You and 2 kids going away for 2 weeks (to UK), how much stuff do you take with you really?

[TheKitchenWitch]

I'm coming over to the UK (obvs live abroad :D ) for 2 weeks with the kids, aged 4 and 12. I don't want to take more stuff than necessary, so I've sat down and written out a list of everything I can think of that we will really, truly, absolutely definitely need. It still seems like masses though!
How much clothes would you realistically take for that length of time? Or would you do it by saying everyone gets one bag, everything has to fit in it regardless?

Where are you staying and what will you be doing?

Packing for camping very different to packing to stay with relatives, for example. If you are based in a city things are easier to buy when you get there vs packing them at your end.

Will you have access to washing machine easily?

Yes, it depends on whether you’re self catered and whether you’ll having laundry facilities. It also depends on what you’ll be doing each day - do you need to bring lots of stuff to occupy and entertain the dc?

I prefer to pack light and wash when there if necessary. For 2 weeks the dc would have a small cabin sized case and a backpack, do and I would share a big case and have some bigger items for the dc (like snorkels or pool inflatables) with our stuff, and a backpack each.

Staying with relatives, so yes to washing mc but want to limit laundry. Won’t need anything to occupy dc as all provided.
It’s just the amount of clothes, it seems mad but weather can go either way and don’t want to be washing every day.

I think you have to be prepared for mixed weather. It can be dry and nice or wet or mixed for the time you are here.

When we do 2 weeks I pack T-Shirts, a few hoodies, jeans and shorts plus swimwear. A waterproof coat is a must. If you think you may go out maybe a nice top you can wear with a jeans or if there is space a dress or skirt and top. Same selection goes for children.

As a general rule, for 2 weeks when we come back to the UK we pack a maximum of one carry on bag per person

I would pack for about a week and aim to wash 1-2 times. We don't have enough clothes to do 2 weeks without washing. 2 jumpers, possibly a 3rd for the little one, a packaway mac. Trainers and sandals, wear the trainers. One pair of jeans and the rest skirts/ shorts.

Kids, DH and I are living out of cases for a month while flying between countries and all other stuff in transit with the movers. We have a week's worth of clothes each, a hoodie/jumper each, and a raincoat each. One pair sandals and one pair trainers each. One swimming costume each. Kids each got one rucksack for any books/toys they wanted, plus my handbag, DH's messenger bag. Between us we have two cases plus the four small bags.

And when I say a week's worth of clothes I don't actually bring 7 of everything, so for instance for myself I have packed:
7 pairs of pants
3 bras (nude, black, patterned)
2 lightweight tops
2 long sleeve tops
2 skirts
1 pair jeans
1 pair shorts
1 jumper

All are in the same colour scheme so every top can be worn with every bottom.

This is what I advise for Ryanair hand luggage only for a week in the UK. It all comes to under 10kg.
With the two sets of pjs (a must IMO) and washing machine available it would work for as long as you needed.

That list is for teenagers BTW, so your 12yo. Mobile phone, notebook and pen, dictionary, documents, wallet and tech go in handbag.

I holidayed in the uk for years with three kids and always overpacked! Whilst we changed undies every day we often made t shirts last two or three days and the same pair of shirts all week! Of course when it was raining it was harder but the last thing I wanted to do on holiday was spend hours in a launderette so unless it stank or was filthy or soaked then it got worn again 😁😁😁

These have been useful, thanks!