• The Good Life
    • Parenting
    • Clean & Tidy
    • Motivational Monday
  • Healthy Eats
    • Healthy Life
  • Conversations
  • Our Favorites
    • What’s Working Wednesday
    • Friday Favorites
    • Guest Post
  • Resources
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Mommy Convos

Cut Packing Time and Stress in HALF with These 5 Tips

in Clean & Tidy, The Good Life, What's Working Wednesday on 14/06/17

Vacation packing tips: How to save time packing! Easy packing methods. Packing for a trip with little kids. 5 tips to save stress when packing for a vacation! mommyconvos.com

Packing Tips for a Trip with Little Kids:

Does your brain go into stress overload when it’s time to pack to go out-of-town? There’s a good reason for that! Think of all the items in your house you use over a few days… Now try to pack them all into a couple of duffle-bags (or more!), without overdoing it. Add a few other humans you’re responsible for, and yeah – it’s stressful! Plus, if you forget something for one of those tiny humans, they will likely cry- a lot. We can’t just NOT travel for the next ten years, It’s usually worth the effort. So what do you do to make it easier? Here are five packing tips I use to cut the time and stress of packing by about 50% :

1. First, I created a list of all the items we usually need to travel somewhere.

I laminated the list, and I keep it on a clipboard. I use a dry-erase marker to check things off as I pack! Once an item is checked off, then it’s off of my brain. I love being able to see with my eyes what I have left to focus on. Yes, it totally helps me to not forget something important, but my favorite benefit is that I can chill out a little more when I pack. I seriously used to feel so anxious as we’d depart for a trip, but now I feel more calm knowing I am on track. I honestly don’t know how to go out-of-town without it!

2.  Second- we have several types of bags that are pre-packed.
  • We have toiletry bags for me and the kids that are already stocked and ready to go. We can grab them, check real fast to make sure we’ll be good for the entire length of the trip, and we’re set! Then when we get home, we stow them away: all ready for next time.
  • We also have a kids’ medicine bag that has all of the most-used items. We’re ready if someone starts showing signs of an ear infection, has an upset tummy or whatever might pop up while we’re traveling! One of my favorite items is the Melatonin. We have a hard time going to bed in unfamiliar territory- so a dropper full of Melatonin helps the kids sleep and I sleep better knowing I’m doing everything I can to help them rest. (I need to remember to use it next trip!) Here’s my list of must-haves for the medicine bag:

Vacation packing tips: How to save time packing! Easy packing methods. Packing for a trip with little kids. 5 tips to save stress when packing for a vacation! mommyconvos.com

  • Kids’ Acetemetophin– I like the tablets because they are less messy and they think its a treat!
  • Thermometer– then we can tell for-sure if someone’s got a fever.
  • Pepto Bismal– upset tummies from car-sickness or food poisoning- likely to happen while traveling!
  • Garlic Oil– This stops ear infections in their tracks. This has literally saved us about ten trips to the doctor to get an antibiotic for my youngest daughter. I wrote about it here.
  • Melatonin– helps kiddos sleep better in a new setting. (*Amazon affiliate links on each product if you want to order any of those for your next trip!)

Diaper basket– This is our permanent diaper station at home, and it’s portable! I just grab it and we’re set for diaper changes wherever we go.  I have a smaller one in my bedroom as well I grab for shorter trips.

vacation packing tips

3.  Next, sometimes laundry baskets are way more convenient than suitcases/ duffle bags.  Here’s why:
  • The “lid” is always open to toss more stuff in, and find items while you’re traveling.
  • When you get to your destination you can put the folded clothes away, and BAM: you instantly have a natural place to put dirty clothes while you’re staying there. Then when you get home, you have a laundry basket full dirty clothes ready to dump right into the washing machine. You’re welcome 😉 When we go to my parent’s house we usually bring two laundry baskets: One for me and my hubby’s stuff (and baby), and one for the kids’ stuff. Then we have a spot for 1) dirty clothes, and 2) for shoes! The shoe basket is our “traveling mudroom” 🙂 .
4.  I love these little suitcase dividers, aka packing cubes.

