IN A NUTSHELL..
Let’s face it—packing for a trip can feel like playing a game of Tetris, finding space to slot things in wherever you can.. Add kids to the mix, and it’s a whole new level of chaos. But with a few smart strategies, you can transform packing from a nightmare into a breeze 💨
Save time ⌚ and space while ensuring you have everything you need using these methods.
For personal stories and pro tips – more details below.
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The Art of Packing
Packing smarter can make all the difference between a stress-free journey and a chaotic one. Efficient packing not only saves time and space but also ensures you have everything you need without overburdening yourself. Through personal experiences and a few mishaps, I’ve discovered some tried-and-true techniques to help you pack smart for your next adventure.
For holidays, my wife and I pack our suitcases separately. However, she often reminds me that I can only use half of mine. Why? Because the other half is for our youngest son. Our eldest gets his own. So does the wife.
Because of this, I’ve learned how to pack smart. Now, I’m sharing my best tips with you so you can do the same.
The Suitcase
Your suitcase is the backbone of your trip. Pack it right, and you’re set for a smooth journey. Pack it wrong, and well… let’s just say I’ve learned the hard way. Here’s how to optimize your suitcase packing:
1. Only Pack the Right Amount of Clothes
1. Count the number of days you are travelling
2. Determine how many days between laundry days (if you plan on doing it)
3. Divide the number of travel days by number days between laundry days
4. Add 1
This is the optimal number of each clothing type you need (shirts, pants/shorts, underwear, socks).
Don’t forget to bring the same number of pajamas unless your hotel offers them for free.
You can use my free calculator here to find out the optimal number with a few clicks,
PROTIP #1
One Size Fits All Strategy?
While the above strategy is great for us parents, the same doesn’t apply for the kids. They are messy and they are dirty – so make sure you bring extra sets of clothing for them.
2. Bring Two Pairs of Shoes
Having at least another pair of shoes will let you continue your travels in case your first one gets wet.
Fun Fact: Bringing two pairs of shoes = doubling the number of unique outfit looks you have.
For example:
You’ve worked out that you need 3 tops and 3 bottoms for your trip using my calculator above.
This means:
- Bring one pair of shoes = 9 unique outfits (3 x 3 x 1 pair).
- Bring two pairs of shoes = 18 unique outfits (3 x 3 x 2 pairs).
The link to the calculator above can calculate all this for you as well.
PROTIP #2
Pack Your Shoes Responsibly
While you can bring more shoes to increase your options, its important to consider the amount of space they take up. So be responsible.
3. Roll, Don’t Fold
Rolling clothes maximizes suitcase space and reduces wrinkles, meaning you can fit more items while keeping them organized, If you’re like me and only have half a suitcase (thanks to the kids), rolling is crucial.
PROTIP #3
Have a Plan for Lost Luggage
Pack one or two sets of clothes in a partner’s or kid’s suitcase. That way, if luggage gets delayed or lost, you’ll still have something to wear.
We learned the hard way during a recent trip to Japan when my suitcase was left behind.
All my clothes and clothes for my my youngest were in one suitcase. Thankfully, it turned up at our hotel two days later, but we had to buy new clothes for the first day.
4. Pack Heavy Items Close to the Wheels
- Placing heavier items at the bottom near the wheels helps stabilize your suitcase.
- Heavier items at the bottom also means your other items won’t get crushed.
Not that you should have anything fragile in your suitcase. Airlines can get quite rough with your luggage.
5. Keep Toiletries in a Ziplock Bag
Toiletries are prone to leaks. Using ziplock bags keeps everything contained and your suitcase clean.
- Place all your toiletries in a large, sealable ziplock bag.
- Especially helpful if a bottle unexpectedly explodes mid-flight (my sons eczema cream 😢)
Thank goodness for ziplock bags.
6. Pack an Extra Compact Duffle Bag
- Bring a small, foldable duffle bag that can serve as a secondary bag for extra items if you need it.
A duffle bag takes up minimal space and can be a lifesaver on your return trip when you accidentally buy too much.
7. Pack Your Shoes Last
Shoes are small enough they fit anywhere.
- Bag your shoes first to keep your clothes clean.
- Slip your bagged shoes in gaps between your other packed items.
8. Don’t Pack Important or Valuable Items
- Carry important documents, medications, and valuable items with you in your carry-on.
This ensures that they are always within reach and minimizes the risk of loss or damage.
9. Don’t Overpack
Save space for souvenirs or new clothing you may purchase during your trip (if you plan to do so). Overpacking can lead to unnecessary weight and make it difficult to manage your luggage.
PROTIP #4
Balancing Luggage with Kids – There’s Sometimes a Better Way
Check whether the country you are visiting have a luggage transport service. We used this service in Japan in our last visit and will be definitely doing it again the next time we are there.
Benefits:
- Enables you to travel much more freely
- If you are only planning to stop over at a location for a day and don’t need your luggage
The Carry On
Your carry-on is your essential go-to bag, so it’s important to pack it wisely. This is where you’ll keep your valuables, electronics, and anything you need during your journey.
1. Important Documents
Keeping all your crucial documents in one place ensures easy access when you need them.
