Packing for vacation

Oh how we love to go on vacation! It really doesn't matter where as long as we get away every once in awhile. I think we can all agree that packing and unpacking are the worst part of vacation. We don't want to over pack but under packing will cost you money. I just got back from a week long beach trip with the family. I have two small daughters ages 7 and 2 and then my husband and I. We have to be sure to bring enough to entertain them without the excess. Here are the steps I took packing for my family of four.

A week before the trip I began with my list. I do not write everything down on it because that is not entirely effective. I write the important things down that must be packed for each person. I then get out the luggage. The girls each have there own suitcase which are small enough for them. For this trip my husband and I each had a duffel bag. It was after all a relaxing beach vacation. Plan out the clothes before placing them in the suitcases. I packed 8 outfits for my oldest daughter and 10 for my youngest, she's the messiest! I packed shoes and underwear with each outfit so nothing extra went in. There was also a reusable shopping bag designated for each of us. They are for the extras (toys, books, DVD's, games, etc). They were only allowed to take items that they really would play with or use. I took into account that there might be a rainy day and did not want to be forced to go spend money unnecessarily. This was all that we were taking. As a family we had one small bag that contained toiletry items to take. These were all written down on the list and checked off as they were packed. Here is an idea for your toiletries. If you have any hotel shampoos, soaps, etc pack those instead of bringing full size bottles, it helps to rid clutter from your house as well. I also bring along brand new tooth brushes for everyone in the family since you have to change those every so often anyways.

With careful planning you can save yourself so much time and frustration with your packing as well as your unpacking. Everything was back into place within 2 hours of being home.