You can get them on Amazon and I really enjoy having all of our clothing compartmentalized. I can double-check to make sure we have enough outfits for each person and everything is easy to find! I’ve also heard of packing tips using grocery sacks with each day’s worth of clothes so you know you’ve got everything covered. You do what you gotta do, mama!

vacation packing tips

Side-note: If you’re traveling somewhere where you will need to prepare food, this solar cooker rocks! Whether you’re camping, spending the day (or days) at the lake, or even just in charge of bringing your own food to a family reunion… this solar oven comes in so handy! We’ve used it a bunch this summer, and so it is on my brain! 

vacation packing tips

vacation packing tips

I love this solar oven because the oven (and carry case) are so lightweight- under 2 lbs!!! We can enjoy hot food wherever we are. It can be below-freezing, but if the sun is shining, this will heat up and will slowly cook! We’ve cooked everything from street tacos (Costco frozen section) to veggie burgers and hot dogs (our go-to lunch when we’re at the lake). We’ve turned a pack of Hawaiian sweet rolls into hot deli sandwiches and even cooked chicken in there! It’s so easy to travel with. Here’s a link if you are interested in checking out the Sunflair Oven- free shipping!

5.  “Every-day” pre-packed bags 

The last of my packing tips is similar to the pre-packed travel bags, but these pre-packed bags are something I would recommend whether you plan to travel or not! I use each of these all the time, so they some in handy anywhere you go even if it’s just down the street! 

Vacation packing tips: How to save time packing! Easy packing methods. Packing for a trip with little kids. 5 tips to save stress when packing for a vacation! mommyconvos.com

vacation packing tips

  • In-a-Pikle. If you’ve hung out with me for more than a couple hours you’ve probably seen this cute little bag on me. I bought my In-a-pikle a few years ago and use it several times a week. I have in there: hair elastics for me and my girls, ibuprofen, allergy medicine, hand-sanitizer, sunscreen, post-it notes, lip gloss & mascara, scissors, tweezers, floss, a mirror, little screwdrivers, and about twenty other things that just come in handy all the time! These items are easy to find with the clear zippered pouches and this thing has held up so well! I pack my “pikle” with me everywhere I go… even on an eight-mile hike down the Subway in Zion National Park! Picture this: It’s our anniversary trip we’d been looking forward to for years- we have the babysitter, the friends and family with us, and it’s been incredible journey a couple hours in. But then on this downhill river-bed I realize I’m due to clip my toenails. My toes are killing me and we still have about an hour left of traveling downhill among the river-rock. I looked in my pickle and sure-enough- I was able to clip them with the scissors I had in there! It saved the day then, and I have three other “save-the-day” dramatic stories I could tell you. But, I think I’ll save those for another post!
  • I have a 72-hour kit backpack that stays in my trunk. This backpack often comes in handy all the time with extra pairs of shoes, water, snacks, diapers and a blanket. We find lots of little emergencies in my car full of four little drama-queen girls, especially when traveling.vacation packing tips
  • This last bag is helpful- All Summer Long. I use a big Ikea bag to carry our life jackets, sunscreen, swim diapers, goggles, towels and anything else we need to go swimming. All of these swim items stay in the bag at home (with a hook on the garage wall) and then it’s ready to go whenever we take off for the pool or the lake!

I hope these packing tips help you feel more prepared to go experience something amazing with your family this summer! Pass this along to a friend that is planning a trip this summer! What packing tips do you have?! Share below!

Happy Travels,

-Jennica

Vacation packing tips: How to save time packing! Easy packing methods. Packing for a trip with little kids. 5 tips to save stress when packing for a vacation! mommyconvos.com

*This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. If you purchase anything from these links, Mommy Convos may make a small commission.*

Avatar

About Jennica

Jennica is a mom to four energetic girls, and wife to her love-at-second-sight husband. She ran a cleaning business for ten years, and would love to see the day that her entire house could be clean-- all at the same time. Until then, you’re likely to find her folding big loads of laundry while listening to inspiring podcasts, or chasing her little girls down the street!

Restored 316 Feminine Wordpress Theme Design using the Genesis Framework

Sign up to get our latest printables for FREE!

« 3 Favorites for Traveling with an Infant (and Toddlers)
Tri-side Learn and Play Art Center: A Friday Favorite »

Comments

  1. AvatarKerry says

    June 14, 2017 at 10:13 pm

    Brilliant ideas! I just bpught a pikle using your link. I’m excited to try it out. And I’ll start using my Ikea bags for swim bags. They hold a ton, and I’ve never thought to reuse them.

