Packing Tips for Kids

[SleepingBeauty79]

I was just wondering if any moms (or dads) had some efficient packing tips out there! I always pack too much or not enough. Any neat tips? This will be our second trip with our son. He is three. Just let me know! Thanks! Oh, and we are flying!!

 

[mom2cookies]

I have four children, it has been awhile since they were three, but what i used to do ( and still do to some extent) is pack a complete outfit for each day. And then pack a couple of back up outfits (1 backup for every 2 days.) Unless you plan on doing laundry; then back ups aren't really necessary. Limit the number of toys to just two or three that he (?) really loves and are small enough to fit into a diaper bag or back pack. IMHO little kids are easily entertained and don't need alot of gadgets if parents are willing/able to pay attention to them. I hope this helps.

 

[SleepingBeauty79]

Thanks for the tips - I just am always open to new ideas! I hate packing and un-packing!! I am always unsure what to take and what to leave. Thanks for the tips!!

Only 107 days until our trip!!

 

[twinklebug]

I was taught to create outfits (shirt, pants, socks, underwear) and roll them up like a sleeping bag (some folk use zip locks) When the morning comes, the kids just chose a bundle and head off to the bathroom to change - no mess, no fuss.

 

[SleepingBeauty79]

Great tip!! I will definitely use that for my three year old son!

 

[sassyat30]

We are getting ready for our first trip to disney at the end of June and I am also worried about packing..I ALWAYS overpack when we go anywhere, but since this is an extended vacation and we are flying, I don't want to haul 10 suitcases with us! Luckily, we will only be taking short/t-shirts, so they don't take up too much space.

I have also heard about the ziploc bag idea and will probably use it, then my kids (9 and 5) can just grab a bag and no more fretting over what to wear that day! Though a 3 year old probably doesn't really care! LOL

 

[goofy4tink]

We also use the zip-loc bag tip....works great and it takes up less space in the suitcases. Try not to overpack. After 10 trips to WDW, I still tend to pack way too much stuff. Now, I try to do laundry in the middle of our stay. I do it late at night or very early in the morning before everyone else is up. Or while we are at the pool midday. It saves on packing too much.
The other thing to be careful of is to not pack so much in your luggage that you can barely close it, so that you don't have to bring as many bags. You will find that if you do that, you will have no room for the myriad things you buy in WDW. I have had to buy extra bags in order to get my 'stuff' home. You would think I would learn, but obviously not!!

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

Although my DS is now 16 the ziploc bag is really best for kids. He is now a boy scout, you know (stinky) camping trips, etc., so we use ziplocs for each day's clothes because when you pack you can compress the air out of it and then when the day is done you can return it to the original bag and you dirty clothes and clean clothes don't get all mixed up. Just be sure to mark you dirty bag or some designation. Another thing we have done is while we are there we use the drawers so we can put our suitcases away and if they are in baggies you don't have to worry about "acquiring" any uninvited guests (bugs). I have always packed his clothes in a separate bag so he knows that it is his.