It’s time to go home… boo! But if you follow our quick guide to striking camp, then clearing your tent and packing at the end of your holiday doesn't have to be a stress

1 Have a plan for how you’re going to pack the boot and empty the tent in the right order.

2 If you get the chance, clean off any mud and bird poo from the flysheet before you start.

3 Empty and, if necessary, take down the inner tents before clearing the tent and pack them away.

4 Keep a few plastic bags to hand for packing away wet, muddy items.

5 Pack dirty clothes in a separate holdall so the washing machine can be loaded as soon as you get home.

6 If the weather is fine, leave sleeping bags out to air before packing them away.

7 Once you’ve emptied the tent, sweep up inside before you start to take it down. Remember to empty out the storage pockets.

8 Sort poles neatly as you go to avoid stepping on them.

9 Muddy pegs can be cleaned at home but don't pack them with the tent.

10 Packing up can be a wet and muddy experience – keep some clean clothes aside and get changed before you drive home.

11 Have a last look around to check for anything you might have overlooked, especially stray pegs.

12 As soon as you get home, unpack it all and start to dry thoroughly.

13 Wash all pots, pans, dishes, cutlery and food storage again when you get home.