Taking the Kids™
Packing Smart with the Kids
The suitcase was the biggest I'd ever seen.
It took up so much room in the rental minivan trunk that we had to get a taxi to take most of the other luggage to the hotel.
But try telling a teen she doesn't have to bring her entire closet. This young clotheshorse certainly thought that was necessary. And it had never occurred to me to offer any guidance to my daughter's friend on what – or how – she should pack for the two-week trip with our family. I certainly learned my lesson.
Now I tell whoever is going what they should bring and in what size bag. Not only do I want to make sure we've got room in the trunk for everyone's gear, but I don't want to pay a hefty airline penalty for overweight luggage.
It's no fun either to drag suitcases full of stuff we don't need in and out of hotels where we're already in cramped quarters. That's not to say the kids always listen to my luggage proclamations. (“But I have to take three pairs of sandals!”)
What happened to those days when we could manage for weeks with what was in a backpack?
To help lighten the load – literally – here are my 2005 Taking the Kids Rules for Packing Smart:
- A BAG FOR EVERYONE ... will help keep the crew more organized and give the kids their own personal space-to-go. You don't need fancy luggage, though you definitely want wheels so each member of the family (yes, even the second grader) can wheel his/her own. Check out the inexpensive duffels on wheels from LL BEAN (www.llbean.com) or Lands' End (www.landsend.com). They can be monogrammed and come in bright colors like orange, gold, and red so the kids can easily find them on airport luggage turnstiles. Duffels are a better bet than suitcases because they crush down and won't take up as much room in the trunk if they're not full. Stash a smaller, empty (wheel-less) duffel in one of the bags for souvenirs.
- PACK BEACH AND BABY GEAR separately in a duffel so you'll know exactly where it is when you need it and won't be hunting through everyone's suitcase looking for that beach towel or sippy cup. If you're traveling with a baby or toddler, consider bringing a set of their crib sheets as well as a favorite blanket and night light – they'll feel more at home in a new environment. Don't forget sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for everyone.
- A WELL-EQUIPPED first-aid and medicine kit, complete with prescription and non-prescription remedies for everything from sunburn, fever, bug bites, and scrapes. Ask your pediatrician what you should include for your children and yourselves. Don't forget tweezers (for splinters.), a thermometer, and your pediatrician's phone number. Keep a mini first-aid kit in your bag or the car with bandages, antibiotic cream, acetaminophen, and antacids. In our family, we always have medication handy for motion sickness, too.
- ZIPLOCKS RULE for on-the-go parents and kids. Pack underwear in one plastic Ziploc bag, socks in another, bathing suits in a third for each child. Some parents with younger children even pack entire outfits in individual bags. I always throw in a few extras for wet (and filthy) clothes.
- QUICK DRY fabrics are best, whether shirts, shorts, or pants for the kids. Encourage the kids to leave their jeans at home in favor of lighter fabrics (or just to bring one pair). Pack fleece rather than cotton sweatshirts because they not only are lighter but dry more quickly when wet. Don't forget the rain gear and an extra pair of shoes or sandals in case one gets soaked.
- MIX AND MATCH colors so that everything in the suitcase goes with everything else. Some savvy travelers I know opt for darker colors and patterns for the kids (they show less dirt).
- THROW IN an extra package of inexpensive socks and underwear for each member of the family so you don't have to worry about finding a washing machine when everyone starts to run low.
- LET THE KIDS HELP pack so you don't get blamed if their favorite Spiderman shirt or pair of sneakers is forgotten. If they're old enough, give them a list of what they need and let them make some of their own choices.
- GOT EVERYTHING? Double check the kids' bags to make sure they didn't leave out the dress shoes they need for the family wedding but packed every action figure or Barbie doll in the toy box.
- UNLESS YOU'RE GOING TO SIBERIA ... remember you'll be able to buy extra diapers, food, tee shirts, flip flops, and whatever else you need along the way.
By: Eileen Ogintz
