Week long residential trip - what size suitcase does he need?

[moosemama]

We have been told to pack several pairs of trousers, at least two pairs of trainers, lots of socks, a couple of fleeces, plenty of tshirts/sweatshirts, wash bag, two towels, tops, pjs, slippers, dressing gown, wellies, swimming costume, waterproofs etc

Plus ds is a poor sleeper so we have arranged for him to read via book light and he will needs about three paperbacks to see him through the week.

Obviously he will also need his sleeping bag, but that can be bunjeed on to the outside of the case apparently.

He did go on a similar outward bound residential a couple of years ago, but only for two nights, whereas this is for a week and I can't for the life of me remember what size suitcase we borrowed last time.

He needs a wheeled suitcase and I've been looking at them online and have absolutely no clue what size to get.

Any advice from someone who's been there done that, would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry, can't help with suitcase size but wanted to say do pack some bin liners in his case for wet/muddy clothes or you will find the entire case is full of wet muddy things when he gets home!

As a rule of thumb - find a set of three cases and note the dimensions of the middle one. The smallest will be for weekends and the largest will be aimed at couples/families.

A big one. He will almost certainly acquire some stuff while away.

Don't send anything with him that you would be infuriated not to get back.
They all nick each other's socks.

Try and make sure he can lift it. Even if it has wheels, he may still need to carry it up steps.

Blcks memory of the room on the fifth floor of the hostel in Germany

Thank you for your replies and sorry I disappeared after posting my OP.

Snice, thank you for reminding me. They put bin liners on the kit list last time, but haven't this time and I'd probably have forgotten.

EcoLady, good idea about choosing the middle size of a triple set. Will go and do a bit more research on sizes now.

Imperialstate, they are only allowed £5 spending money and there is nowhere to spend it other than the tuck shop - so hoping we won't gain much, barring the odd item of his friends' clothes, but then I guess they'll probably end up with some of his as well to balance it out.

Educated, I am worried about that. He has hypotonia, which is basically loose, floppy muscles. The school are fully aware of this and have been reminded both via a meeting and in writing (as obviously it will affect his ability to take part in some of the activities) so I would hope one of the teachers will help him if he needs to lift it, but we definitely need to make sure it's not too heavy for him to at least pull along.

DD's away this week on the same thing with a pretty much identical packing list.
She took a 30litre rucksack

Ah, yes, they should help him if he needs it. I just remember a few parents being outraged when the teachers mentioned they wouldn't be carrying all 60 suitcases up the stairs

With a wheelie suitcase, remember to pack so that all the heavy things will be at the bottom when it is being pulled, rather than when it is lay flat. Makes it easier to pull and less likely to wobble and tip

Thank you NettOlympic, that helps, as one of the ranges of cases I've been looking at is measured in litres rather than centimetres.

EduCated, good advice about packing the heavier stuff towards the bottom, thank you. I wouldn't have thought of that.

Just been having a little wibble about the water sports in the light of the recent tragedy in Scotland. I've spent months working on convincing myself he'll be fine, then read a news report and set myself off again. The centre he is going to is really experienced in helping both adults and children who have disabilities access all the activities, and my head is telling me he'll be fine. My heart on the other hand, is scaring me witless. I've even been online to see what sort of life-jackets they wear and am now worried, because they appear to be the waistcoat type and don't have a collar.

Moose the teachers are no more keen than you are to send your child and his classmates to an unsafe water sports centre. They will have checked on insurance, training etc for the staff, and your DS will be fine. statistically, he's probably more at risk in the car being driving to school by you, to catch the bus.

I know, I know.

Logically I know that all that's going to happen is he's going to go there, have a ball and come home exhausted and smelly with a couple of binbags worth of muddy washing in tow.

Emotionally, I am a big daft soppy Mum.

remember that the child is going to have to transport their luggage to and from their room. THat may involve steps/stairs so make it as compact as you can

OP I suspect his insomnia will be cured once the dorm actually shuts up a bit- they are really kept on the go and organized 100% of the time!

He has ASD, which unfortunately means nothing cures his insomnia. He sleeps very little, but is used to sharing a room with his younger brother and knows to read quietly rather than disturbing him, so we will just send his book-light with him.