You’ve probably heard and researched what to pack for an upcoming houseboat trip, but have you reviewed what not to pack? At Cottonwood Cove, we aim to help prepare you for the easiest trip possible, so we’ve come up with the most common items you can leave at home.

Dinner plates or kitchenware

Pretty much anything you’d need to cook up and serve a delicious meal will be provided for you. That includes dinner plates, pots and pans, utensils, cups, measuring cups, mixing bowls, steak knives and more! Of course, if you wanted to bring additional paper or plastic plates and utensils, that’s up to you.

Linens

Did you know that some houseboating companies require you to bring your own bed sheets and pillows? In an effort to minimize your packing list, we provide just the right amount of sheets, towels, pillows, wash clothes and blankets on all of our houseboat models. The only linen you’re responsible for is beach towels.

Glass containers or bottles

Technically, glass containers and bottles are allowed on the houseboat, but we recommend keeping your stock to a minimum. Why, you ask? To minimize the amount of waste you generate. Keep in mind that what you pack in, you’ll have to pack out. Save yourself some heavy lifting and stick to compact and non-breakable packaging for your houseboat trip.

Food that will spoil quickly

We highly suggest making as many frozen meals as possible before your trip. That way, you won’t have to worry about your food spoiling from the time you leave the store to the fifth day on the water. If you’re planning on packing frozen items that are to be used a few days into your trip, you can keep them at room temperature longer by utilizing dry ice and regular ice in a tightly sealed ice chest. This trick will allow your frozen goods to be ready to thaw later on in your vacation.

Coffee maker

Do you enjoy a fresh cup of joe in the morning? So do we! That’s why all of our houseboats include a coffee maker. Just make sure to bring your favorite grounds, as well as cream and sugar.

Remember, packing for your houseboat trip is not the time to stress. As long as you bring the proper amount of clothing, food, water, and sunscreen, the rest is taken care of. Have any questions about what was listed above? Give us a call at 1-800-255-5561 and we’d be happy to discuss in detail.