10 surprisingly simple packing tips for vacations with kids

Summer is just around the corner and that means that there tends to be a whole lot of packing and unpacking going on as we head away on holidays, go camping and send the kids away for a few days to summer camp. 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 on your holiday, just add it to the list for next time!

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 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! 

3. Consider using Ziplock bags to contain clothing

I love using large Ziplock bags to contain each 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. I also like to leave little notes using a Sharpie pen on the daily outfit bags for my daughter when she is away at camp for a few days!

4. File fold your clothing

If you aren’t a fan of using bags to contain your clothing, I highly recommend file folding (this is when you fold and stand your clothes 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. When you file fold and sort, clothing doesn’t get lost in a pile in the suitcase and this method of folding also saves space.

5. Include a large empty kitchen bag per suitcase

You can choose to use each day’s Ziplock bag to contain dirty 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.

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. A warm hooded sweater is also a must if you are sitting around the campfire and roasting marshmallows in the evenings.

7. Keep 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 favourite products while away head to your local dollar store and pick up some small toiletry bottles to store your products in.

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 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 small backpack with their own items that will keep them occupied. 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. See how long your kiddos can last before you resort to screen time!

Sharing is caring! Make sure to pin this image so you can easily refer back to these simple packing tips as often as you’d like!

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 Ziplock bags and a first aide 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!

If you’ve got any other family vacation packing tips and tricks to share, I’d love to hear them!

And, if you aren’t sure how to “file fold” your clothing, head over to this post to see this space saving tip in action!