Seasoned self caterers- post your tips here

[CybilLiberty]

I am off on Friday for fun and self catering frolics in Norfolk.

Any pearls of wisdom to share for beach eating/what to take/how to keep sand off stuff/children from killing each other?

And I know about talc, that's the first thing I'm packing!

find the nearest M&S and buy ready meals/picnic food :D

hope the weather is good for you!

Google nearest Asda/Tesco/Sainsbo to place you're staying and hardwire it into the satnav - also any 'fun' places near your area

Must say I am extremely . I LOVE Norfolk

Take a cool bag or box for lunches, you really can save a fortune by making up rolls and taking drinks.

Failing that take some plates and knives and buy rolls and packs of pate, cheese or whatever while out, still a lot cheaper than buying lunch when out.

If you are actually planning to self cater as a pose to going to the local pub take a chopping board, decent knive and mugs.

Take food for a meal on your first night and other basics so you don't need to worry about getting a shop on the way there.

Whats the talc for??

Oh and take own DVD player and didgi box if place doesn't have them.

2nd the dvd player we take our ps2 so we have game console and dvd in one! If you are driving and there is room pack your microwave if there isn't one. We also take a baking tray and frying pan (usually you end up with nothing or the smallest in the world! Where in Norfolk are you staying? There are loads supermarkets all over place so you wont need to bring much because you wont be too far away from one. I pack salt, pepper and margarine as it is always annoying to buy those brand new if you have loads at home also I take a tea towel and bleach for when I arrive just in case the kitchen/bathroom isn't very clean! Have a lovely time I live in Norfolk so if you want any tips on days out let me know.....BTW whats the talc for?

Talc's for rubbing onto sandy bits to get the sand off (yourself, not your sandwiches!).

If you have a washing machine, just take some washing powder tablets, rather than a whole box of them - just enough for what you'll need for the week. If you can decant fabric conditioner into a smaller bottle, try that too.

I always take a small sharp knife, some plastic bowls for picnic lunches (bowls seem to be more sand resistant than plates) and some plastic food bags. A tea towel, kitchen roll and antibacterial cleaner are also on my list (in case its not as clean as I'd like).

If feeling very organised, I take the first night's tea with me, frozen so it defrosts on the way e.g. lasagne or fish pie. Also take milk and tea bags - then i can survive anything.

Before this years trip to Norfolk, I used up the eggs at home and made victoria sponge cake and cup cakes to take with us - which was lovely and homely to have with us.

Have a lovely time .

Ohhh keep going- I'm going self catering in a month in north wales.

Get Tesco to deliver what you want for the week.

I you have room and are staying in a caravan that doesn't have full heating take a couple of halogen or whatever heaters too take the chill off the bedrooms. Even one would do, you can have it in the kids room until they go to bed then move it too yours. Rooms are so small you would probably have to move it out anyway from the tiny twin ones. Oh and don't let owners see you taking the heaters in they don't like it .

Second getting your shopping delivered, saves so much time and faffing.

and leaves more space in the car daisymoo

Gosh, we could never take it in the car anyway, no room! We couldn't get a Tesco delivery slot this year and wasted a morning in the supermarket