7 Tips for Preparing for Travel with Kids According to a Professional Organizer
7 Tips for Preparing for Travel with Kids According to a Professional Organizer
We’re delighted to welcome home organisation expert, Nassim Secci, from Happy Space Co to share her top tips on how to prepare for travel with kids. Read on to take the stress out of travel preparation, packing and flying with kids with these great tips!
Planning and organizing a trip with children can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies, it can become a smooth and enjoyable experience for the whole family. As a professional home organizer, I understand the importance of efficient packing and preparation. In this blog post, I will provide you with an in-depth look at the top seven tips for packing and preparing for a trip with children. By following these tips, you'll be able to minimize stress, stay organized, and ensure that you have everything you need for a successful journey!
1. Make a List: It might be old school, but writing a list of items is a great way to effectively prepare for a trip. The list will allow you to delegate at least some of the process to someone else like your spouse or helper. It is a great way to ensure you don’t forget anything important.
In addition to a packing list, make a to-do list specifically for your trip. This can include tasks for your home (e.g., arrange for someone to water the plants), work (e.g., finalize a project), and self-care (e.g., get nails done).
One of the most critical lists you can put together is of the items you won’t be able to pack until the day of your trip – the items that you might be very prone to forgetting for that reason. This includes items like your phone charger, toothbrush, facewash, etc. The "last-minute" list will take off the pressure of remembering everything in the hours before heading off. Tape it to the back of your door to make sure you check it on your way out.
2. Start Early: One of the key aspects of a stress-free trip is to start the packing process early. Leaving everything to the last minute can result in unnecessary chaos and forgotten items. Instead, using the packing list you created, begin gathering them gradually over a few days or weeks. This will allow you to approach packing in a calm manner, reducing the chances of overlooking important items.
Starting early also gives you the opportunity to shop for items you might need. Use this opportunity to check the sizing of the kids' clothes, including accessories you might not have purchased recently like hats, socks, water shoes, etc. It will also give you time to think about any travel-specific items you might want to purchase like ride-on suitcases.
3. Use Packing Cubes: Efficient packing is essential when traveling with children, and one item that can revolutionize your packing process is the packing cube. These lightweight and versatile fabric containers help optimize the space in the suitcase. You can use large cubes for clothing and smaller ones for accessories and toiletries. They are especially useful for multi-stop trips as it makes unpacking and repacking a breeze. Just take out the cubes and place them in the drawers and shelves at your destination with the tops unzipped for easy access.
We recommend getting each member of the family a set of their own in a distinctive pattern or color. This color-coding system makes it easy to find items specific to each person, especially for larger families. It also encourages personal responsibility, as children can quickly identify their designated packing cube and locate their own items.
4. Create Activity Kits: Long journeys can be challenging for children, especially when boredom sets in. Creating individual activity kits for each child can be a lifesaver in such situations. Include coloring books, puzzles, small toys, travel games, and other age-appropriate items that can keep them entertained during the trip. These kits not only provide a source of entertainment but also help children feel involved in the journey. Encourage them to choose a few items they'd like to include in their activity kit, ensuring their preferences are considered.
Some ideas for activity kits include:
- Coloring books and crayons
- Puzzle books or small puzzles
- Travel-sized board games or card games
- Sticker books or sticker sets
- Small figurines or action figures
Some great snack options include:
- Veggie sticks
- Dried fruit
- Trail mix
- Cheese sticks
- Crackers
- Individual-sized snack packs
Ensure you pack enough snacks to last the duration of your journey and any potential delays. It's better to have extra snacks than to run out, as hungry children can become restless and irritable. Divide the snacks into individual portions or use small containers or resealable bags for easy distribution and to avoid spills or messes.
Consider packing a mix of familiar favorites and introducing some new snacks to make the journey more exciting. Snacks can also be used as a distraction or reward during the trip, helping to maintain a positive atmosphere. Additionally, don't forget to pack drinks for your children, especially water, to keep them hydrated throughout the journey. And don’t forget the spill-proof cups or bottles!
6. Organize Your Carry-On Bag: When traveling with children, having an organized carry-on bag is essential for easy access to important items during the journey. Select a carry-on bag that is spacious, durable, and has multiple compartments or pockets. Choose a bag with sturdy zippers and comfortable straps to ensure convenience and ease of use.
Keep all essential documents such as passports, tickets, boarding passes, and identification in a secure yet easily accessible compartment. Use a designated pocket or pouch to prevent them from getting misplaced or damaged. It's also helpful to have a digital backup of important documents on your phone.
Use clear pouches to store smaller items such as travel-sized toiletries, electronics accessories, and medications. Label each pouch with a specific category (e.g., "Toiletries," "Electronics," "First Aid") for quick identification and easy retrieval while en route.
7. Involve the Children: Getting children involved in the packing process can make them feel excited and responsible for their belongings. Encourage them to choose some of their favorite toys, books, or clothes to bring along. This is a great way to build excitement for the trip while letting them have a feeling of autonomy. Not only does it keep them engaged, but it also ensures that they have items they enjoy during the trip. Make sure to guide them in selecting appropriate items and help them understand any limitations or restrictions based on the destination and mode of transportation.
By following these seven tips, you'll be well-prepared and organized for your trip with children. Remember to start early, create lists, and involve your children in the process. Utilize packing cubes for efficient packing, prepare activity kits and snacks to keep your children entertained and satisfied, and organize your carry-on bag for easy access to essentials. With proper planning and organization, your trip with children is sure to be a memorable and enjoyable experience for the entire family!
About the Happy Space Company
The Happy Space Company is Hong Kong’s premier home organizing service for busy families, expertly creating tailored, serene spaces by decluttering and organizing to reclaim your space, time, and peace of mind.
Our team consists of dedicated full-time professional organizers who, being mothers themselves, intimately understand the challenges of balancing a household, managing a busy family life, and the demands of work. Our organizing service goes beyond physical spaces, aiming to conquer the mental load of family life. We design systems necessary for all aspects of family life, bringing order and efficiency to your daily routine.
For more information visit their website, see a list of their services, and schedule a free consultation.
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