On packing my entire family for a big trip
I’ve packed my family of four for over 75 trips, and honestly, packing for two months abroad almost sent me over the edge.
LISTENING Networking Beyond the Office this episode is fascinating (shameless plug for my podcast)
WATCHING The Decameron on Netflix
USING Hanni Water Balm love this so much more than lotion
OBSESSING MagSafe external phone battery, a true lifesaver!
Currently
I’ve packed my family of four for over 75 trips, and let me tell you, each adventure—whether it’s a spontaneous overnight at the grandparents’ house or a week-long excursion to a new destination—comes with its own set of challenges. Traveling with kids can be so fun, but packing for everyone can feel like the heaviest mental load of all. It’s one of those invisible tasks that rarely gets acknowledged, yet it’s vital for pulling off a smooth family getaway.
Honestly, packing for two months abroad almost sent me over the edge. Luckily, with all my travel experience, I’ve created a packing system that streamlines the process. I know that many of you want to explore more as a family, so I thought I’d share my packing framework along with some helpful tips I’ve picked up along the way.
Let’s start with my ‘Packing Principles’ which are the basis for my approach to packing us all.
Embrace the "Just Enough" Mentality: This may be the most dramatic pre-kids to post-kids difference in my packing style. Before kids I’d overpack almost every single trip, filling my suitcase with so many “just in cases.”
Now, when it comes to packing, I always aim for "just enough." For myself, this means no extra outfits. For the kids, I allow for two extra outfits to accommodate for the inevitable mess they will find themselves in at some point in the day. By planning to do laundry every couple of days, I keep our bags light and manageable.
For essentials like diapers, wipes, and formula, I calculate exactly what we'll need, plus a little extra for emergencies. This not only minimizes packing but also helps avoid running out of necessities in unfamiliar places.
Lean Into the Art of Organization: Lists are my lifeline if you haven’t figured that out by now. For bigger vacations, I even visualize these lists with curated slides of each person’s wardrobe picks (am I crazy? maybe). I organize my packing list by category: Kids - Clothing, Kids - Eating & Drinking, Kids - Sleep, etc. Once I have a final list, I save it and iterate on it trip after trip. This saves me from reinventing the wheel each time we pack, and even allows me to lean on my au pair to help pack the kids since my list is so crisp and clean.
I also always, always use packing cubes. Everything needs a home in my suitcase, no loose items allowed. I use these mesh zip bags for all those random items and they bring me a strange amount of joy.
Prepare for the Unexpected: While I prefer to travel light, some items are non-negotiable. A small first aid kit, complete with a thermometer, is a must. I also always pack children’s liquid Benadryl, infant and children's tylenol, adult tylenol, bandaids, antibiotic cream, and Nose Fridas (when my kids were babies).
Weather can also be unpredictable, so I always pack at least one lightweight layer for everyone.
. . .
Okay, now moving onto some quick packing tips…
Keep an overnight kit always packed for the kids: a travel sound machine, travel camera and monitor, travel red night light, and an extra pacifier. This way, for quick getaways, I just grab the bag and go.
Fit your daily skincare and makeup routine into one toiletry bag, and keep it in there. Bonus points for having travel sizes of your skincare products stocked nearby to throw in.
Pick a color palette. This ensures every piece works together effortlessly and I can maximize outfit options without overpacking. And while you’re at it, you can even do this for your kids. You know I love a color coordinated family 😆
Test this method out on your next trip and let me know how it works for you!
All The Things
Obviously I came to Portugal prepared, but these somewhat random items I’ve found to be the real MVPs, and are being used on repeat.
CAKES Nipple Covers for my girls who lost their girls after breastfeeding - 10% off with code NMM
Shoe grips so random I know, but European cobblestone streets are slippery!
JCrew Lightweight Summer Sweater 30% off rn!
Travel Potty and disposable bags we’re on day 3 of potty training Willow
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