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With the excitement of holidays comes the concept of squeezing two weeks worth of “essentials” into suitcases. This is a true challenge for most mums. So to make our life/work balance a little easier here are my thoughts.
As a family of 5 we have this tendency to pack steadily and at the last minute throw loads of things in at the last minute “just in case”. This often means that we forget things or take extra things – like a huge bag of chargers! Having had lots of family holidays with our cases at the weight limit – this years family suitcase packing is going to be different. Following a little research here are my thoughts:
Here’s my 9 top tips for successful holiday suitcase packing for families
- Each airline has its own guideline as to the weight of your luggage – you need to know this before you even get started. Remember hand luggage can be weighed too (needs to be under 5kg). Usually hand luggage is free and each person can carry one – so we might as well use our allocation. Its worth weighing your empty suitcase before packing – its surprisingly heavy.
- Invest in luggage scales – it’s a good present and are really handy for the final weigh in.
- There is a split camp with regards folding or rolling clothes which I find rather amusing. I am a folder but I can see the advantage to rolling. You need to decide your approach. Flip flops go nicely around either.
- Print off a list (mums like lists) – I found mumsnet holiday PDF a really good starting point.
- I also read women, yes women, really only need three pairs of shoes for holidays – pump type, flip flops and wedges. Planning to give this some more thought
- Night to day swap – over the years I have rotated kids clothes worn in the evening for another day at the beach. Works really well for wee boys in shorts and t-shirts.
- Share – as a family it will do no harm to share shower gel, toothpaste etc. Worth removing all the packaging before you leave. This approach can save Kgs. Promise.
- Mums – It is worth remembering that if we don’t wear it at home its probably not great for our holidays. If it doesn’t fit before we go unfortunately (and I have tried this) it wont fit when we get there.
- Baby Equipment and sundries– I am well past this stage however its worth ordering from holiday company or a specialist supplier. Saves you carrying it and overall less stressful. This can include buggies, cots and highchairs.
Next week I am going to look at packing for a baby going on a beach holiday and plan to flag up resources for mums.
I will let you know how I get on. In the meantime if you have any ideas – let me know it all helps and perhaps next time I can get to 10 top tips for family packing!
Great article perhaps you would like to write for our website Littletravellers
Here’s a 10th for you but is only valid if heading to the States – don’t carry any sun lotion,shampoo,conditioner etc and buy in Walmart as soon as you get there !
Also although not a general relevant point to packing, but a piece of useful information – no adaptors needed in Mauritius its the same as the UK so will save as lods in weight this year – does that mean I can pack more flip flops ?
Fiona
[...] Its also worth having a peak at our previous blog – 9 top tips for packing. [...]