1. Make a list of what you need and stick to it. Too many options make what should be a time to relax require unnecessary decisions. Make the decisions ahead of time and remember, less is more.
2. Have everyone in your family pack for themselves. Yes; even your kids.
3. Weigh suitcases ahead of time before you get to the airport.
4. Roll your outfits together to stay organized and maximize space.
5. Use shoes to protect items that are fragile. Place the item inside the shoe, especially men’s dress shoes or boots.
6. Remember specific items to your trip. If you are going to a concert or stadium, pack a clear bag. If you are headed to a resort bring sunscreen or items that may be more expensive if you need to purchase there.
Packing can feel overwhelming at times, especially if you are doing it for a family. Since my kids were about six years old, I have had them participate in their own packing. At six, I would tell them how many days we would be out of town and what the weather would be like. I had them lay out what they thought they should bring and at first, I usually had to make a few changes. I would have them add or replace what needed to be changed and now at 10, 12 and 14 my kids all pack independently.
If we are going out of town for longer than a week, we plan to do laundry. I am not an overpacker, despite what our luggage from Maui may look like in the photo below. When we go to Hawaii, we take Southwest and bring our own boogie boards, snorkel gear, beach towels and reef safe sunscreen. This allows us to avoid rental costs on items we use daily in Hawaii, but back to packing…It is easier to have what you need and not have to decide between multiple options.
For a week trip, I would bring the following:
Toiletry bag, 3 pairs of PJs, if it is tropical 4 swimsuits, 2-3 coverups, if it is a cold climate 2-3 jackets, 2-3 pairs of shoes, one outfit for each day of the week, 2-3 nice outfits if we go to dinner or do an activity that requires dressing up, like family photos.
As you know, many airlines charge additional fees for luggage. If we are taking southwest, each person has their own bag. If not, we typically each take one half of a suitcase and bring one additional suitcase with shoes and toiletry bags. Having fewer bags also reduces the issue of ensuring your car is large enough to fit multiple bags. We use the rolling system and roll each outfit up with underwear and socks, included.
Trip Trek Go 