Heading away on holidays with the fam? Packing for yourself can be testing enough, let alone getting the world in one bag for little ones as well. Sure, it’s a challenge but packing light for a family holiday is definitely doable! You just need some helpful packing hacks – here are nine of my favourites.
1. Change your thinking
Okay, so fitting everything into a carry-on isn’t always possible – especially with kids. But whether you’re packing one backpack or a suite of suitcases, the key to making the most of your luggage allowance is always to pack smart. Do you really need a charging cable for each member of the family? Could you cut back on toiletries by using a combined moisturiser and sunscreen? Clever choices can make the world of difference to your holiday… and your bags.
2. Invest in good quality gear
That top-notch backpack or suitcase might cost more than others but trust me, it’s worth the investment. Travel items that are thoughtfully made (I’m a big fan of Samsonite myself) aren’t just durable and long-lasting – they’re often lighter and far more practical in terms of their design, which means you can fit more things in fewer bags. So if your current luggage is on its last legs (or wheels), consider an upgrade to make your travel life easier.
Extra credit: Try packing with smaller bags first. This way, you can only take so much.
3. Labelled packing cubes
In a small bag, space is important. That’s why I love packing cubes – they save space AND help you organise everything. If you’re packing everyone’s stuff in one bag, make sure everyone has their own cubes and that they’re clearly labelled – or go for a different colour per family member so you can immediately see what’s what. Don’t go past packing sacks either for bundling chargers, cables and other odds and ends. Trust me, you’ll save so much time and clutter with this method 😌
4. Grab bag
In addition to the main suitcases heading into the boot or onto the plane, pack one smaller bag that you can keep on your lap or at your feet with all your essentials (ie: a grab bag). What should go in it? Paperwork, IDs, chargers, medication favourite toys – you know the drill. Everything you need on-hand and in a jiffy, especially if anything should go awry, should be carried in one backpack that never leaves your side. This’ll help save space in your luggage and make sure you’re never without anything that’s truly essential.
5. Consider your clothing
Get the most out of your suitcases by being smart about the type of clothes you pack. Look for items that are easy to mix and match so you can make multiple outfits out of just a few pieces. And remember that some outfits can do double (or even triple) duty. Activewear (aka: hiking gear, aka: comfy transit clothes, aka: emergency back-up pyjamas), I’m looking at you. You can even aim to share some items between family members. One big beach towel can dry two little ones, while a couple of big, refillable toiletry containers could carry enough shampoo, conditioner, and so on for the whole family.
Don’t forget that it’s not just the type of clothing that can cut down on luggage weight – it’s the hue, too! Dark-coloured options hide so many sins (what dirt?), which can minimise the need to wash them after one wear. Not only will it make your bags lighter, it’ll cut down on the laundry pile when you get back home 🙌
6. Choose your accommodation carefully
Speaking of laundry, it might be the last thing you’d normally think of on holiday, but if you want to cut down on clothing in your suitcase, you might want to consider a hotel room or property that has laundry facilities. A quick wash a couple of times while you’re away won’t feel half as bad as having to wear (and re-wear) the same dusty, dirty, old tee.
Making a smart accommodation choice could also allow you to cut down on all sorts of kid paraphernalia. Contact your stay before you arrive to ask if they have anything you need (for example, a highchair or a travel cot). If they do, awesome! You’ve just eliminated a couple of seriously bulky items from your packing list 👊
Extra credit: A quick wash is one thing, but I’m sure you don’t want to do ironing while you’re on holiday (or ever, really). So get yourself a handheld steamer, stat. They’re only small, so packing one won’t take up much room in your bag and it’ll transform your holiday ‘fit from ‘crushed’ to ‘crushing it’ in about 45 seconds flat.
7. Bring bars
Skip the hefty plastic bottles and swap your toiletries for the bar version – you’ll be amazed at how much space this’ll save. Body wash, facial cleansers, shampoo and conditioner bars (yep, they all exist and can be bought from major stores!) stowed in simple Ziploc bags will last longer and take up less room 💅
8. Don’t pack what you can buy
Unless you’re heading to a super remote holiday location, there’s little point carting around things that can easily be purchased at your destination, especially if they’re non-essential. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll find yourself anywhere without access to food, extra nappies, or games and activities for the kids. Plus any leftovers you bring home will just add to your fun souvenir stash 😉
9. Think small (really, really small)
Ask yourself of anything you’re packing: is there a smaller or easier version of this that could work just as well? Plastic toys are bulky and awkward, so why not consider an inflatable alternative? Are there mini versions of the family’s most beloved books? (Hot tip: there usually are.) How many movies can you fit onto the tablet of one hard drive? Change your mindset to minimise the items in your suitcase and maximise your holiday fun.
Although it might not always feel like it, packing can be a really exciting part of the pre-travel experience. So don’t sweat the small (or the big, overflowing, have-to-sit-on-it-to-zip-it-up) stuff. It’s all part of the adventure 😁