We have to pack . . . The thought of it shrivels me into an immobile yet frenzied-on-the-inside mother.
My mind does the work first. I imagine going up to the attic and dusting off the cases we will use, handing them to each kid, and willing them (verbally and mentally) to make an effort to pack. That’s what we’re supposed to do, right? Let them pack?
However, the truth of the matter is, it will be left to me to make the necessary choices of what to bring and what to leave behind.
It’s just easier and less time-consuming if I do it. Over the years I have dreaded it, but I have what I believe is a surefire way to avoid bringing unnecessary items and only packing essentials. Here are my six simple tips on how to pack efficiently for a family vacation.
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1. Use the 5-4-3-2-1 Packing Rule
Coco Chanel is known to have said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” I use this idea for packing, too. Try this 5-4-3-2-1 rule if you are traveling for a week:
- 5 sets of socks and underwear
- 4 tops
- 3 bottoms
- 2 pairs of shoes
- 1 hat (if absolutely necessary)
If you are going for longer, and you have a washing machine and dryer on hand, you can travel with less. Stop shaking your head. Yes, you can!
Wash everything every other day and re-wear clothes. It’s that simple. You’ll be patting yourself on the back for being so incredibly efficient. And as a bonus, you’ll have valuable real estate left in your suitcase for those inevitable purchases you make on your trip.
2. Roll, Bundle, Fill
If you must bring a lot of clothes, make sure that you pack efficiently. Boots can be filled with t-shirts and underwear!
- Roll your clothes. This helps to minimize wrinkles and maximize space in your suitcase.
- Use packing cubes. These smaller bags help keep your clothes compact and your outfits ordered. You can find these cubes at The Container Store, Home Depot, Target, and Walmart.
- Bundle up. Try this bundle technique. Wrap each article of clothing around a central core, with underwear, etc. at the center, and larger clothing, like jackets and pants, as the outer layer.
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3. Take a Backpack on Board
If you’re checking your suitcase, I also recommend that you take a backpack on the plane for basics and a separate bag for essential toiletries:
- water
- snacks
- one change of clothing
- glasses cases
- inhalers
- extra contact lenses (and prescriptions)
You never know when you will need them. These will ease your mind if and when everything is lost in flight.
Put toiletries into easy-to-open, travel-sized containers and double-bag with zip-top bags. TSA inspects these kinds of things, so keep them on top or within easy reach. You’ll likely have to put them in a bin before going through the scanner at the airport.
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4. Wear Comfortable Clothes
Tennis shoes, stretchy sweatpants, and a comfy sweater may not win the catwalk competition to the bathroom on the airplane, but ease of movement is imperative, especially in airports when planes and gates can change at a moment’s notice. You can be back to your fabulous self once you land and change into something less comfortable.
5. Plan Your Outfits
Depending on where you are going, dress accordingly. That dress or jacket you thought was chic may not exactly suit the weather you’ll face after you disembark the plane. It may seem obvious, but winter weather requires sweaters, coats, hats, etc.; not sundresses and shorts — although I have one kid who wears shorts year round and swears that his legs do not feel the cold. As a mother, pick your battles (clothes should not be one of them).
When packing for myself — and the kids when they were younger — I keep it neutral. Back to Coco Chanel: “The best color in the world is the one that looks good on you.” Color-wise, make sure everything you bring can mix and match on different days.
6. Let the Kids Pack
Kids should pack their own backpacks with the things they cannot breathe without: Earbuds, phones, stuffed animal, blankets, etc.
Packing for a family vacation can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With a few simple tricks and a little more thought put into it, your suitcase packing for the family will be a trip.
