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For most people, packing is often the most challenging part of a trip. And if you have kids, it becomes even more overwhelming. Kids have many needs, which might also require packing a lot of items. You want to take everything just in case, but you also don't want to be stuck with heavy bags and zero space in the car or plane.
So how do you find the balance? Don’t worry. It is totally doable to pack light and still bring everything your kids need. Here are some simple and practical tips.
Before you start packing, grab a notebook or use your phone to write down everything your kids actually need. Think about how many days you will be away and what they will use daily.
It is easy to overpack “just in case” items, but most of the time, they end up untouched. Be honest. If your child does not use something regularly at home, they probably won’t need it on holiday either. This list helps you focus and avoid last-minute panic packing.
Instead of packing one outfit per day, pick clothes that can be mixed and matched. Choose a few tops and bottoms that can all be worn together so your child can wear different combinations without needing extra items. Darker clothes are also great because they hide stains better.
It is tempting to pack for every possible situation, but this quickly adds weight and clutter. Ask yourself, “Will we really need this?” or “Can I buy it there if I need to?” Trust that you will manage fine with less and stick to the essentials.
Full-sized bottles of shampoo, lotion, or nappy cream take up too much space. Get travel-sized versions or pour what you need into small containers. These take up less room and are easier to carry.
You don’t need to pack a suitcase full of toys. When travelling, kids often enjoy simple things. Let each child pick one favourite toy and one book. Crayons and paper are also great, especially because they are light. Too many toys can get lost, broken, or just not used, making them unnecessary.
Instead of giving each child their own suitcase, put all the kids’ clothes in one shared bag. Use packing cubes, ziplock bags, or even tote bags inside the suitcase to keep things organised. This makes it much easier to find what you need quickly, especially during travel or hotel check-ins.
If you are going away for more than 3 to 4 days, check if your hotel or rental has laundry facilities. Being able to wash clothes means you can pack half as much. It is also a great backup if clothes get dirty unexpectedly. Doing one quick load mid-trip can make the rest of your journey so much easier.
Books, music players, and toys take up space. Instead of using these, load your phone or tablet with a few kid-friendly shows, songs, and eBooks. Download them before you leave so they work even without Wi-Fi. This way, your child can stay entertained without carrying a bunch of heavy items.
Packing light with kids might seem impossible, but with a bit of planning, it should not be that hard. Focus on what your children actually use to avoid overpacking. You might want to bring a few“just in case” items, but don't overdo it. Lastly, remember that most things can be bought if truly needed anyway, so keep it light to make the journey easier and less stressful for you and your little ones.
We are a family of 4 - mother, father and two children. Our aim is to travel the world and review all travel opportunities to help other families.
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