports equipment. Experiment with different layouts — stacking items or positioning them lengthways can reveal extra space you didn’t think you had. Soft, flexible items like duffel bags, coats, or sleeping bags are ideal for filling gaps and making sure no space is wasted. Use Organisers to Stay in Control Organisational tools can transform your Christmas road trip experience. Backseat organisers that hang from the front seats are ideal for keeping books, tablets, snacks, and games within easy reach for passengers. Boot organisers are equally valuable, helping to separate items while preventing them from sliding around during the drive. Clear plastic storage boxes are particularly useful — you can instantly see what’s inside without rummaging, saving time and avoiding frustration, especially when travelling with children. Keep Essentials Easy to Access A packing list is essential for any road trip. It ensures nothing important is forgotten and helps prevent overpacking. Once you start loading the car, organise items by priority. Frequently used essentials such as jackets, chargers, reusable water bottles, and maps should always be within reach. If you’re stopping overnight, pack a separate overnight bag with everything you’ll need — this saves unpacking the entire car at the end of a long drive. Packing cubes are another...