We have packed for dozens of trips with kids (plus hundreds of trips for ourselves), and I dare say, we've nearly perfected our methodology here! This is the best way to pack for a trip with kids!
To start, here are our cardinal rules for packing....
do not waste time/mental space thinking about outfits while enjoying the trip
ensure everyone is dressed appropriately for all planned events and known weather
do not overpack
do not underpack
have extra space for souvenirs on the way home
always have extra bags on hand while traveling
Sound good? Great!
And lastly, have you seen the pictures where we're all basically matching? That is not required... but possible with this process (and provides an excuse for getting new clothes!)... So have we sold it yet? Lol. Read on.
Step 1: Map it Out
The first thing we start with is building the itinerary (refer to this post for more tips on how we do that). Once we have our detailed itinerary, we use that to determine what outfits we'll need. We document things like:
Weather: We get the high and low temps plus any other weather conditions we need to be prepared for - like rain! (Note that we also look at the days before and after our arrival just to see if there is something in the forecast that may be pushed that we should be prepared for in case.)
Activities: Of course what we're doing each day will also help drive what we need to be wearing. Are we on a plane? Going on a safari? Visiting a temple? Going to a fancy dinner? A few of those things all in one day? We use all that info to drive how many outfits we need and what type of clothes.
Hotel/Airbnb amenities: We check our hotels/ Airbnbs to see if there are accessible washers and dryers so we can pack a smidge lighter by repurposing part of an outfit on another day if we have access to a washer/dryer in between.
We write out all these details and start mapping outfits from there.
Also, also, also....if you like to stay somewhat color-coordinated (we've gotten hooked on this), we recommend packing children first (adults second).
Step 2: Create the Grid
We dedicate our dining room table to our grid packing so that we're able to see everything laid out. We start this process by laying down a lot of post-it notes! We label the days (and temps/events) on post-it notes horizontally then we stick the names vertically, as this creates the perfect outfit grid for a table. ;)
Step 3: Lay Out the Outfits
We dedicate the grid to outfits only (with socks and hair ties on top each outfit) then pjs, undies, swimsuits, etc. are off the the side. We lay each outfit in it's allocated spot so it's easy to see a full picture. If we're missing items, we'll put a little bright partial post-it not on top listing what we're missing (e.g. "missing black leggings") just to make sure we don't forget it before we pack up. We also include a partial post-it on the pile to note things we'll pull from earlier days (e.g. "+ white sweater from Tuesday").
Once we have laid out all of our desired outfits, we take a picture so we can keep it on our phones or print it out if we ever need to refer back to it.
Step 4: Get the Bags Out!
Now that we have all the outfits prepped, it's time to get the bags ready! We grab a large pack of gallon zip-lock bags* and a sharpie, and we label every single bag with:
each child's name
the day they're wearing the outfit
and any other notes (if items need to be washed or re-worn for a different day)
Step 5: Pack it Up
Now we're ready to pack up! Each suitcase or backpack we pack is dedicated to a set amount of days versus a specific child/adult. Yup, read that again. And then we have a separate 'everyday' bag for things we use every day - like toiletries, meds, pjs, diapers, wipes, etc. Again - not normal... but has been AMAZING for us!
Packing a suitcase by day instead of by person means that when we enter a new hotel (or an airport bathroom for a long layover adventure), we know that we only have to open 2 bags - the one with the 'everyday' stuff plus whatever suitcase is dedicated to those days at that destination. It also means that once we run through the first few sets of outfits (let's call it 'suitcase 1'), then that suitcase becomes the dirty laundry bag! We even bring a larger trash bag to do this dirty/clean separation for the interim.
OK but really.... PLASTIC BAGS?
OK so. We use bags because it creates a truly effortless process during the trip. Each kid has a bag each day, and we don't have to worry about anything else. But as you read this, you might be thinking... why Ziplock bags? It's that a lot of bags? Have you found a way to re-use them without being wasteful? Have you heard of packing cubes? Why yes, yes, yes, and yes.
A few things on this note:
Ziplock bags are way better than packing cubes because you can apply the same logic at the micro level - without being bulky. Following this method with cubes would mean that everyone's stuff for a day would be jammed together. It also means you'd have to bring back a lot of cubes...that do add up in bulkiness. The Ziplock bags are so thin that you barely even notice they are there.
As much as you try, you will have air in all those bags as you head out for your trip... meaning you may be cramming them into your suitcases. The good news is... that you are forcing yourself to create extra space! All that air adds up, and on the way back, you've got space for souvenirs!
And lastly, of COURSE we re-use the bags! Many of them come in handy throughout the trip. Here are some tried and true examples of how we've used them during the trip - motion sickness incidents, dirty diaper holders until you get to a trash can, plain old trash bags, second layer for leaking toiletries, souvenir organizers, holder for acquired carry-ons (like snacks, pens, puzzle pieces, etc.), and more! And then if they aren't used on the trip, we bring them all home and reuse them for a variety of things around the house as well! Here is some picture proof that you'll see these around our house!
Well there you have it! This method has saved our sanity and helped keep us super organized - we hope you try it out!
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