printable family checklist to pack like a pro

Dec 1

Once you’ve picked your destination, booked your accommodation, and plane tickets are in hand, all that there is left to do is pack.

As we have grown as a family, I have learned a few tricks here and there that have helped remarkably for being prepared for the “just in case” scenarios through minimal packing. If you are the type who struggles with creating a packing list or not knowing where to start, this will get you covered. Below is a curated ultimate packing list of essentials for a family with kids or babies - whether it’s for a short few days vacation or for weeks and months long vacations these are all the things we have needed traveling as a family.

click on image to print checklist or click here!

These are some of the essentials that I would pack no matter the duration of our trip. In my opinion, overpacking creates more problems and stress, too many options means more decisions to make. The key is to pack pieces that are versatile and can be matched easily when worn differently. Stick to some basics with a few printed/patterned items.

Other Things to pack:

books/kindle
plane clothes (for the way back or wear what you wore there back)
Accessories/Jewelry, headscarves, belts, etc

Packing tips

weather - check the weather in your destination beforehand to help determine what exactly you will need
color palette - try packing your clothes in similar color palettes so that everything can easily mix and match
prepare outfit - match outfits out beforehand and put them together (i.e. white shirt, navy shorts) making it easier to pull out what to wear each day
laundry - check if your accommodation will have laundry services or a washer. This helps to cut down on what you need and pack less. For longer hotel stays I normally bring a few laundry pods/powder/liquid in a small container and wash essentials in the sink.
local stores - if you have young kids/baby who need diapers and you are going for a longer vacation, pack about a 4-5days of diapers in your suitcase and buy the rest at your local destination.