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Static caravan purchase - keeping costs down

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Comments

  • Sea_Shell
    Sea_Shell Posts: 10,330 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper

    Me again...

    Just posting things as I think of them.

    Mattress (es)

    Is it also 12 years old, and having been in a rental?

    If so, it's probably end of life.

    Personally, I'd want to change it, even if it seemed to be in good condition.

    How's it going, AKA, Nutwatch? - 12 month spends to date = 3.24% of current retirement "pot" (as at end December 2025)
  • WindfallWendy
    WindfallWendy Posts: 254 Forumite
    100 Posts First Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic

    Yes - I thought the same about the mattress. I figured if they usually last ~ 8 years, then it's worth buying an awesome new one. Uncomfy beds are one of the problems we have with holidays and have been known to cart a mattress topper around with us which is ridiculous.

    I have a friend who crochets....

    Re. being near the coast/corrosion, we're getting someone to check under the van, for that reason, but it's actually absolute back row so as far from the sea as they can be (approx 0.25mile) so I think the amount of salty air we will get isn't as bad as some/many of the other caravans at the site.

    Vacuums.... I've always taken note when we've been on holiday of a 'good' vacuum and the Vax blue animal ones are pretty good, though seems to break quite easily. We have a Shark pet, which is ok, but the handheld option is a bit less effective than the Vax. I'm always impressed by a Henry but I think they need bags, don't they?

  • Sea_Shell
    Sea_Shell Posts: 10,330 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper

    You seem to have all the angles covered.

    Enjoy.

    How's it going, AKA, Nutwatch? - 12 month spends to date = 3.24% of current retirement "pot" (as at end December 2025)
  • Savvy_Sue
    Savvy_Sue Posts: 47,913 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper

    I hate Henrys, but then I always like an upright for floors. No stairs, presumably?

    Signature removed for peace of mind
  • WindfallWendy
    WindfallWendy Posts: 254 Forumite
    100 Posts First Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic

    No stairs.

  • Savvy_Sue
    Savvy_Sue Posts: 47,913 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper

    So personally I'd want an upright. Maybe attachments, or a handheld if you prefer cleaning by vacuum. But an upright will IMO be easier to store than a Henry, with its fat base and tube that will fall over however you arrange it. And easier to use.

    But as I said, I hate Henrys.

    Signature removed for peace of mind
  • Yarmy
    Yarmy Posts: 42 Forumite
    Second Anniversary 10 Posts Name Dropper

    Hi, I bought a Henry for my static caravan, as it was on offer at the time, but am now wishing that I'd got an upright vacuum instead to save on space.

  • WindfallWendy
    WindfallWendy Posts: 254 Forumite
    100 Posts First Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic

    Will definitely go for an upright /versatile hand held thing.

  • Sea_Shell
    Sea_Shell Posts: 10,330 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 22 June at 5:01PM

    Laundry. (can't remember if I've mentioned it)

    Not just clothes, but sheets and towels.

    What's your plan?

    Use on site facilities - ££. Ones we've seen cost £8 to wash and dry a (big) load.

    Only stay for 7-8 nights at a time, do the washing at home?

    Or will your van have a WM and space outside for a rotary airer?

    How's it going, AKA, Nutwatch? - 12 month spends to date = 3.24% of current retirement "pot" (as at end December 2025)
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