    • AvatarTiffaynee says

      June 23, 2017 at 9:35 am

      We hope you like your Inapikle bag! I can’t wait to get one. They look amazing! And the Ikea bags are genius. 🙂

Trackbacks

  1. Simple Car Hack To Keep Your Middle Console Organized Forever - Mommy Convos says:
    October 25, 2017 at 2:00 pm

    […] you already read my article: Cut Packing Time and Stress in HALF with These 5 Tips, then you saw my other favorite organizer I keep with me in my purse or wherever I go. My […]

  2. 9 Emergency Prep Items Moms Need NOW (that you'll actually use often) - Mommy Convos says:
    November 18, 2017 at 12:04 am

    […] 72 hour kit to the rescue! I included this kit in a post I wrote about vacation packing tips (that cut your time and stress in half!) … because all those little necessities seem to creep in even more when we’re traveling […]

  3. 2018 Mother's Day Gift Ideas: My Fave Things I Wish All Moms Could Have! - Mommy Convos says:
    April 20, 2018 at 9:14 pm

    […] we were recording an Extraordinary Moms podcast together over the summer. We were talking about packing tips for family road trips, and she loves having this cordless vacuum in her van to keep the mom-mobile […]

  4. 6 Fun Summer Printables That Will Save Your Sanity - Mommy Convos says:
    June 6, 2018 at 9:10 pm

    […] here for the original article this printable came from: Cut Packing Time and Stress in HALF with These 5 […]

So glad you found us!

Mommy ConvosHi there! We are Morgan & Tiffaynee and we are the mommies behind Mommy Convos. It is our mission to inspire mothers to build and strengthen their family relationships. We believe mothers can change the world, and that happens - one conversation at a time.

Join the convo!

Don't miss out on our latest insider freebies!

