packing tips with kids

[missdramaqueen]

My mom, dad, brother, and I are leaving in 21 days. We need packing tips. My family always packs to many clothes. This time my mom is probably going to get my brother and I to pack together..assembly style. Still packing tips please...I didn't know where to post this so I'm sorry if its not the right place. Thanks alot. I'm super excited

 

[GoinToDisney]

The best tip is one I read here. Put your clothes in 2 gallon sized zip-lock bags. We have bag for each day, and the whole outfit goes in there. This really makes me decide what to wear now before we leave and the clothes fit better in the suitcase (as long as you get the air out of the bags. Then you save the bag when you return and use them for future trips so you aren't wasting them.

 

[8lovesmickey]

I have to say that I'm a list maker. We leave in 8 days and just about every day I add something to the list. There are always those weird things like cell phone chargers that I would forget if I left everything until the last minute.

I agree with the outfit-in-a-bag idea, also; I'm not sure how well it will work for a December vacation in our case, though, because the weather is so variable. I don't really want to take shorts and jeans both for every day... I know we can layer stuff and we can also do laundry at POFQ, but I'll still probably overpack like I always do.

Our issue this year is with our carry-ons. We've always brought snacks and water, plus I usually carry makeup and toothpaste, etc., in the carry-on. With the new rules, we're carrying a lot less and may end up buying things in the hotel store if our luggage is delayed. I know it's a small price to pay for security, but it does change how we pack.

Have a GREAT time!!! In the end, you could probably wear the same clothes every day and still have a fabulous trip....

 

[princesspwrhr]

I have to agree with ziplocs. I don't know where I read the idea but we've been doing this with my oldest (8 1/2) since she was 1. Her clothes still fit in a 1 gallon bag as long as it isn't a sweater, but the bags are great. Everything is in one place right down to the underwear & socks. Even my 2 yo can dress herself while I shower and daddy doesn't have to worry about trying to find things to match. PLUS it helps the overpacking. 1 outfit per day plus 2 extra. Adult clonthes are packed similar but since we're not as messy we can often wear a pair of jeans 2 days.

We use our old Land's End do it all diaper bag for everyone's toiletries -might not suggest that if you're flying. If you do fly, put all liquid tolietries in ziplocs before putting them in a bag.

We leave in a week!!!!!

 

[missdramaqueen]

Thanks a lot for the tips so far...but where can you purchase 2 gallon bags? i've seen 1 g but where can you get 2 g. We have a target about 5 minutes away from us so if they sell them that would be great.

 

[northriver]

No additional packing ideas but I am chiming in on where to buy the 2 gallon ziplocs. There is one a bit bigger, maybe 2.5 gal with the acutal zipper and the zipper breaks about 50% of the time rendering them useless - DO NOT buy those they are super expensive too! Our Targets do not carry 2 gallon ziplocks. I get them at a one of those huge farm store type places, the brand is Presto - they are the best I've found - BOTH quality and price. Also we have a regoinal grocery store chain that now has a store brand of 2 gallon bags. If all else fails, try eBay. I have never bought them there but lots of eBay sellers use them, so I'b be willing to bet someone is selling them. I LOVE 2 gallon ziplocs, wish they were easier to find.

 

[tpeters80]

check at your target by the suitcase they sell bags that you can vaccoum pack or roll all the air out of them. we bought them and have used them on two other vactions and will be reusung them on this trip. I cant remeber the name BUT the are great. But VErY COSTLY! i was able to get my 4 year old clothes for a week in one bag, cotton short and shrits since it ws in JULY

 

[2bearsmom]

You should be able to get the 2gallon size bags at Aldi. I had my dh grab a box of bags there last month and didn't realize he got the 2gallon until I needed one! I will be using this idea for our Jan trip with both my boys.

 

[GoinToDisney]

I got mine at Acme. I think they go by Albersons in some areas. Target might have them. I just got Acme brand. Even if you can't find the bags, force yourself to pick one outfit per day, rather than deciding what to wear when you get there. I will do all of my trying-on before the trip this year. I am looking at the weather (we leave on Tuesday) and it looks pretty warm, so I am bringing shorts and a t shirt for each day, and then 3 pairs of jeans, 3 long sleeve shirts and 3 sweatshirts. We do not do laundry on vacation. We like to spend our time sleeping or in the parks.

 

[FirstTimeCruiser]

I got my 2 gallon ziplocks at Target, they were in the aisle right by all the other sizes of ziplock bags.

 

[LauraAnn630]

I just bought the HUGE ziplocks with the handle. We are driving down.
Im using them for pillows and pool towels.

I always over pack. I dont worry about it. Its better to have it than not to.

Stop mail and unplug things. Make sure everythings locked up.

Im so excited we leave in 25 days!