Just back from Loire Valley. Storage issues!

[daisydancer]

Had a great stay but felt my storage was rubbish! I found delving into the depths of my big kitchen boxes really boring. What brilliant storage solutions do you have?

Also, what do you brilliantly experienced campers store non cold food in?

We managed to get 3 adults, two children, the tent, stove, Cobb, duvets etc into a Vauxhall Zafira or a two week holiday. Not bad, could probably do with a roof box next time. Any storage ideas need to be compact!

[Lucycat]

Do you have something like this cooker stand? Ypu can get them cheaper. I like this style as you can use it with just two shelves and have one separate at the side of the cooker to put things on while you are cooking - or the Cobb can stand on the top.

We also have a larder style cupboard that came with plywood shelves that I 'fablon-ed' (sic) to amke them waterproof - this has a zip up bit, essential for keeping the ants out.something like this Outwell one

I use a fold up crate to stand bottles/jars in and one of these beauties to put stuff on like cameras, car keys and books! They all go into each other's bags so take up little room.

hth - btw where in the Loire did you go?

[MaryMotherOfCheeses]

I like that cooker stand. We put ours on a table but it doesn't have the extra shelving. Is it stable? ie, would I be worried about a flaming thing wobbling around at a height?

[daisydancer]

Thanks so much for these sugestions! I'm going to get hunting and planning for next year. Who knows, the sales might help.

Lucycat - we stayed at Saumur. The campsite was Ile D'offard. I don't have a great deal of very recent camping experience but this seemed very good. Our pitch was right on the Loire overlooked by Saumur Chateau, lovely trees provided shade - fenced in so there were no casualties in the river! It has a lovely pool and bar/restaurant. You could get fresh coissants etc every morning. We never had to wait for showers or anything. I found the fact that they were orange and brown a little disturbing and rather 70s but they were clean and there were lots of them. It also has a baby bath/shower which was very useful. It only took us 6 hours from Calais which was great! Good looking kids club from the age of 5. You can walk into the town which is a huge benefit. No need dor a designated driver!

It cost 25 euros per night which isn't cheap in comparison to many campsites, but in comparison to hotels/cottages etc, it seemed very good value!

[Lucycat]

ahh yes it is a really well located site - it used to be the municipal hence the orange & brown shower block! But the views across to the chateau at night are stunning.
We stayed at Chantepie just outside Saumur last year - the area is lovely isn't it? Did you go out to the Zoo at Doue?

[daisydancer]

Sorry for the delay, enjoying a weekend away with friends!
We didn't go to the zoo this time but went to Chateau Usse where apparently Sleeping Beauty was dreamt up and also to a tank museum - boo hiss - we met with my Uncle who likes tanks very much. DCs loved it and I smiled a lot!!
A lovely area, I'm sure we'll go back.