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5 Steps to Teach Your Kids How to Pack

When we’re heading out for a vacation I typically pack the night before we leave. Sometimes even the day of if we’re leaving in the evening! One of the best tips I can share is to teach your kids how to pack. Honestly, it saves me tons of time and helps make sure the kids have the clothes they want during the trip. My kids learned how to pack very early on (my husband compliments me on how I have taught them). There are a few tricks and tips I want to share with you, so you too can speed up your family packing.

5 Steps to Teach Your Kids How to Pack a Suitcase Free Printable Packing Lists StuffedSuitcase.com #family #travel #packingHere are 5 steps to teach your kids how to pack:

Set out the suitcase your kid(s) will use. This is a great visual so they can see they can’t bring their entire stuffed animal collection. The tip here is DON’T let them actually pack the suitcase. They’re going to gather the items and you’ll pack them in the suitcase. This gives you the final view of what they’re bringing. I’ve had to use my best manipulative mom techniques over the years to “recommend” some removals and/or additions. Choose your battles wisely.

5 Steps to Teach Your Kids How to Pack a Suitcase Free Printable Packing Lists StuffedSuitcase.com #family #travel #packing
Prepare a packing list for your kids. My “list” has varied during the years. Sometimes it’s all been handwritten on one sheet of paper. Other times it’s been individual slips of paper. I even tried a white board once. The idea is to get your kids to pick an outfit for each day of the vacation. I’m including some free printable kids packing lists to help you with this part. Hopefully one of these styles will work for you or inspire you in your own list making.

5 Steps to Teach Your Kids How to Pack a Suitcase Free Printable Packing Lists StuffedSuitcase.com #family #travel #packing
Have your kids set out each “day outfit” and extras on the floor/bed. This is the time that helps you. While they’re working on getting their clothes gathered, you can work on your own suitcase.

5 Steps to Teach Your Kids How to Pack a Suitcase Free Printable Packing Lists StuffedSuitcase.com #family #travel #packingReview and Pack their selections. Did they choose each outfit wisely based on the activity for the day? Did they remember underwear & socks? Now, using whatever packing method you like (I’m a roller!) you can pack their suitcase quickly.

Congratulate your kid and thank them for their work. This gives them ownership of the task (they won’t complain about any of the outfit choices because they picked them) and helps make them a part of the pre-trip preparation.5 Steps to Teach Your Kids How to Pack a Suitcase Free Printable Packing Lists StuffedSuitcase.com #family #travel #packing

Free Kids Packing List Printables:How to teach kids to pack

Kids Packing Lists 3 page (pdf)
Kids Day Packing List 1/2 Page (pdf)
Picture (Non-Reader) Kids Packing Lists

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Esther - Little Explorer Adventures

Thursday 10th of May 2018

This is fantastic. Didn't really think my son was old enough for such a task but after reading this it's got me thinking that actually now would be a great time to teach him to do this and we have a holiday in a couple of weeks so I'm going to try it out.

Kimberly

Thursday 10th of May 2018

Good luck! The trick is to give them a little more authority and choices for each trip. Definitely start off with just having him choose his outfits and set them out for you to pack away. My girls have been packing their own suitcases now for years and rarely forget anything! HA!

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Krystal

Friday 20th of January 2017

Such an amazing idea! This is a great idea for adult too as over packing is so common!

I'm actually going to do this for my next trip as I'm aiming to pack light!

Kimberly

Friday 20th of January 2017

Awesome Krystal! Thanks for commenting, and best of luck on packing light! I think I need to make some of these for adults as you aren't the first to say they'd benefit you. :)