Are 5 tips for packing for the family enough? I’m sure that’s the question that is going through your mind. Remember that simplicity is the key. The tips are intentionally simple to ensure that when you are packing you are not overwhelmed.
Every time we take a trip with my sister and my nephew I feel like it’s a mad rush to get everything packed just a day before or the day of the trip. It’s crazy how much I procrastinate and we always, always end up forgetting something. It’s usually okay because you can find some things easily wherever you are going but some things are not replaceable when traveling overseas on vacation.
These 5 tips are great when it comes to packing for the family. I have been using the tips to make sure nothing gets left behind and also for peace of mind:
5 Tips for Packing for the family:
Packing tip 1: make a list.
The firs tip for packing for the family is to make a list. This list will make your life so much easier and what I do is I just keep reusing the one I have on my phone notes page. Alternatively you can use this journal. Anything that I keep forgetting I write down on a sticky somewhere I will see before I leave the house. Alternatively bold the important things on the list or color code them to make sure they get first priority when packing.
Packing tip 2: Separate your vacation clothes.
I like to keep my ‘vacation’ clothes separate from my normal day clothes. That sounds crazy but there are clothes you only ever wear on vacation. The summery flowery dresses, the straw hat, the gorgeous neon colored sandals, the swimming gear you use when you scuba dive… those are things you can separate from your day to day stuff and pull out easily when you are getting ready to pack.
Packing tip 3: Have a maximum number of clothes to carry.
Who is guilty of overpacking? I’d bet many people are. I always feel like I have to bring everything! While it’s wonderful to have many options more often than not you don’t need them. I like to only have hand luggage because it’s cheaper and faster to get out of airports. I love using this suitcase that you can find affordably on Amazon. So have a goal and stick to it especially for short trips! Also bring versatile clothes like a black skirt that you can wear multiple times with different tops for a different look!
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Packing tip 4: Always check the weather before you go!
I once found myself in Canada without a warm jacket in the summer just before fall. If you are ever in the Banff area it can get cold so you may need multiple season clothes. Just because it’s warm where you are doesn’t mean it will be warm where you are going regardless of the season. Luckily I was able to bundle up but in Banff where the it starts snowing early in the season you have to be ready. Don’t be like me, check the weather!
Packing tip 1: If you have small kids or even big ones bring snacks and games.
Those long-haul flights can prove to be tiresome on the babies and it helps if you have the appropriate stuff to keep them entertained. I like to pack snacks that are in little bags so that when they are done you don’t have to worry about storage. Also downloading games and music before your flight or road trip is good because you may not have data.
Last but not least have a great trip/vacation!!!
