I used to be a chronic over-packer. I’m not gonna sugar coat it. I just was.
I’ve gotten to the place where traveling lights is so much more practical and easier. We have quite a few flights planned this summer, and here is how I’m keeping my travel plans and stress low.
1) Travel Simply. Don’t over-pack! If you are debating whether or not to bring something think about it like this: if you can buy it for $20 in 20 minutes or less at your destination, you can leave it behind.
2) Use Zipblock Bags! Store entire outfits in Ziplock bags (especially kids’ clothes). Get to your destination, and each days’ outfits are planned and ready to go. No thinking required.
3) Make your own packing cubes using old comforter or sheet cases, and makeup bags. They work just as well and keep your luggage extremely organized.
4) Make your luggage stand out. Use a ribbon or a tag so it’s easy to spot in the conveyer belt for checked bags.
5) Take a photo of your parking spot at the airport. You won’t forget where your car is.
6) Bring simple snacks with disposable packaging. This is a great way to get rid of leftovers in the fridge before your trip. Bring empty water bottles to the airport and fill them once you are checked in.
7) Save those Starbucks gift cards for the trip home. You won’t be able to bring food mostly likely, and every airport has a Starbucks!
8) With kids, prepared does not mean more. Less is more. Simple is better.
9) Travel with a garbage bag, jam all the dirty clothes in over the course of the tip, toss it in your luggage, and wash immediately when you get home.
10) Unpack right away. You will be refreshed and ready to get back into the swing of your routine.
*This is not a sponsored video. All opinions are genuinely my own.*
We do a lot of road trip vacations which can be challenging (a lot of work!), especially with little ones (4 & 1.5 years). We just did a 6 day trip earlier this month and stayed in 4 different cities/hotels. I used the gallon size storage bags for their outfits & PJs…labeled by day. I even put the expected number of diapers in the bags for the baby. I also had one labeled for “extras.” I put them all in a diaper box in the back of the van to keep them organized. Each day, we brought the next day’s bags into the hotel. Less to drag in & out each day…and less to potentially lose in the hotels. It also kept my 4 year old from fussing about what to wear – this is the “only” option for today…see, look in the suitcase! :-). I also keep the mess laundry bag I used in college in my suitcase like you do with the garbage bag. The whole family’s dirty clothes for nearly a week fit into it…nice & contained. Too big to go back into my little suitcase. But is fine in the back of our van. As always, I love your videos!
That’s awesome Betsy! Sounds super organized. I wish I still had my college laundry bag…that thing was AWESOME. Great idea. xo!
kathryn
i love all your videos and your ideas, inspires me so much. thanks . keep adding more videos. what kind of spray paint do you use? i have to paint a wall organizer white, figured i’ll ask you
thanks
Hey, Tina! They are all pretty good, but I like the Rustoleum brand best (a bit more expensive, but when doing large surface areas they spray really evenly). Just make sure that is is a paint and primer in one. Good luck!
Hi Kathryn, I’m after some advice on packing luggage for a 4 weeks trip to visit family overseas.
I have a 2.5 yo boy and a 5 months old baby girl. We did a couple of overnight trips earlier this year but I only realised I took a lot I didn’t need when we got there.
I loved your tip on if something is less than $20 and you can buy in 20 minutes, but I worry I will end up spending too much since we will be away for 4 weeks. On the other hand we are going to my hubbys brother’s house and they have 2 kids just as us so they might have something I could borrow if I forget.
We could wash and dry our clothes as often as we need too.
What would you suggest?? I’d love to hear your tips!
By the way I love your videos, I just miss not being able to shop at the dollar store. We live in New Zealand and there’s none out here.
God bless!
Laila
Hey, Laila! I would say the same tips still apply, especially because you are in a place with other kids. I find that we make do with what we have. Even over extended trips, I’ve rarely had to actually go out and buy something. Safe travels and God bless! xo! K