We’ve been counting down the days til the out-of-office goes on and the long-awaited, much needed summer holiday starts. But there’s one last hurdle to jump – packing. You may be a super organised parent who started weeks in advance, but for most people it ends up being done pretty last minute. Now that you are packing for several folks, it all takes significantly longer to finish. Here are some top tips we found very helpful!
1. Wardrobe Audit
Auditing is something the accountant does, but there’s nothing worse than realizing your kid has outgrown their swimming trunks 3 hours before you fly. Start this a fortnight before so you have time to stock up on items that no longer fit.
2. Worth Its Weight
Find out if there will be a washing machine or laundry service in advance. No need to pack outfits for every day of your trip if you can do a wash while you are there. If you are planning on doing lots of shopping like friends of mine off to America’s west coast, factor this in as well. Save space and weight or that cheap budget flight will start costing first class figures.
3. Put Your Plastics to Use
You carry your groceries and order food deliveries bag free, yet somehow there’s still a million plastic bags clogging up your kitchen. Put them to use now. Separate each child’s clothing into their own bags, and even sub-separate specific items. Unpacking when you’re at your destination will be much quicker – child 1 t-shirts lifted straight from the bag, to the shelf without having to pick out the other kid’s socks and trunks in the process. It also protects clothes against exploding lotion chaos.
4. First Aid at the Ready
While an ill-free holiday is what we’re all praying for camping in the rain, food in a foreign land or extreme temperatures mean it helps to have a mini-first aid kit. Picnics in the countryside with no one for miles are idyllic until you need some calpol. Pack the basics that keep mild illnesses at bay – plasters, antiseptic spray, painkiller for kids such as calpol, bite-cream, dressings, antihistamines, rehydration solution, scissors tweezers and safety pins – although not if you are travelling with carry on only (show me a parent who can do that and I will be super impressed).
5. PJ Library Books
Easy to pack, can be re-read a million times and comforting for kids to have something familiar in a new place. We love Good night, laila tov for camping holidays and Bagels from Benny to remind them about the importance of looking after others who are not as fortunate as you.
Good night, laila-tov
Bagels from Benny
6. Pens at the Ready
A small notebook and some pencils and pens is a great way for children to practice their writing, remember their holiday and keep them occupied. Cheap to buy and something that takes up minimal space.
August 18, 2016