My 10 Best Family Packing Tips That Will Save Your Sanity
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of traveling back and forth from the East Coast to the West Coast with kids in tow, it’s that packing can make or break your trip. Whether we’re flying across the country to visit family or loading up the car for a road trip, I’ve had my fair share of chaotic moments—suitcases exploding open, mismatched socks, and “Mom, where’s my swimsuit?” echoing through every hotel room.
Over time, I’ve developed a system that keeps me sane and helps our family actually enjoy the process. These aren’t fancy Pinterest hacks or overcomplicated systems—they’re real, tried-and-true family packing tips that make traveling smoother, lighter, and a whole lot more peaceful.
1. The Laundry System
No matter where we go, laundry somehow multiplies so here are my quick tips
Pack a pop-up laundry hamper or use a labeled “dirty clothes” cube for each child.
Bring 2-3 laundry pods in a Ziploc bag in case you have access to a washer.
For longer trips, divide dirty clothes by color or family member — makes repacking much easier for the return
2. Outfit Bundles (Roll, Don’t Fold)
This one changed everything for me. For young kids, I roll each day’s outfit together—shirt, pants, underwear, socks—and secure it with a small hair tie or elastic band. Then I label it by day or activity: “Travel Day,” “Beach,” “Dinner,” “Church.”
Hack: Add a Post-it inside each roll with the event name — it helps whoever’s dressing the kids that day. It saves time, reduces mess, and eliminates the daily “what should I wear?” meltdown.
3. Theme-Based Packing
If your trip includes different climates or activities, divide your packing cubes by theme instead of person. For example:
Beach bag cube: swimsuits, rash guards, sunscreen, goggles
City cube: nice outfits, shoes, accessories
Sleep cube: pajamas, sound machine, sleep sacks
This keeps everything organized and easy to grab without digging through every suitcase looking for a single pair of goggles.
4. Create a Family Toiletry Kit
A daily toiletry kit saves space and keeps it simple and compact:
Instead of everyone having their own bag, make one large clear zip bag with shared essentials (toothbrushes, kids’ soap, detangler, hairbrush).
Refill small travel containers for shampoo, body wash, etc.
Bring extra zip pouches labeled: “Diapering,” “First Aid,” “Mom’s Self-Care,” “Kids’ Bath.”
5. The Emergency Backpack (a.k.a. the “Oh No Bag”)
Every parent knows that travel always comes with surprises. I keep one backpack ready for those “oh no” moments—extra clothes for each kid (and one for me), disinfectant spray, Ziploc bags for wet clothes, a small towel, wipes, hand sanitizer, and even a backup lovie or pacifier.
The key is accessibility. This bag stays within arm’s reach, never buried in checked luggage. You don’t want to have to use it, but you will be thankful it’s there if you do.
6. Food and Feeding Zone
Especially with littles, snacks can make or break a travel day:
Use a collapsible cooler bag for milk, snacks, and formula.
Bring a portable drying rack and bottle brush (OXO and Munchkin make compact ones). Pre-portion formula in small containers or a formula dispenser.
Always pack extra bibs and a few stain remover wipes.
It may sound like over-prepping, but it saves you from panic when you can’t find what you need mid-flight or on the road.
7. Each Child Gets a “Travel Buddy Bag”
Let older kids help pack their own small backpack with:
One toy, one book, one stuffy, one water bottle, one snack pack.
A change of clothes and small blanket for naps.
Tip: Limit it to what they can carry themselves — it teaches responsibility and reduces your load.
8. Color Code EVERYTHING
This one has saved my sanity more than once. Each child gets a color: blue packing cubes for one, pink for another, green for the baby. I use matching colored toothbrushes, water bottles, and luggage tags.
It might sound small, but it eliminates confusion and makes unpacking at hotels or Airbnbs so much faster.
9. Luggage Hierarchy
When you’re juggling multiple bags, order matters. Here’s how I break it down:
Carry-on: essentials for the first 24 hours and valuables
Checked bag 1: all kid clothing and sleep gear
Checked bag 2: adult clothing and extras
Duffle bag: for overflow laundry or souvenirs on the return trip
I also pack an empty foldable duffle for the way home. Somehow, we always come back with more than we left with.
10. Repacking for the Return
Before you leave your destination:
Use one cube for clean clothes, one for laundry.
Keep chargers and toiletries in an “easy unload” pouch.
Double-check for beloved toys or blankies under beds and in drawers.
Bonus: The Calm Mom Hack
Every mom needs her own essentials bag. Mine holds my journal, supplements, skincare, headphones, and a devotional or two. It’s the one bag that stays with me at all times, giving me a small slice of calm amid the travel chaos. It’s not just about what you pack—it’s about how you care for yourself along the way.
Final Thoughts on my Family Packing Tips
Traveling as a family isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. The laughter, the memories, the little adventures along the way—they’re the stories our kids will remember most. With a little planning and a few intentional packing systems, the journey becomes lighter, the chaos quieter, and the experience more joyful for everyone.
These family packing tips aren’t about perfection. They’re about peace, presence, and remembering that even in the mess, there’s magic.