You’re finally heading out for a much needed family vacation. It’s time to pack! Pack too many clothes and it’ll be hard to move around, but pack too few and you’ll find yourself frantically searching for the nearest mall. There are a few things to consider when packing with your kids for a weekend trip — this post is all about those things and more.

Start Packing With Your Kids When They Are Young

I can’t stress enough how beneficial teaching my son organization skills early on has been for his personal growth & development. I’m a firm believer that these simple practical skills will shape him into a successful person who can handle the tasks & challenges of life. This is why I make it a point to include my son in all aspects of packing for our trips. If you have younger kids, start packing with them now! You’ll be happy you did when your little one is older.

Packing With Your Kids for a Short Vacation – a Practical Guide

Start Packing a Few Days Before You’re Scheduled to Leave

Planning ahead leads to effective packing! Teaching your kids a new skill takes time & patience from both parties, so give yourself plenty of time. This experience can be fun & enjoyable when you’re not in a time crunch.

Use the Right Luggage

Depending on your children’s age, different styles of luggage are available and they are not only cute but functional. For toddlers, ride-on suitcases are fun, spacious and durable. For school aged children, it’s important to give them their own luggages with enough room to pack their travel essentials.

Choose What Items You’re Going to Pack

Talk to your children about what to expect during the trip, and choose together a few weather and activity appropriate outfits. You can also create an easy-to-follow packing list to assist them. Remember, the most important part of packing with your kids is having them involved. So have them watch you as you pack your suitcase alongside them.

Teach Them Your Clever Ways

I love using packing cubes for all size trips and I also taught my son Nick to use them. Do you want to know his favorite packing method for a short weekend trip? To organize each outfit (tops, underwear, bottoms, socks) for each day, and fold them into individual packing cubes! How smart & easy!

For the best use of space in packing cubes, I always recommend rolling items, but the method you choose, whether to fold or roll is ultimately up to you and your child. Give both a try and see what works best!

Packing With Your Kids Bonus Tips:

• Teach your kids to pack all their essentials, including toiletry items. You can get them their very own travel toiletry bag and transfer shampoo and other items into travel sized reusable bottles

• Don’t forget your towels! Each member of my family has their own quick dry towel. They’re super light and practical.
• A travel trick I’ve been using for years for my son is bringing older/less wanted clothes with him while traveling. I find that helps me not worry about him getting the outfits dirty and I can simply declutter these items before returning home.

Packing with your kids does not have to be a chore! Giving kids a fun hand in packing the suitcase will have them excited to travel from the start.

Are you planning a vacation soon? Tell us about your family travel plans 👋 @bless_the_mess_

---

Before You Go…

MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW US FOR MORE GOOD IDEAS
Instagram | Facebook | Little Red Book | Wechat

You can also contact me or subscribe to my newsletter here.

---

PIN IT FOR LATER ↓

---

MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW US FOR MORE GOOD IDEAS

Instagram | Facebook | Little Red Book | Wechat

You can also contact me or subscribe to my newsletter here.

---

PIN IT FOR LATER ↓