Packing for Summer Trips

Summer vacation

It's summer and that means summer vacation (at least we all hope we get one). Trying to get ready for the trip can be exhausting. Having a good packing list for each person can eliminate forgotten items and allow children to get their own bags ready.

Let the kids pack

Once our children were old enough to read and follow a checklist (usually around 8) we allowed them to pack their own bags. It saves some stress for the parents and instills responsibility in the child. It teaches them important planning and organizational skills. Doing everything for your children may be easier at times, but allowing them to succeed (and fail) provides lifelong learning that you need to facilitate.

Don't sweat the small stuff

I get panicked because we forgot something. My much more level-headed husband has a much saner approach. He says, "There is always Wal-Mart," which is true. If you forget something, you can always find a store close that will carry what you forgot. It might not be just the same as what you had, but learning to be flexible is another good lesson for children. Also, learning to live without or living with the consequences of your actions (forgetting something) is also a needed coping skill in adulthood.

So next time you are tempted to pack for the family - let them do it themselves. It provides great learning opportunities and takes some of the stress off of you.

Sample Packing Lists 

Child’s List	Number Needed	Check
Blanket and pillow
Pajamas
Underwear
Socks
Shoes
Play Outfit
Dress Outfit, socks, shoes
Swimsuit
Beach Towel
Coat
Sweater
Hat
Toys
Books
Toothbrush
Medicine
Comb

Teen’s List	Number Needed	Check
Bedding—Blankets and pillows
Pajamas
Underwear
Socks
Shoes
Casual Outfits
Dress(es), socks, shoes
Swimsuit
Beach Towel
Coat
Sweater
Jeans/Shorts
Hairbrush
Books/Music
Toothbrush
Sunglasses
Facial cleanser/medicine
Personal items-razor, deodorant
Jewelry
Feminine products
Other

Kids’s Joint List	Number Needed	Check
Vitamins
Medicine
Medicine cups/Syringe
Shampoos
Shampoo/Body Wash
Hairbrush/Hair bows, etc.
Bandaids
Nightlight
Benadryl cream or spray
Books
Cups/drinks
Videotapes
Cassette Tapes
Glowsticks
Dramamine
Wipes
Aloe Vera (after sunburn care)

Family List	Number Needed	Check
Beach: Boogie Boards & Sun Shade
Swim Noodles, Blanket, Chairs, Kites
Golf Clubs
Fishing Poles
Swim Bag/Water & Sand Toys
Coolers    Large     Small
Tripod/Selfie Stick
Games/Cards
Bible / Reading materials
Bug Spray
Paper Towels/Kleenex/Dish Soap
Plastic Bags/Ziplocs
Airline Tickets
Passports
Money/Credit cards
Stamps (for postcards)
Medicine/Tylenol/Rolaids/Anti-Diarrhea/
Sunscreen
Batteries/Charger
Air Pump
Cell phones
Other electronics
Crafts/Projects

Adult Female List	Number Needed	Check
Pillow
Pajamas/Robe
Slippers
Bras
Panties
Hose/Socks
Blouses/Tops
Sweaters/Sweatshirts
Jeans
Dresses
Swimsuit/Beach Towel
Coat/Sweater/Umbrella
Jewelry/Hair Accessories
Cosmetics
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Vitamins/Medicine
Personal Hygiene
Deodorant/Skin Care
Hairbrush
Curling Iron/Hairdryer
Razor
Shampoo/Conditioner
Sunglasses
Laptop, Extension cord

Adult Male List	Number Needed	Check
Pillow
Underwear
Dress Shirt
Suit/Dress Clothes
Tie
Dress Shoes/Socks
Belt
Jeans
Casual Shirt
Sneakers
Shorts
Sneakers
Swim Trunks/Beach Towel
Razor
Hairbrush
Hair dryer
Vitamins/Medicine
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Deodorant
Shampoo
Sunglasses
Other