Whether you are getting ready for a spring break trip, summer trip or impromptu weekend getaway with the family packing can be a challenge.
Typically as moms we take control of packing for the family and making sure that everyone has what they need while you are away from home. So if something gets left behind or forgotten it can be incredibly frustrating.
My family has a few big trips planned and I need to start getting everyone packed! In order to make sure I was organized and could remember ALL.THE.THINGS I came up with a packing printable and I wanted to share with you dear reader!
As I’ve been thinking through my packing checklist, I thought I would share my top 5 tips for packing with a family.
Number 1: Everyone gets their own travel bag.
I have tried packing myself AND the kids into one suitcase before and it becomes such a disorganized mess that everyone gets frustrated. For us, everyone having their own bag saves my sanity. I realize if you are flying this may not be the best solution, but for our road trip I am happy to have a couple extra bags on board. I will pack everything each person needs into their own bags, with only communal items packed into my bag. (This includes shared toiletries, etc.) Also, my husband is of the mindset that the only time to pack is within a couple of hours of leaving so if he forgets underwear that is on him…amiright?
Number 2: Everything goes into big Ziploc bags!
I will have one for the underwear, one for the socks, etc. For kids you can even go as far as packing one complete outfit per bag – it makes it super easy to grab a bag that includes socks, undies, shirt & shorts and simply hand it to your kiddo to get dressed. If you have picky dressers, pack pants/shorts into one bag and tops into another so that they can choose from each day. Because, seriously, how often have you spent way too much time hunting around the bottom of a bad for a single sock or swearing up and down that you packed more underwear than what you are finding? This has been a LIFESAVER for me. Plus, if the kids are spending the night with grandparents it makes it easier for them to find the items packed. You could even get fancy with this and use vacuum sealed bags to make for extra room. {kids don’t mind wrinkles right?} And because you can reuse these many times you can just leave them in the suitcase for your next trip! {Side Note: Packing cubes come in super handy for the adults!}
Number 3: Expect that you will need extra clothes.
Kids are gross and will find mud or something sticky without even trying. Always plan for at least one or two extra sets of clothes. Especially if you are not somewhere that has an accessible washing machine. I will never forget going to our first MLB game when my son was a little over a year old…me being the naive mom didn’t bring any extra clothes with me. FAIL. He had a MAJOR blowout within minutes of arrival and he spent the rest of the time in nothing but a really expensive t-shirt from the souvenir shop and a diaper.
Number 4: Let your kids help you pack.
I have found that I have less fights with my daughter about what she wants to wear in the morning if she has had some input in the packing process. Also, if you implement the Ziploc bag method, then it is easier to control the chaos and to let them help. And they just enjoy helping, so why not make packing for a family trip a family activity.
Number 5: Make a list before you start any packing.
I find it so much easier to sit down and write out everything that I need to pack and check it off as I go. This helps me feel more confident once I have finished packing and I end up doing less second guessing myself.
{Here you can find the FREE printable packing list that I created. Let me know if it helps you!}
