One of the most challenging aspects of traveling with the kids is gathering everything we need and packing it in such a way that makes sense for everyone. Typically we would tackle this task by desperately trying to remember all the items everyone would need and shoving it all into one large suitcase, I’ll tell you now this isn’t very effective! With two little ones running around and throwing random items in while I tried to get some sort of order in my packing it was quiet the challenge.
Now that our children are 9 and 5 years old we decided to make a big change in the way our family ran as a unit. The first step was to invest in new rolling suitcases for each child in colors they chose so they could have and be responsible for their own cases. This was helpful because each child had their own cloths and toiletries and didn’t have to search through a big suitcase just to get to a certain items they may have needed.
The second step was to make a master list. I spent a couple of days creating and refining it until I was satisfied that each child and I would have everything we needed and unnecessary items would be left behind. Once the list was made, I simply duplicated it and gave each of my children a copy. The older one read to the younger and they both crossed items off as went. They did a great job following down the list, treating it like a scavenger hunt they actually though packing was GREAT FUN!
I made sure to include specifics for the items such as dark colors for pants/shorts as they won’t show the dirt so readily, sweat shirt with hood and pockets etc.
The packing was a huge success as they had both chosen the clothes they brought so there was considerably less grumbling. Being responsible for their own suitcases meant they didn’t wander off in the airport; we saved time and money not checking luggage and neither of us has sore back from lugging 1 huge case.
Don’t miss our 12 Days 12 DEALS!
An unexpected bonus to our system came when we heard the terrifying sound of the tsunami sirens going off one night toward the end of our trip to Hawaii last year. Not knowing if we would be able to return once we evacuated, we decided the best course of action was to pack and take everything with us. We had been told the tsunami wasn’t expected to hit the other side of the island for 2 hours so did have plenty of time but as it was already dark and we had never been in such a situation we certainly wanted to on high ground as soon as possible.
Because everyone had their own suitcase the 4 of us packed everything we had brought and accumulated over 12 days and were in the car heading to the evacuation point within just 20 minutes!
It was a great system and I’m glad I implemented these changes because we were able to leave quickly and didn’t leave anything behind!
What are your tips for making traveling with kids easier?
SUNNYSLEEVEZ.COM
Sunny Sleevez 
Sounds like you’re having fun. We used lists too, with little drawings of clothing items before reading age. One daughter worked out her wardrobe by laying her clothes on he floor in the shape of a person, with a soccer ball for the head.
– Paul
OMG that’s hilarious!
Your organisation paid off! It’s worth the initial effort.
I thought it would be fun today to stop by and visit everyone who follows me and wish you a Happy New Year. 😀 My travel tip; my son (now 25) had zero tolerance for sitting still. We were heading to Maine (an 8 hour drive) when he was 5… I wrapped 16 surprises: snacks, toys, crayons — every half hour he was allowed to open one gift. This worked so well, however, he still expected the surprises when he was 13 and going to Georgia with his Dad.
I am obsessed with lists!! I like how you got your kids involved- I’m such a terrible delegator! 🙂
Great ideas! We are leaving the country with our 3 girls (4,6,8) for vacation for the first time this spring. We, too, got them each a rolling suitcase they can handle themselves – and a toiletry bag that hangs from the towel rod in the hotel. When they can take responsibility for more of their own things, it sure does make travel more fun!
I also use lists with my kids for packing, saves time, hassle, and verbal tussles.
love lists, have several different ones made up for packing for different places we frequent. I like you idea of the different color suit cases, my kids are trying to stuff into backpacks or duffel bags.