How To Pack Light for Your Next Trip

Going on vacation with kids can be a lot of work. There’s the planning, the packing, the unpacking, and, of course, the living out of a suitcase for however long you’re gone. But one thing you can do to make the whole experience a little easier (and a lot less stressful) is to pack light. That way there is less luggage to carry and to keep track of and it’s even more environmentally friendly as less pounds being transported saves carbon emissions!

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Here are our best tips for packing light for your next vacation with kids:

1. Make a list (and check it twice). Before you start packing, sit down and make a list of everything you and your family will need for your trip. This will help you keep track of what you have and what you still need to pack. Once you’ve packed everything on your list, go back and double-check to make sure you didn’t forget anything important.
2. Pack versatile items. When deciding what to pack, try to choose items that can be worn multiple ways or used for multiple purposes. For example, instead of packing a separate pair of shoes for each day of your trip, pack one versatile pair that can be dressed up or down as needed. The same goes for clothing items – try to pack pieces that can be mixed, matched and layered to create different looks. And don’t forget about multi-use gear like a Sarong scarf that can serve as both a plane blanket, beach blanket, a scarf, and even a blinder to close out light from a stroller when your baby is sleeping. Or a tote bag that can be used as both a carry-on and a beach bag.
3. Only bring what you need (and what you believe you will actually use). It’s tempting to overpack for any imaginable occasion when going on vacation, but resist the urge! Just because you could bring four pairs of shoes doesn’t mean you should. Instead, only pack the essentials that you know you’ll need and actually use while on vacation. Anything else is just extra weight (and extra hassle) that you really don’t need.
4. Use packing cubes. Packing cubes are an incredible invention that will change your life (or at least your vacation packing). Packing cubes are essentially small bags that help you organize your suitcase by separating different types of clothing (e.g., tops, bottoms, lingerie). Not only do they help keep your suitcase organized – so you don’t have to spend half your trip digging through a pile of clothes to find what you’re looking for – but they also help maximize space by allowing you to fit more into your suitcase than you would otherwise be able to. If you’re not using packing cubes already, trust us – you’ll want to start! Small fabric bags is a good alternative if you don’t have packing cubes. We choose bags of different colors so it’s always easy to find your stuff. This will also make it easy to find each person’s stuff if you share a bag.
5. Plan for washing while away. Bring a small pack of detergent and pack a portable wash bag like the Scrubba – a sealable, waterproof bag with an internal wash board. With this bag you can wash smaller clothing items like socks, underwear or t-shirts in your hotel room, your rented apartment or even while camping in 10 minutes. Genius!
6. Check your list again so you don’t forget the important stuff! In the midst of trying to pack light, it’s easy to forget some important items like toiletries, medications, chargers, etc. So before you close up your suitcase and head out on vacation, make sure you’ve packed everything you need—including any essential items for your children like their favorite stuffed animal or pacifier.
   

If you are going on vacation by plane, check out our tips on how to pack your carry-on luggage.

Another great tip for packing your bags is to throw an Apple AirTag into each bag so you can see the location of your precious items if your bag is lost in transit or you forget it at a restaurant. Apple will even send a notification on your phone if you leave a place without one of your tagged items. This is an absolute lifesaver!

Final words

Packing light may seem like an impossible feat when going on vacation with kids – but it doesn’t have to be! By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to pack everything you need without overpacking or forgetting anything important. So go ahead and enjoy your next vacation!