(Escape Canvas bag, Steamline luggage (use code IHOD10 for 10% off), Vintage suitcase, Market Tote, Nena and Co Tote)
Today I find it quite humorous that we pack the same amount now for a weekend away with four children than when we did with one. I am sure it was because I didn’t know what to expect and if there is room in the car, I WILL fill it. 😉 As we have grown as a family, I have learned a few tricks here and there that have helped tremendously for being prepared for the “just in case” scenarios without overdoing it as well as realize the freedom in minimal packing! I tried to snap the process to break it down. I’m always up for hearing additional packing organization tips for family travel.
One Large Suitcase
I usually let them bring their own little skipHop suitcases, because they love the exhilarating independence! However, if it is just a weekend, I pack the three kiddos in one large suitcase. Which includes:
- Bathing Suits
- Pajamas & underwear
- Two outfits (and maybe four for the the potty training child)
- One pair of shoes (and they wear the second pair in the car!)
- If there’s room, a favorite doll or blanket, otherwise, they carry into the car. (Surprising them with these sweet handmade dolls from AlimRose)
Immediate Reach Bucket
I have started to put a bucket behind the passenger seat or driver’s seat filled with those things I usually use in the car ride:
- Snacks
- Water bottles
- Diapers (and for this trip, swim diapers)
- Baby teethers and toys
- Reading material in case I happen to get ten minutes of silence! (Can’t wait to dive into this book.)
Separate Bag for Baby
The baby of the family usually requires the most gear! I have pared it down over time though to things I actually use on a trip, and find it easier to keep them in a separate easy access tote bag altogether.
- Mini Baggu Zip pouch filled with diaper balm, thermometer, roller bottle of essential oils for flu symptoms and one for relaxing sleepytime, portable diaper trash bag dispenser, etc.
- Swim Trunks and sun hat
- Baby Blanket and his favorite stuffed elephant and rattle.
- Two outfits per day (they always end up with a blowout)
- two pair of sandals (pictured above are from Donsje and Old Navy)
- pajamas
Most items from Old Navy, cactus bloomers from Little Adi and Co.
Beach Bag to Go
Beach bags require very little actual necessities, but I am sure we will be tacking on buckets, floats, beach tent, and flip flops without a match.
- Sunscreen and Aloe (Thank you for all the recs on facebook! A few I am trying that have safe ingredients and aren’t too pasty: Badger (for the baby), Goddess Garden (for the kids), and Alba (for Gabe and I).
- Linen baby wrap to carry around Rocco.
- Sunglasses
- Straw Hats
- Water bottles and reading material
Towel and Play Mat Bag
I throw all the beach towels and leather beach mat into one bag! I also carry large plastic bags for any wet suits or towels for after the beach or pool. (The ESCAPE bag is from here.)
One suitcase rule
If its just a weekend away, I try my hardest to fit everything into one suitcase…what always gets me is the shoes. (I come from a long line of shoe hoarders.) However, what helps is thinking through versatile pieces that mix and match, so I usually can fit in four outfit options with minimal pieces. I sort everything else in small bags. Jewelry in one, makeup in one, and skin and hair products in another. I also wear an outfit in the car I can re-use there. Sources: Sun hats, fringe tote, Steamline luggage (10% off with code IHOD10), water resistant make up bag)
Equipment Bag
We bring our camera, goPro, and any other chargers in one bag as well safe and sound away from swinging legs;)
The kids also each pack their own little bag of books and coloring pages for the car along with their pillow. As for Gabe…he is notorious for fitting everything into a backpack. So stubbornly that he will even hand carry a shoe that may not quite fit.
So what would be your number one travel tip for packing effectively??
Here are a few other posts in case you missed:
5 Quick Tips for making travel affordable
15 Best Travel Apps
We will be sharing some of our Rosemary Beach adventures on snapchat (user name: annaliesemeyer) and instagram if you want to see the place! It’s a beauty. Although, I’ll be mainly leaving the phone aside for some serious wave riding and sand castle building with my babes;) Have a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend!
