Family Packing List: What the Kids Really Need

On a family vacation, what the smallest passengers need usually goes into the trunk before what the adults pack for themselves. Anyone who has stood in a traffic jam without a spare diaper or left the favorite cuddly toy at home knows how quickly a small thing turns into full-blown drama.

Kids, clothing, toiletries, first aid and entertainment form the frame of this list. In the app you also state how many adults, children and babies are coming along.

The list below helps with a first overview. In the app, suitable quantities are calculated from your travel group and the duration. The first list is free and needs no Packliste account.

Pack by age instead of by a family standard

A family packing list only becomes useful once it suits the children. A baby needs different things from a school-age child, and even children of the same age have routines of their own. So check sleeping, eating, care and getting around first: do you need a travel crib, bottles, diapers, a stroller or a carrier? Which of those does the lodging provide? A short message before you leave often saves the bulkiest luggage.

For older children, things to do, headphones, their own water bottle and clothing for planned activities become more important. As far as it fits, let them pick out their own things and check them off later. That makes visible what is really packed, instead of only knowing what was on the list.

Within reach on the way, not at the bottom of the suitcase

Split the luggage into travel and stay. The bag you can reach holds documents, drinks, snacks, wet wipes, one set of spare clothes and the things needed during the drive or the flight. A sun hat or a rain jacket helps little there if it is in checked luggage. For small mishaps a compact selection is usually enough; the larger supply can stay in the main luggage.

With personal medications, aids and special food, reliability is what counts. Check the supply, the storage and the notes from the manufacturer or the treating practice in good time. A general list cannot replace those individual requirements, but it can make sure the personal entry does not disappear among the standard ones.

Match quantities to the duration and the laundry options

More people does not automatically mean the same multiplication for everything. Underwear, socks and towels can be counted per person. Shampoo, chargers, games or sunscreen are often used together. On longer trips, a washing machine decides whether many spare sets are needed or a few are enough.

Packliste calculates sensible quantities where people and trip length play a part. Shared things stay shared things. After that you match the list to your family, add favorite items and share it with a second person who is packing if you want.