A simple way to banish stress from travel prep
Growing up, getting six kids prepared for family vacation was a journey in itself. Each of us had our own tiny suitcase and backpack, and since we always traveled somewhere far from home, it was essential that nothing got left behind. To tackle this monumental packing job, my mom came up with a brilliant idea: the personalized packing list.
Years later, the system still works so well that adult children have been known to ask my mom for a packing list, and I’ve adopted the practice for my own family. Here are the basics to making one.
Why make packing lists?
Simply put, it works! When it comes to calming the vacation prep process, this is a homemaking hack for the ages. What’s the appeal? I think it’s the balance between framework and freedom: each person is told what kinds of things are necessary for the trip, but each person can also choose the specific clothing items, books, or other travel gear. For me, it’s the perfect compromise for me and my husband, who likes to pack his own suitcase but appreciates the reminder to bring a belt.
Questions to ask for the packing lists:
Do we have planned activities?
One of the first things I like to do when building my packing list is to look at the calendar during vacation. Often, we have certain outings or activities scheduled: beach day, boardwalk day, out to dinner, church, etc.
These calendar events remind me what outfits and shoes we’ll need to bring. The best part about this step is that it can be done ahead of time, whenever vacation dates and reservations hit the calendar. That means a chance to get a head start on the packing list and avoid last-minute planning!
Are we doing laundry?
This affects how many sets of clothes each person will need. At my family’s beach house, the laundry machine runs almost every day, so we can afford to pack just a few sets of underwear and bathing suits to last us one or two weeks. Taking laundry into account helps prevent overpacking, which is crucial when there’s limited space in the car or when we’re flying without checking bags.
What gear will already be there?
Before packing shampoo and mouthwash, I like to check whether our destination has those things on-hand. Other items to check about could include toiletries, towels, cribs, and beach chairs.
How are we traveling?
If we’re flying to our destination, it’s helpful to remind packers to bring smaller toiletries. If there’s a long road trip ahead, try suggesting a travel backpack with books, games, and snacks. Also, remember that the outfit each person wears on the trip is coming on vacation as well, so take that into account before requesting another pair of sneakers. In fact, it’s helpful to set aside the bulkiest items for the trip in order to save suitcase space.
Do we need a “his” and “hers” list?
My mom always made separate lists for the boys and girls in the family. That way, the girls could remember to pack things like feminine products and makeup without having the boys see those items on their own lists! This doesn’t mean each person needs a unique list, but general groupings often apply. I also like to make separate lists when packing for a baby or toddler.
Be flexible
To make the packing list a success, let each person tweak and add to the list within reason. If someone wants to pack an extra shirt and Q-tips, that’s great. What matters is that the essentials are there. Over time, you’ll refine the lists and can save the updated versions for easy access each year.
Are there things I should pack for others?
There might be items that other family members will use but that I prefer to be responsible for. This can include medicine, sunscreen, pool bags, or electronic devices. Sometimes, it helps to keep something off everyone’s plate and leave it to mom for safe keeping. When we arrive and others need their items, I’ll know exactly where to find them.
How can I make the packing list fun?
It doesn’t take much! A picture of the destination, a pretty font, or a friendly note at the bottom are great ways to make the packing list special. The packing list has become such a staple in my family that it gets people excited to fill their own suitcases! There’s just something about seeing your own printed packing list waiting at the foot of the bed that makes the thrill of going on vacation tangible.
Packing List Samples
Here are a few examples of packing lists (minus fun decorations or notes). I always save mine so that I can recycle and tweak them. I hope they’re helpful!
Boys Beach Week Packing List
- Travel clothes: Long pants, t-shirt, sweatshirt, socks, sneakers
- Travel bag: Books, iPod, headphones, chargers, games
- Toiletries case: Toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, floss, deodorant
- 3 pairs socks
- 2 undershirts
- 3 boxers
- 3 t-shirts
- 2 pairs shorts
- 2 bathing suits
- Flip flops
- 1 collared shirt
- 1 belt
- 1 pair dress shoes
- Sunglasses
- Baseball glove and cap
Girls Beach Week Packing List
- Travel clothes: top, sweater, pants, socks, sneakers
- Travel bag: Books, notebook, iPod, headphones, chargers, games
- Toiletries case: toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, hairbrush, hair ties, razors, deodorant, makeup, jewelry, makeup remover, feminine products
- 1 set pajamas
- 3 pairs underwear
- 2 bras
- 1 camisole
- 2 pairs socks
- 1 pair workout shorts
- 2 bathing suits
- 1-2 cover-ups
- Flip-flops
- Sandals
- Sunglasses
- 2 pairs shorts
- 2 tops
- 2 nicer outfits (dinner/church)
Toddler Beach Week Packing List
- Airplane outfit: Long sleeved shirt, cozy pants, socks, sneakers
- Airplane backpack: Books, headphones, sippy cup, snacks, blankie, diaper bag
- 1 pair socks
- 2 bathing suits
- 1 reusable swim diaper
- 1 pair swim shoes
- 2 casual outfits
- 2 nice outfits
- 2 sets pajamas
- White noise maker
- Baby monitor
- 1 stuffed animal
- Toothbrush, baby toothpaste
- 1 sunhat
More Resources
“The ultimate packing list,” Christine Sarkis (Smarter Travel)
“Travel DIY: Create your own packing list,” Caroline (Her Packing List)