Instagram

Christmas is less than a week away. And if you hav Christmas is less than a week away. And if you haven’t read any of these adorable books – I highly suggest all of them. “But it’s too late!” You might be thinking and slightly panicking.... nonsense! ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
In fact, this post is perfectly timed to prepare you for your final purchases this weekend or even, Christmas book clearance time. 🥳 When Christmas is over I’m certain many of these books will go on sale. (Insert happy deal shoppers dance here! 💃🏼 🛍) •⠀
•⠀
So, I suggest you look for these books today to add to your library for the next holiday season. 🎁🎅🏻 ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
Head to our stories to see Morgan talk about some of her favorites, click the link in our bio for the Christmas book article or to shop all of our fav books- click on the Amazon link. ⠀
•⠀
• What holiday book is your favorite to read with your kids?
Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, espec Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, especially for the biggest holiday of the year, but I forget one small detail... the stockings. 🙈😑 Please tell me i’m not the only one? 
•
•
Last night the hubby and I finished our Christmas shopping and I can finally put the wallet away. I’m certain we’re done- I hope. I should probably check my stash to be sure! 🙈
•
•
Sharing today our list of fun non-toy stocking stuffers you can snag before it’s too late! Head to our @mommyconvos bio for the details! 
•
•
So, here’s the next question: do you Christmas shop for the family by yourself? (❤️) Or do you team up with your spouse? (❤️💚) Leave the colored heart that best describes you- below!
Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing week and are having a blast gearing up for the holidays ahead. With 2020 coming to an end, we can all relate to how tough this year has been. However, the initial tendency as a parent might be to overspend in an effort to compensate for whatever did or didn't happen in 2020. ⁣
⁣
LET ME GIVE YOU THIS REASSURANCE, MOMMAS- it is NOT necessary to buy more during the holidays in order to compensate for whatever you feel your children lacked this year. ❤ ⁣
⁣
Instead, we highly suggest minimizing your Christmas stress by implementing a minimalistic mindset each year, but this year in particular. This year has blessed us with the specific opportunity to tune in and be more mindful of those you love, just like our Savior does for us. So take this time to BE more present instead of spending extra cash on gifts. We promise it will be absolutely worth it. ⁣
⁣
If you are looking at enjoying a more minimalistic holiday, be sure to check out the latest from the blog for some great tips and tricks for finding balance and peace this year. Just click the link in our bio @mommyconvos ⁣
⁣
How are you prepping for the holidays that are a little different than in previous years? 🎁🎄
Recently, my social media feed is full of #givetha Recently, my social media feed is full of #givethanks gratitude posts Oh how I love the change of focus! My list of gratitude is oh so long, my faith and my family are the top of my list, but also is good literature. Goodness, life is so much better with good books!  I love discovering new holiday books, and this year I found several now books to add to our collection. 
•
•
“Thanksgiving is here”- playfully illustrates the joys and chaos of large families gathering for Thanksgiving dinner. And when company leaves- how exhausted the hosts feel. Something as a mom I totally sympathize with. 😂
•
•
Another delight Thanksgiving book addition to our library this year is, “T-is for Thankful”. @babylit has done it again! Creating the cutest illustrated book centered around all the alphabetical great and small things to be thankful for this year.
•
•
Last year I shared our review on “Bad kitty does not like Thanksgiving” and this book is hilarious! Check out our Insta-stories for the awesome video review on this and other of our favorite Thanksgiving books.
•
•
Do you have a favorite thanksgiving book? Please share below so we can continue to learn from each other! Happy holidays friends. 🦃 🥧 Morgan and Tiffaynee
Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the on Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the only one feeling this way with the impending presidential announcement... so how do we handle feeling off, anxious or depressed? One of the best things you can do -right this moment- give a hug. Cuddle close to a loved one and hold one another. Breathe deep. And hug for another breath. And hopefully you’ll slowly feel that anxiety release. And feel free to cuddle longer. 😘
•
•
Sending a warm hug your way friend. 
❤️Tiff.
“When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 “When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 months old, my heart shattered. I was beyond broken… I was shattered beyond repair.⁣
⁣
They say it takes a “village” to raise a child…⁣
⁣
At that moment my “village” is what kept me alive…”⁣
•⁣
•⁣
@momma.hutch is 1 of every 4 women in the United States alone, who are affected by infertility or infant loss, or both. Mallory shares her brave story of dear Mackenzie’s passing and the journey she and her family are still going through. In this article Mallory  offers 10 invaluable and thoughtful ways to help a grief-stricken friend and we couldn’t agree more with her list. ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
To read her article- click @mommyconvos link in our bio. If you are a mother currently going through the grieving process- our deepest condolences and a virtual hug sent your way. We encourage you to check out Mallory‘s amazing supportive Instagram group: ... ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
When you are sad what is the one thing that cheers you up? I’ll give you a hint what mine is in the comments. 😍
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. New posts will not be retrieved.

There may be an issue with the Instagram access token that you are using. Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time.

Popular Posts

How to Get What You Want from Mother’s Day- 2021 Edition

childbirth, postpartum depression, how to identify PPD and PPA, difficult pregnancy and childbirth, traumatic childbirth, childbirth, how to understand what postpartum depression looks like

