Kids Summer Vacation Packing List

A couple weeks ago, I joined some moms by the pool while our kids were swimming. One mom was agonizing over packing her four kids for summer vacation. I could tell she was extremely overwhelmed at the idea, and I suggested that she let the kids pack their stuff- because the oldest three could totally manage. She mentioned that hadn't worked in the past, and I decided to share my solution with her. She liked it so much, she thought I should share it here.

I have a steady lists for packing suitcases- one for summer vacation, one for international trips, one for winter locations. I print a copy of the applicable list for each boy. He then has to put everything together from the list, and lay it out on his bed. After he's gathered everything, he calls me up, I inspect the choices, double check the list, and then it actually goes into the suitcase. We then zip it up, and post said suitcase by the door. Packing is almost never a stressful thing for me, because I'm not having to pack for anyone but myself, and/or the other necessities we might need if we are renting a house (I do also have a list of things to bring or purchase in the case of it being a house rental- spices, etc.- that's a share for another post). Also, it saves me time not having to recreate lists every time we go on a trip.

Now, this will obviously only work if your kids are of reading age; and if they can stay on track. But I do have one kid who will whip through this in about 20 minutes, while I have to give the other one the list at least a day in advance and quite a bit of nagging if I want it done- ha! But for focus-challenged kids, I would recommend making it a game- maybe set a timer and see if they can beat the clock, or make it a contest if you have more than one kiddo- winner gets choice seating on the trip.

Letting the kids pack themselves also eliminates the drama that might come from you choosing their clothes- if that's an issue in your house; and it allows kids to take responsibility for their choices and become more independent. It also eliminates the "Iampackedandreadytogowith82stuffedanimals" dilemma because they will see that all the extra friends and books won't fit!

Packing is a real life skill that kids need to develop over the years, so I never feel bad about asking my kids to do it. For older kids, you can take it a step further, give them the list a couple days in advance (have another on hand in case they lose it); and have them verify that all laundry needed is clean and ready to go prior to packing- maybe even do their own laundry! WHOA, mommas! This makes life so much easier.

Cool little trick I've learned- I let them choose from approved snacks for their trip- and put it in a hard plastic pencil box, so that snacks don't get crunched in their bag. This also keeps them from over-eating junk on the road.

Please feel free to use/tweak my packing list. I added a couple things because I am obviously a boy momma and probably haven't thought of all the extras that come with packing a girl. Also, bear in mind, I didn't put any medications or things on this list- because those are things that go on my master list for either my carry on bag, or the house rental list. If you have suggestions for adding to the list, I'd love to hear them here!

Happy Summering~

Amanda