Share your stress free packing tips with me!

[coco123456789]

Yet again, I’m in a flap about the packing. Every time we go away the dread sets in a few days before and I feel a nagging worry in my tummy. Does anyone else have this sort of stress about packing? I try and mitigate the stress - eg get the two eldest kids to choose their own clothes and make piles with the right number of t-shirts pants etc. And DH packs his own stuff. But I just feel so much anxiety and it ruins the days just before holiday. What do you do to try and minimize the stress?

I start by packing toiletries as I buy them & take our current toothbrushes with us & replace with new ones when we get home. Things like beach towels, plug adapters, medication (although I pack enough for 2days in my hand luggage too) "first aid kit" (anti- diahorrea meds, plasters, pain killers, antacids etc) chargers (if you have spares) then things like goggles, pack of cards.
Then I pack things that aren't likely to be wanted before leaving to go on holiday, so swimwear, smart stuff for evenings etc (I'm assuming you're going abroad on a "beach holiday") finally underwear & day-to-day clothes.
Sounds very long winded & like I over pack (I definitely do!) But I always have everything.

I feel the same OP. It makes me regret booking in the first place. Following with great interest.

Thanks - we’re not going on a beach holiday. I find beach holidays on a plane easier to pack for as the suitcase limit means you have to restrict yourself! Good idea about toiletries first, as that is always my very last thing to think about and I am constantly surprised by how much space wash bag stuff takes up.

We are going abroad, but in our car. Constant temptation for a last minute panic and shoving random bags of stuff in at the last minute.

I roll all items of clothing so that there is minimal creasing and they take up less room.

Start a list that you can roll over to next time.

Methodically work through as pp suggested, toiletries, games, electronics, kitchen, bathroom etc

Then have a running list in the kitchen / on your phone so every time something random pops into your head you can write it straight into the list.

Then all the thinking is done, the actual packing is easy.

Packing cubes
Packing cubes
Packing cubes

I like that - the thinking is done. It’s the thinking that I find most stressful.

What is a packing cube?

I have a checklist! Everything is put to one side and I decant shampoo etc into smaller bottles. Don’t forget any medicines or first aid stuff you may need (plus Sanpro, toothpaste...). Yes you can get it all abroad but do you want to be looking for a pharmacy?

Make sure you have what you need in hand luggage. I always have a light jumper and scarf.

The first thing I pack are always books - ambitious as going with 3 small kids!

Lists, that you save on your computer/phone/bullet journal that are reviewed and perfected over time.

We have several versions for different types of trips that include all the pre travel prep - check clothes, book parking, cat sitter etc and clothes and other stuff as required.

I find the actual act of packing stressful, but never do it until the actual day, or the day before if we have an early start.

I don't use packing cubes, but wonder how they work - don't they leave lots of random gaps in your suitcase?

Conversly, the last thing I pack are books, or more accurately my kindle, because I will be reading it right up until the day of travel.

I write a list of everything I need (seriously everything including obvious things like phone) then I get the space prepared for packing (spare bed or suitcase) and put things there in the weeks before.

Then the shopping - I get all the toiletries / medication / sun cream brought and pack it straight away into an organisation bag (linked below) which is easy to add to if you suddenly need to add something. If I think I want some new clothes I buy them and try them on then chuck in the same area.

Finally around 4-7 days before, I actually pack the bag with everything I have on my list BUT I check that I’ve got outfit options so for every bottom I add 2 tops or coordinate every look so it’s interchangeable with the odd really different look. Include accessories then pack as outfits rather than bottoms / tops etc makes it easier to get ready when away. I packed everything ironed and put into either the same packing bags or clear bags. This helps if toiletries burst or I suddenly feel the need to add something. I also lay aside the outfit I want to travel in so that’s considered alongside packed clothes (ie jeans and tops which might work with other choices)

Then the night before I go, I can add everything left on my list and repack the bag easily as everything is individually packed. Usually make up and a coat / jumper added last minute or a new purchase.

Having the list to check means I don’t need to unpack to check quantities and the bags mean I can unpack easily if required! I also have waterproof bags for anything essential which I use when I’m concerned about bags getting wet etc. But I hate packing so this is my over the top coping mechanism as I have to travel almost constantly.

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I tell the DC(5&7) where we are going and for how many days and ask them to pack appropriately - they even know to pack a spare of pants ‘just in case’.
They are more than capable although trying to get them dressed to leave the house for school is a totally different story.
We are going away today but DH is working till noon, DS just asked why I was packing Daddies stuff as apparently Daddy is big enough to make his own decisions!!! 😂

Mrs granny - I want to be you!

I feel your pain! I have to pack for six every time we go away and it's like a military operation.
I don't really have any tips except be methodical I just usually start with the beginning of the day and work out what everyone needs.

I have a holiday list that I regularly update. It means that I always remember the 'peripheral' stuff - chargers, adapters, mozzie spray, first aid kit, sunglasses, towels (and clips) as it's permanently on The List.

I also have a wash bag that is permanently packed so I know I have shampoo, hair stuff etc.

I then work through the holiday list with a column for each day and write down the clothes that I'm likely to wear - underwear, day/evening, shoes, nightwear etc. I know that some things (e.g swimwear, dresses) might get carried across a few days but at least I know that I have the right stuff. The key then is just to pack what's on the list and not add a load of contingency outfits.

coco123456789 Haha honestly I have lists for every occasion (stuck on the side of the fridge so involved minimal thinking) but this has taken years of panic packing and forgetting things to become slightly more organised.

Lately I’ve also kept a dog travelling bag packed with a spare lead as I keep forgetting it (panic shopping then required)

How are your clothes sorted at home? If they’re sorted in drawers and cupboards at home then I find it easy to pack.
Packing cubes for each person even if it’s just for underwear and socks. It makes s difference.
Then I just tell the kids to pack what they need like
7 sets of underwear and socks
5 t shirts
3 shorts
3 trousers
Swimming stuff
Flip flops

As others have said, lists are your friend! I usually start writing a list about a week or two before travelling. It's nothing major, I just jot down things as I remember them. When it comes to finally packing, I work down the list of things and tick them off as I pack them. Because I've had a while to think about things, I never forget anything. I don't think I have that magic ability to pack simply using my memory of what needs to go in the case

I have a tick list on my phone that I reuse
And I use packing cubes
I also tell myself that NOBODY cares if I look nice on holiday because otherwise I put pressure on myself to look like I'm a woman being photographed for a Boden holiday collection which is frankly beyond insane not to mention wholly unachievable.

Packing cubes rock. We have 2 cheapy sets of 3 cubes plus 3 zip pouches each and that does all 4 of us.

Otherwise same as you really. Get DC to write lists of what they need, edit it and send them to make piles on their beds (or the landing floor if they are sharing a suitcase). Then give it a once over as you put it in the case.

Separate electricals and bottles of suncream etc into plastic bags.

We typed our list into Excel once and now we use that as a starting point. The main things we risk forgetting are meds, cables and chargers. Packing some laundry detergent is a better back up than lots of spare clothes.

I always get the case out in good time, because I will invariably remember random things that I can just toss in when I am walking past.

And lists. Love a list!

And roll your clothes, don't flat pack. For creasy things, lay them at the bottom of a couple of items so they are on the outside of the roll.

And mix your stuff between cases if 2+ cases going, just in case ones goes awol! I also lay a sheet of A4 with surname/slight # and date on last thing before shutting it. (in case bag tags get ripped off)

I used to have a spreadsheet