How a Difficult Childbirth can Surrender your Mental and Emotional Health

5 reasons to give adventures instead of gifts this year

Planning Christmas Like a Minimalist

Join Us on Instagram

Christmas is less than a week away. And if you hav Christmas is less than a week away. And if you haven’t read any of these adorable books – I highly suggest all of them. “But it’s too late!” You might be thinking and slightly panicking.... nonsense! ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
In fact, this post is perfectly timed to prepare you for your final purchases this weekend or even, Christmas book clearance time. 🥳 When Christmas is over I’m certain many of these books will go on sale. (Insert happy deal shoppers dance here! 💃🏼 🛍) •⠀
•⠀
So, I suggest you look for these books today to add to your library for the next holiday season. 🎁🎅🏻 ⠀
•⠀
•⠀
Head to our stories to see Morgan talk about some of her favorites, click the link in our bio for the Christmas book article or to shop all of our fav books- click on the Amazon link. ⠀
•⠀
• What holiday book is your favorite to read with your kids?
Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, espec Morgan here- I’m all about planning ahead, especially for the biggest holiday of the year, but I forget one small detail... the stockings. 🙈😑 Please tell me i’m not the only one? 
•
•
Last night the hubby and I finished our Christmas shopping and I can finally put the wallet away. I’m certain we’re done- I hope. I should probably check my stash to be sure! 🙈
•
•
Sharing today our list of fun non-toy stocking stuffers you can snag before it’s too late! Head to our @mommyconvos bio for the details! 
•
•
So, here’s the next question: do you Christmas shop for the family by yourself? (❤️) Or do you team up with your spouse? (❤️💚) Leave the colored heart that best describes you- below!
Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing Hi friends! We hope that you are having an amazing week and are having a blast gearing up for the holidays ahead. With 2020 coming to an end, we can all relate to how tough this year has been. However, the initial tendency as a parent might be to overspend in an effort to compensate for whatever did or didn't happen in 2020. ⁣
⁣
LET ME GIVE YOU THIS REASSURANCE, MOMMAS- it is NOT necessary to buy more during the holidays in order to compensate for whatever you feel your children lacked this year. ❤ ⁣
⁣
Instead, we highly suggest minimizing your Christmas stress by implementing a minimalistic mindset each year, but this year in particular. This year has blessed us with the specific opportunity to tune in and be more mindful of those you love, just like our Savior does for us. So take this time to BE more present instead of spending extra cash on gifts. We promise it will be absolutely worth it. ⁣
⁣
If you are looking at enjoying a more minimalistic holiday, be sure to check out the latest from the blog for some great tips and tricks for finding balance and peace this year. Just click the link in our bio @mommyconvos ⁣
⁣
How are you prepping for the holidays that are a little different than in previous years? 🎁🎄
Recently, my social media feed is full of #givetha Recently, my social media feed is full of #givethanks gratitude posts Oh how I love the change of focus! My list of gratitude is oh so long, my faith and my family are the top of my list, but also is good literature. Goodness, life is so much better with good books!  I love discovering new holiday books, and this year I found several now books to add to our collection. 
•
•
“Thanksgiving is here”- playfully illustrates the joys and chaos of large families gathering for Thanksgiving dinner. And when company leaves- how exhausted the hosts feel. Something as a mom I totally sympathize with. 😂
•
•
Another delight Thanksgiving book addition to our library this year is, “T-is for Thankful”. @babylit has done it again! Creating the cutest illustrated book centered around all the alphabetical great and small things to be thankful for this year.
•
•
Last year I shared our review on “Bad kitty does not like Thanksgiving” and this book is hilarious! Check out our Insta-stories for the awesome video review on this and other of our favorite Thanksgiving books.
•
•
Do you have a favorite thanksgiving book? Please share below so we can continue to learn from each other! Happy holidays friends. 🦃 🥧 Morgan and Tiffaynee
Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the on Today I’ve felt anxious. I know i’m not the only one feeling this way with the impending presidential announcement... so how do we handle feeling off, anxious or depressed? One of the best things you can do -right this moment- give a hug. Cuddle close to a loved one and hold one another. Breathe deep. And hug for another breath. And hopefully you’ll slowly feel that anxiety release. And feel free to cuddle longer. 😘
•
•
Sending a warm hug your way friend. 
❤️Tiff.
“When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 “When my daughter passed away unexpectedly at 10 months old, my heart shattered. I was beyond broken… I was shattered beyond repair.⁣
⁣
They say it takes a “village” to raise a child…⁣
⁣
At that moment my “village” is what kept me alive…”⁣
•⁣
•⁣
@momma.hutch is 1 of every 4 women in the United States alone, who are affected by infertility or infant loss, or both. Mallory shares her brave story of dear Mackenzie’s passing and the journey she and her family are still going through. In this article Mallory  offers 10 invaluable and thoughtful ways to help a grief-stricken friend and we couldn’t agree more with her list. ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
To read her article- click @mommyconvos link in our bio. If you are a mother currently going through the grieving process- our deepest condolences and a virtual hug sent your way. We encourage you to check out Mallory‘s amazing supportive Instagram group: ... ⁣
•⁣
•⁣
When you are sad what is the one thing that cheers you up? I’ll give you a hint what mine is in the comments. 😍
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. New posts will not be retrieved.

There may be an issue with the Instagram access token that you are using. Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time.

Daily Boutique Deals

© Mommy Convos, LLC and mommyconvos.com, 2017.
Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission is strictly prohibited.

Copyright © 2022 · glam theme by Restored 316

  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Use
  • About Us