10 Surprisingly Simple Packing Tips for Vacations with Kids

Family vacations are exciting, but packing for kids can be overwhelming for any mom. As both an organization coach and a mom of two, I’ve put together some simple tips to help you save time and stay stress-free while preparing for your next trip.

*Updated January 17, 2025

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10 Simple Packing Tips and Tricks for Kids

Whether you are about to head away on holidays, go camping or send the kids away for a few days to summer camp, packing kids does not need to give you a headache. I’m sharing simple packing tips that will work at any time of year to keep the whole family organized and focused on having fun when you head off on your next vacation.

1. Keep a packing list on your Reminders, Notes or Evernote App

Keep a separate list for each type of vacation (beach, camping, road trip) to take the guesswork out of what to pack. If you notice a need while on your holiday, just add it to the list for next time! This tip will save you time when you begin planning and packing for your next trip with kids.

2. Pack one outfit per day plus at least 2 extra outfits

In order to account for changes in weather, impromptu messy adventures and the odd accident or two, make sure you have 2 or more extra kids outfits packed for your trip. If your child is a toddler or potty training, and you do not have access to a washing machine, I would suggest packing 2 outfits per day. Better to be prepared than to face consequences later! 

3. Consider using Ziploc bags to contain clothing

I love using large Ziploc bags to contain each kids daily outfit, pyjamas for the week, extra socks + underwear and bathing suits. I suggest researching the daily weather forecast while you are away and packing accordingly. This trick reduces time spent deciding what to wear and increases independence in daily dressing skills for little ones.

• Extra Large Ziploc Bags

4. File fold your clothing or use packing cubes

If you aren’t a fan of using plastic bags to contain your kids clothing, I highly recommend file folding (this is when you fold and stand clothing upright) so that everything you have packed is easily visible. Then I suggest sorting clothing by type (shorts, pants, t-shirts etc) or by outfit, so choosing what to wear each day is quick and easy. Alternatively, when you file fold and use packing cubes, kids clothing doesn’t get lost in a pile in the suitcase and you save so much space!

• Bonus Tip: Use a different color of packing cube per family member to stay extra organized
• Packing Cubes

5. Include a large empty kitchen bag per suitcase

You can choose to use each day’s Ziploc bag to contain dirty kids clothing or opt for one large kitchen bag to collect dirty clothes for the week. Either strategy works to easily keep clean and dirty clothes separated. This tip makes finding and washing the dirty clothes so much easier when you get home from your trip.

• Drawstring Trash Bags

6. Bring a zip-up or hooded sweater for each child on warm trips

Be ready for changes in temperature during the day or into the evening even when on a warm vacation. A warm hooded sweater is a must if you are sitting around the campfire and roasting marshmallows in the evenings. Having a cozy zip up hoodie is essential for staying comfortable on long plane rides or road trips.

• Bonus Tip: Choose a bright colored zip-up sweatshirt to be able to spot your child easily while traveling!
• Girls Fleece Zip-Up Hoodie Sweatshirt
• Boys Fleece Zip-Up Hoodie Sweatshirt

7. Keep kids toiletries to a minimum

I always check ahead to see if the hotel we are staying at provides basic toiletries. Consider purchasing a two in one shampoo and conditioner and pack travel sized toothpaste to save on space. If you love to use your child’s favourite products while away consider using small toiletry bottles to store your products in. A TSA approved toiletry bag is essential if you are planning to pack kids toiletries in a carry on bag on your next flight.

• Travel Bottles for Toiletries
• TSA Approved Toiletry Bag

8. Create a morning-of checklist

For those items that can’t be packed until the last minute (sleep items, baby monitor, charging cords, phone, water bottles, favourite blanket) have a morning checklist ready with everything that you need to bring. Getting out of the door in the morning can feel like a feat on a normal day so ensure that you don’t leave your hard to live without items behind with this simple tip. Check off each and every item and then you are ready to go!

9. Create an activity pack with entertainment for the car ride or flight

Head to your local dollar store and fill a foldable bin or travel bag with colouring books, washable markers and crayons, stickers, foam crafts, toy cars or dinosaurs, a card game, a few new books and even bubbles for when you are driving and stop along the road to stretch your legs. You could also have your older child fill a travel backpack with their own items that will keep them occupied. See how long your kiddos can last before you resort to screen time!

• Bonus Tip: Wrap small toys for your toddler with a few layers of gift wrap to add an extra layer of excitement when they become bored and need something to keep them busy
• Hanging Large Travel Toiletry Bag
• Large Travel Backpack

10. Use this handy hack for emergencies on road trips with small kids

Keep a small plastic tote accessible at the end of the trunk with a set of clean clothes per child, extra diapers, wipes or underwear, a few empty Ziploc bags and a First Aid Kit just in case you have a sudden accident and don’t want to unpack the trunk to find an essential item that you need in a hurry!

• Plastic Storage Box
• First Aid Kit

What is the 1-6 packing rule?

This is an easy way to avoid overpacking for kids. The packing light rule says to pack one hat, two pairs of shoes, three bottoms, four tops, five pairs of socks, and six pairs of underwear as your essentials. Then, add in customized items like a swimsuit or rain gear depending on the type of trip you are taking. This rule will work best if you have access to a washing machine or are taking a shorter trip with kids. 

What is the hardest age to travel with a child?

The answer to this question depends on your travel style and expectations. The general consensus is that toddlers around the age of 18-24 months are the most difficult to travel with. 

• Toddlers are constantly on the move, making it a challenge to keep them safe from climbing over railings, falling, or running off in crowded areas.
• Plane rides can be long and cramped, and toddlers tend to have short attention spans.
• At this age, children still need a car seat, diapers, bottles, and a stroller—many extra items to manage while traveling.
• Toddlers need naps, can be fussy eaters, may be teething and usually can’t fully express what they need or want which can result in melt downs and frustrated parents.  
• Instead try this: travel locally (consider a staycation), take a shorter road trip or go camping for a few days during the toddler years.

What does packing away teach children?

At home, encouraging your child to pack and unpack their own bag is a great habit to get into. At first, you might lay out the items that they need to pack, but once they get the hang of it, you can encourage them to go and find what they need for the day. When you take the time to encourage independence in your kids and turn daily packing into a learning opportunity, your child will grow in confidence and take ownership of their items. 

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More helpful family organization tips you may find useful:

Laundry Simplified: The Essential Routine that Changed My Life

How to Declutter Your Clothing (Tips on file folding clothing to save space!)

How to Organize a Craft Station for Kids Like a Pro