Pack these items:
- Passport
- Boarding pass
- Wallet
- Other travel-related documents
PROTIP #5
Be Prepared For Anything
In this digital age, there is very little reason to print out paperwork and documents as everything is available with the phone. However, I have always made it a habit to print out a copy of my hotel confirmation beforehand and put them in an A4 folder which I keep in my carry-on.
2. Electronics
We rely on electronics for everything—especially while traveling. Your carry-on is where you’ll want to store your devices and any necessary chargers. Make sure you pack your:
- Phone charger
- Laptop or tablet
- Chargers for all the above devices.
- Include a portable power bank for charging on the go.
PROTIP #6
Know Your Battery Limits
Airlines impose limits on power bank capacity that you are allowed to bring on a plane due to fire hazards. Each airline has its own set of requirements, but as a rule of thumb:
- Battery pack up to approx. 27,000 mAh (100 Wh) without approval.
- Battery packs between 27,000 and 43,200 mAh (100 – 160 Wh) with approval
Each airline is different so make sure to double-check before your flight to ensure things go smoothly.
3. Comfort Items
These items will vary person to person and most airlines will offer them to you as compliments to the flight. But if you need them specifically for a flight, don’t forget them behind.
- Neck pillow for added comfort during the flight.
- Eye mask and earplugs to help you sleep (Good luck to those who have younger kids)
Personally, I only bring along a neck pillow, and that’s always hooked onto my carry-on to save space. It also makes it easier to access.
4. Toiletries
Similar to the comfort items above, you can also find these on most airlines.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes for hygiene (Wet wipes is a must for your little ones).
- Face moisturizer, lip balm, and other personal care items in travel-size containers.
- Prescription medications and a basic first aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, etc.).
PROTIP #7
PLAGS – Powders, Liquids, Aerosol, Gels
If you plan on bringing any of the above onto your flight, remember that:
- The container they’re stored in needs to be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml)
- It fits inside a clear 6 x 8 inch (15 x 20 cm) transparent, sealable bag.
- If you have a little product left in your container which is capable of a higher volume, it will likely get disposed of.
- The label needs to be less than 3.4 ounces (100 ml). I learned this the hard way.
5. Snacks and Hydration
Having snacks and a refillable water bottle can make your flight more comfortable and avoid overpriced airport food.
- Pack a variety of snacks (nuts, granola bars, etc.)
- Bring an empty water bottle to refill once you’re past security.
PROTIP #8
Water On Board?
Save yourself the hassle and empty your water bottles before passing through checkpoints at the airport. Once you pass the checkpoint, airports often provide drink fountains where you can refill your bottle.
6. Extra Set of Clothes
An alternative to packing clothes into your partner’s or kids’ suitcase as a backup is to pack a set of clothes in your carry-on. If you’re like me and only bring a medium-sized backpack, you might be a bit tight for space.
The Kids Carry-On (Aka: How To Maintain Your Sanity)
This section covers what to pack in your kids’ carry-on. Let’s be honest, this is probably the one bag you want to get right if you want to survive the trip on a plane. Here’s what I always pack for my boys.
1. Toys / Books
- Having familiar toys and books helps keep your kids entertained and calm.
- Pack their favorite toys, books, or even a small puzzle.
- Avoid small items that could easily be lost
2. Comforter
- A familiar comfort item helps ease any anxiety and make the flight feel less daunting.
- Pack a blanket, stuffed animal, or anything that provides comfort to your child.
3. Tablet/iPad
- Load a tablet with child-friendly apps, games, and movies.
- Use it as a last resort if other forms of entertainment fail.
- Make sure you prepare this well in advance as you will need to pre-download a good number of shows.
4. Extra Sets of Clothes
- Pack extra sets of clothes in case of spills, accidents, or sudden weather changes.
- This will save you from any mid-trip laundry emergencies.
5. Snacks
- Bring a variety of snacks that your kids enjoy.
- Airline food may not always be appealing to children, so it’s safer to have their favorites on hand.
6. Small Water Bottle
- Keep a small, refillable water bottle to ensure your kids stay hydrated throughout the trip.
7. Wipes and Diapers
- Essential for hygiene and convenience.
- Wet wipes are multipurpose and can be used for cleaning hands, faces, and surfaces.
- We only discovered the usefulness of wet wipes since having kids. I’m sure we weren’t the only ones!
Conclusion
Packing smarter can make your travels smoother and more enjoyable. By following these tips and strategies, you can ensure you have everything you need without overburdening yourself. From rolling your clothes to packing an extra set of clothes in your carry-on, these techniques help you optimize space and stay prepared for any situation. Remember, thoughtful packing is not just about fitting everything in; it’s about making your journey stress-free and enjoyable.
Sharing Corner
Do you have any packing tips or travel hacks that have worked for you? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Your insights could help fellow parents with kids pack smarter. Whether it’s a unique way to organize your suitcase, a must-have travel accessory, or a clever hack to keep kids entertained on long flights, we want to know!
Don’t forget to optimize the number of clothing pieces to pack for yourself, simply use my calculator here.
Download a print friendly copy checklist for each of the bags above here.
