I dread packing.  Actually, the packing itself isn’t bad but the logistics of packing are the worst – especially when flying!   There are thousands of packing systems, checklists, and tip sheets.  Who has time to comb through all that information to find the perfect solution?   Instead of spending hours analyzing all the options, spend 15 minutes determining packing style and goals and spend 30 minutes on the web finding specifically what you need.   No distractions – stay focused and stick to the time limits!

I make lists.  I have tried using various printed versions but always end up creating my own.  Starting about a week before the trip, I make 3 lists:  clothes for girls, gear, and everything me.  It eases my mind to write things down and the lists make my packing much easier.

Two days before the trip I finish all laundry and warn people that anything they wear can’t go on the trip.  This never works – but I can dream!  The day before a trip, I pack – recognizing that packing takes as little or as long as I let it.  Instead of fretting (especially with clothes), I make fast decisions and don’t second guess.  I did forget enough pants on one trip so I do double check the number of outfits now – cleaning in the hotel is very expensive (especially considering how small a pair of size 2t pants is!).  How many outfits to take is always an issue for me.  The standard rule of thumb is 2 or 3 outfits per day.  I could never fit that many clothes for the girls in a manageable number of suitcases so I allow for one and a half per day (give or take a few for each girl).

With four girls, I need organized suitcases to stay sane.   Unfortunately,  I have not perfected this.  My latest attempt involved Eagle Creek packing cubes of various sizes for the panties and PJs (each girl had a small cube for panties and a larger one for PJs).  I must admit, that worked well.  It kept them organized and easy to find throughout the trip.  Now does anyone have a magic solution for keeping the clothes of 4 indecisive, opinionated girls organized in a suitcase for the duration of a trip?

General Travel With Kids · packing

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