Packing for Kids and Families Without the Chaos

Traveling with three kids has taught us one big lesson: packing is part logistics, part psychology. If the kids feel prepared, we feel prepared -- and that’s half the battle.

Golden Rule: Every Child Gets a Role

Even our five-year-old has a “packing job.” It may be as simple as choosing a favorite stuffy or packing a snack pouch, but giving them a role cuts down on forgotten treasures and morning meltdowns.

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The Family Packing Blueprint

• Packing cubes: Each kid gets a different color. (I cannot stress this enough.)

• Carry-on comfort kit: Snacks (LOTS of snacks), iPad (or your device of choice), headphones, downloaded movies/shows, a small blanket, and a surprise toy/game.

• First-night bag: Pajamas, toothbrushes, and tomorrow’s clothes all in one cube – no rummaging on arrival.

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What We Never Leave Behind

• Kids’ meds (especially fever reducers and allergy meds) -- see our resource on Travel Health & First Aid

• Extra socks and underwear (more than we think we'll need) -- especially for the boys

• A refillable water bottle per kid

• A special stuffy -- but NOT the favorite -- imagine arriving home to discover that you left your stuffed monkey Tango in Munich

• Chargers for the aforementioned devices

• The kids! (despite a close call or two)

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A family packing system isn't about bringing everything -- it's about reducing decision fatigue on the road. If you want to make it even more stress-free, contact us to help.