What do I need to take on a 4 month holiday that I wouldn't think of taking on a 2 week holiday?

[katymac]

Camper van - so cutelery/crockery etc have been planned for

I'm thinking some stationery & maybe a printer?

Sellotape & string, a travel iron?

Some tools? (def a screwdriver & allan keys for the bikes - but what else?)

WD40 & 3 in 1 oil

What else have I forgotten or not even dreamed of taking?

Van stuff - jump leads, tow ropes, tools (we also have an axe but maybe that's not needed in the uk), old clothes, grit or bits of carpet, spare oil, petrol, water, washer liqued.

Are you taking bikes with you?

And a decent peice of wood to put your jack on if the land is too soft.

The electronic thingy the bank sends you and insists you need to authorise new/large payments.

What's happening to post that gets sent home during this time? Will anyone check it??? If not, electronic credit card statements etc if not already dealt with.

I know you've mentioned the sewing machine. There will be a needle, thread, and some spare buttons in there, won't there??

List of all birthdays you need to acknowledge while away...

Have skimmed but not RTFT so apols if I double up with someone else.

My biggest thing would be longer term toiletries - tampons/pads, contraception if needed, wax strips or similar if you do your own legs or face, nail polish if you like it etc. I realise you said you won't be too far from a supermarket but they might not have your favourite brands.

Definitely a wider range of clothes, but this is where layers are your friend. Pack what you want then take 1/3 of it out!

Spare sheets and duvet cover for when yours need washing. You might get away with it for two weeks but definitely not for four months!

I wouldn't take much different from usual Katy. You can buy what you need on the road apart from prescriptions if you need them.

Definitely agree with pp about shopping opportunities in rural Scotland - stock up in towns en route.

Are you taking a hand turn or electric machine? It would be lovely to make something like a patchwork quilt, buying fabric as you travel to remember your trip by.

Must add that I am a minimalist camper though and take as little as possible.

Take some spare inner tubes in the correct size for your new swanky bikes and a puncture repair kit. Repair a punctured tube on replacement so you are ready to go again.

Slow cooker / instant pot type thing?

That's a thought will my sewwing machine take up too much electric? & how about the slow cooker (love that idea)

Bank card reader thing!! Wow I would so have forgotten that!! Spare bedding on the list with sleeping bags for DD/visitors - and some nice warm blankets

Wood/carpet & car things -

Sewing stuff - yes lots I have one of those tool/craft boxes to fill up

Bikes coming (particularly my beautiful new electric bike)

Starting to think I need a generator!!

We have arranged for max prescriptions for DH & a care plan in case he is ill - most GP's won't understand his conditions very well - our GP this morning quite understoood I don't want to be arguing with strang doctors about getting an IV of antibiotics set up for a "simple chest infection" plus our emergency pack of AB & steroids

Sewing machines use very little electricity. The plug on mine (not UK and different types according to consumption) is the same as the one for an electric razor so very low.
And they say a slow cooker consumes the equivalent of a lightbulb. Can't confirm as I'm not a fan.

That's good - I love Sewing