I’m writing from the beach today. (Aren’t I lucky!) We’re “home” for ten days (NY and NJ) and were lucky enough to slip away for a few days in between wedding celebrations. So this week I’m goin’ old school and writing my blog post. (Videos will be back next week).
I was so ready for a relaxing family vacation. But packing is truly a $#@$! It’s one thing packing for yourself but throw the kids in the mix and you’re literally packing for days! And now they’re at the age where they have control of their suitcase, which always sounds better than it is. Two issues arise with this:
- They grab the first thing they can find and completely mismatch outfits. Picture bright green t-shirt, red shorts and black socks.
They rummage through everything leaving the bag in total disarray. (So much for organizing their bag!)
I’ve found an easy and cheap solution for both these problems using two key organizing strategies (tailored to packing). “Sort” and “Contain”. Here’s what you do:
- Separate your kids clothes into complete outfits: shirt, shorts, underwear and socks
- Put each outfit into a ziplock bag. Clear ziplock bags are key because they;
- are transparent
- seal so clothes are easy to see and stay contained
3. Label your kids names or initials on each bag
Everyday your child(ren) can grab a bag, eliminating suitcase mess and clown-like outfits. We’re on day five of our vacation and this is working great so far! (btw, this has worked great for my hubby to get their clothes right too. I’m just sayin’!)
Do you think it would work for your kids? Do you have any other tips on how to get your kids bags organized? Please share your feedback in the reply box below. I can’t wait to hear from you!
Thanks for your comments and support. Looking forward to “seeing” you again next week.
Love,
Mridu
HI Mridu,
Perfect timing! Kevin and Steve are leaving today for 4 days. I am going to use this strategy as I pack them both this morning. I will let you know how it goes!
Hope it works out. I probably should have added a couple more bags each that was labeled “pajamas” and “swimsuits”. I swear these kids could find a way to make a mess out of anything! 😉 Good luck!
Hello! I’ve been doing this for years ! And it’s awesome ! I separate pajamas and bathing suits too!! I bought larger (not huge) bags (at Publix) to hold all those little sets. It’s all compact in that one larger bag. So when we go away I just take it out of the suitcase and drop the smaller bags in a drawer!! It’s great!! Xxoo
Much needed tip Mridu! Thanks, enjoy your holiday!
Thanks Sonia! It’s been great…and so overdue! 🙂
I may not have the task of packing for children, but a bigger one to pack for myself. Business trips can be a nightmare, especially if I am traveling to a different climate. I am guilty of packing in a child-like fashion-throwing a bunch of clothes in a bag and hoping that a fabulous outfit will magically appear out of my Samsonite upon landing. Doesn’t work. I tend to overpack with nothing that matches. (I can’t tell you how much money I have spent on b-trips trying to buy the essentials I forgot to pack at home.)
I know it sounds basic common sense…but I have finally had a “come-to-Jesus” moment with myself and have taken the extra time to coordinate outfits from top to bottom and then only pack them (minus the ziplock bag). I also have gotten in the habit of restocking my toiletry bag with all my travel size shampoos and what-nots right when I get home from a trip. That way I am not fumbling around at the last minute trying to find a mini size anything. I just grab and go.
I finally realized that it saves time on the road and it saves room in the bag for more important things. (like a cocktail dress, cause you never know when you are going to be asked to a last minute blacktie. Happened to me. True story 😉 )
Keep up with packing ideas and posts. Any tips you may have for business travelers is well appreciated. I need them.
Shivani,
It too took me many a year to figure out that I really needed to coordinate outfits (down to the accessories!) But on that note, I’ve also learned to bring a lot of simple, solid colored pieces of clothing so I have the flexibility to change outfits up a bit. Like a couple different black shirts, jeans, white, khaki, grey or black skirts or pants. So even though I have them in “outfits” before I leave, I can still mix and match a bit.
Love the tip about refilling your toiletry bag on the tail end of a trip (vs. waiting for your next one). Genious! Thank you!!
xoxo,
mridu
I think it is great for boys to use the Zip Lock clothes set by day system. For girls who are more mature at the same age I have been successful in using packing bags with zipper and we put the clothes and underwear in 1-2 of the zippered packing bags by person and can put the whole bag inside hotel dresser drawers. Only need to transfer clothes by packing bags.