Especially with small ones, making a packing list with categories is an absolute must! I make a list for each of my boys about 2 weeks before hand and keep it on the kitchen counter, so I can easily add to it when I think of something new.
I tend to group my list into 6 different categories ... Eat, Sleep, Play, Clothes, Miscellaneous and Car/Plane. This way, I picture in my head everything each child needs for each of the categories. Generally speaking, I don't tend to forget anything important!
For example:
* Eat - cutlery, plastic bowls, bibs, snacks for the trip and for the destination, baby jar foods, travel high chair, sippy cups, milk bottles etc.
* Sleep - pjs, grobags, bedsheets, travel cot, their favourite comforter or soft toy, music box, dummy etc.
* Play - depending on where we're going, I like to pack inside toys (Hide and Seek Pirates, Cat and Mouse, North Pole Camouflage, puzzle books, puzzles etc) and outside toys (a fold up frisbee, soft balls, buckets, spades etc).
* Clothes - to ensure I don't pack too much I limit my clothes for the kids. I figure I can either wash them or buy more if I'm desperate! Rolling them up in bags also save on room. Don't forget to put little toys, socks or undies in their shoes to use up more space!
* Miscellaneous - would be things like medicine, thermometer, first aid kit, antibacterial gel (perfect for cleaning hands after changing dirty nappies or if public toilets don't have soap ... been there too many times!), nappies, etc.
* Car/Plane - I keep a separate bag which is easily accessible in the car or plane with activities to keep the kids entertained (check out our travel toys), snacks for travelling, water bottles, change of clothes for the kids and us (especially if you're flying ... I had some friends who flew to the States who didn't pack this and their poor child was sick all over them ... eeeewwww!),maps, music and story cds etc.
Do you have a special way of getting organised for a trip away?
7 comments:
Hi Laine,
I am also a 'list' person!!
I have only just come across your website and have really enjoyed looking around.
Thanks for the tips! We are heading overseas at the end of the year, so will be following your tips/blog.
Kelly
Great lists. I can see how it would be so much easier to break it down into categories, so it isn't too overwhelming.
I love lists too although I'm not as comprehensive as you....yet!
That's a great idea! I don't have any kids to worry about but I'm always forgetting things for myself!
I have no idea how I'm going to restrict packing clothes - I always pack far too much for my daughter...you know, different outfit for each day plus several backups!
Kelly - thanks for stopping by and I'm glad you're enjoying my blog. Where are you going on holidays?
Planning Queen & Annette - Glad there are other "list" girls out there too!
Spot on Graphic Design - I definitely have lists for me too so I don't forget things. Same rule applies to me - I love categories!
Tikiboo - I can totally understand where you're coming from. But its the same packing rules as us, mix and match pieces! I also buy the kids some clothes when we're on holidays, so another reason to pack the minimum amount!
Great ideas ...we are heading away for Easter 2 x 4hr car trips
Ps the link to travel toys is broken.
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