Taking care of your things really is crucial to a happy life. Whether we’re talking about your smallest valuables or your largest assets, you’ll get the best out of the things you own if you look after them. From the books on your shelves to the house constructed from the walls that the shelves are on, the fundamental rule remains the same: Proper maintenance preserves condition.
Whether you live in a bricks and mortar house or a static caravan, regular maintenance is important. It can extend your home’s lifespan, and in most cases, it will contribute to it retaining some of its value. What is maintenance? As well as fixes and repairs, it means regular cleaning and tidying. In this blog, we’ll go a little deeper and explore key practices you can follow to ensure your static caravan at Elm Bank remains in tip-top condition.
1. Keep your static caravan tidy
Wherever you are and whatever the layout, maintaining a tidy living area ensures that ‘your space’ remains comfortable for you and inviting for others. In a static caravan, where interior space can be more limited, day-to-day clutter can quickly become overwhelming, making the environment feel cramped and uncomfortable. Staying organised is absolutely key – it’s great for mental health as well as for the basic logistics of living (no more lost paperwork or misplaced keys, etc).
Setting up a daily or weekly routine for household chores, especially if you share the caravan, and getting into the habit of tidying up as a matter of course will really help you manage tidiness tasks. Washing up regularly, doing your laundry at set times during the week, and always being mindful of keeping surfaces clear are fairly small habits that will make a big difference. Similarly, ensuring the kitchen bin is emptied quickly when it needs it, on a regular basis, will have both aesthetic and health benefits. There will be no unpleasant odours permeating the caravan, and there will be no ‘food rot’ to deal with. Adequate storage solutions (e.g. shelving for books and magazines) will also contribute to a tidy and organised space, and therefore greater peace of mind.
2. Keep your static caravan clean
In close combination with staying tidy, cleanliness is important for maintaining your static. Cleaning and drying all walls and surfaces, particularly in the kitchen and bathroom, will go a long way to preventing damp damage from moisture. It’s worth using a bit of will-power to get into the habit of cleaning these areas straight after each use, as this will keep them in top condition as well as make you feel fantastic and fresh.
Empty and clean kitchen cupboards regularly as this will help to eliminate tiny food particles which are a major attraction for pests and rodents. Clean the cooker, fridge and windows inside and out as often as possible. Keeping your static a clean environment also includes taking proper care of your pets (if you have any) and ensuring the areas they use for sleeping and eating are kept hygienic.
3. Keep on top of static caravan maintenance
All the better for you, if you can develop a routine of small maintenance checks around your static. This can go a long way to keeping the overall condition of your caravan high.
- Joints / Seals: Inspect the joints and seals around windows, doors and other vents on a regular basis and ensure they remain in good condition. These parts of a static caravan can weaken over time which, if left unchecked, may lead to leaks and subsequently water damage. Allow air to circulate in your static by opening windows. This step will help prevent dampness. Use moisture absorbers / dehumidifiers as these will also be beneficial to the overall condition of the environment. There are numerous effective moisture control products available in supermarkets and from hardware shops.
- Systems: Regularly check the essential services of your statis, such as electric, plumbing and heating. Dependent on the system you are checking, it might be necessary to employ the services of a professional for these inspections. If and when a comes that you’ve decided to sell, buyers will truly appreciate integral systems that have been well maintained.
- Outside: Conduct regular inspections of your static caravan’s exterior, as you will be able to identify any cracks or gaps, and seal them to prevent cold air or moisture ingress. Keep the roof and guttering clear of leaves to prevent rot. Wash the caravan’s exterior every couple of months (or more – there’s no law stopping you) as this will maintain its appearance and protect paintwork from damage caused by pollution and bird waste. Use car shampoo and a hose, or jet wash.
By following the tips we’ve given here, you can maintain your static caravan and make sure it stays in an excellent condition, providing a holiday home to be admired. The three key things to remember are: Cleaning, tidying and maintenance. Each of these in combination will help preserve your caravan’s value. Make them all a regular part of your routine to keep your static caravan in the best possible shape.