Having traveled 3 times in the past 6 weeks, you’d think I’d remember what to pack each time. Instead, I forgot things. I found myself wishing for a list I could follow and check off as I’m packing. I figured I might as well type everything up here so my blog friends can benefit too.
First, I must mention that I am very lucky that I am only responsible for packing for 4 out of 5 of our family members, plus the dog. My husband packs for himself, thank goodness!
Before I start packing, I think of how many days we will be traveling, including the first day. So for example, when traveling from Thursday through Tuesday, I have 6 days to consider. The clothes for the first day don’t need to be packed, but I find it helpful to set them aside and count them as one of the outfits I need to pick out. Some people use zip lock bags to sort their kids’ vacation outfits. I did this only one time – when Dave took Gabbie and Zachary to NJ on his own. This way he had complete outfits for each day of their trip. Usually I just put their outfits together in their suitcases. For 6 days, I will most likely include 8 outfits for each kid – this accounts for spills / accidents and the possibility of a canceled flight home – yes it has happened. When choosing outfits, I have to remember plans for each day, such as when we went to my brother’s wedding and needed clothes for the day the wedding was taking place, plus clothes for the wedding itself. I also like to pack layered outfits – for example, for Gabbie I like skirts with leggings so if it is hot out she can take off the leggings.
Here we go…(list based on current trip)
Packing List for Simon (age 2):
- 5 regular outfits
- suit including jacket, pants, shirt, vest, socks, and shoes
- 2 nicer casual outfits
- 8 pairs of socks
- 3 pairs of pajamas
- diapers
- wipes
- pacifiers
- pack and play sheet
- water bottle
Packing List for Zachary (age 5):
- 5 regular outfits
- suit including jacket pants, shirt, vest, tie, socks, and shoes
- 2 nicer casual outfits
- 8 pairs of socks
- 8 pairs of underwear
- 3 pairs of pajamas
- kippahs and tzitzis
- stuffed animal
Packing List for Gabbie (age 7):
- 5 regular outfits
- 1 fancy outfit
- 2 nicer casual outfits
- 8 pairs of socks
- 8 pairs of underwear
- 3 pairs of pajamas
- hair brush
- hair ties and any jewelry she might want
- book
- stuffed animal
For the kids:
- shampoo / soap
- cold medicine
- toothbrushes and toothpaste
Packing List for Me
- 4 regular outfits
- 1 dressy outfit
- 2 fancier casual outfits
- hair coverings and jewelry
- shoes
- socks / tights / leggings
- underwear
- pajamas
- brush
- soap and hair things
- razor
- deodorant
- toothbrush / toothpaste
- medicine / vitamins
- hygiene products
- book
- camera
- wallet
- phone
- chargers
- knitting project
And then, I have to fit all of that into carry on bags. Ha. So, what did I forget this time?