Traveling with a Toddler: Packing Tips

J has been quite the traveler over his lifetime.  Not only did he move 4 states away at 3 months old, he’s traveled to 7 different states within his first year.  We’ve taken 3 (or 6 if you count there and back) plane rides, and several long distance (over 7 hours) road trips. 

We are leaving again on Sunday for a two day road trip to Texas.  J and I will be staying in Texas until after Christmas when we make the drive back.  Talk about a packing nightmare!  Not only am I packing for myself for an entire month, but my toddler too!

We did this when he was 7 months old, so I already have some ideas on how to make it easier on me…and I’m going to share them with you!  I know….you’re thrilled!

Make lists! We make lots and lots of lists…on on Excel…and placed them inside sheet protectors.  I added rings to keep them all together.  My family makes fun of me for using so many spreadsheets, but I’m telling you…it works!
My lists are: J’s things, Amanda’s things, Toys and Books, Things we need in the car, Food to take, Amanda’s list of things to do before we leave, My husband’s list of things to do, Sunday Morning To Do.  (My husband has his own packing list because he travels all the time)

We used sheet protectors so that we can check things off with a dry erase marker and wipe it clean to use again for the trip home.  That way we don’t forget anything when we repack next month.

Here’s a piece of random information…always use check marks instead of marking through things on your list.  Your eyes see missing checks easier than lines through writing.  It’s easier to see at a glace if you’re missing something.

Packing Cubes!  I am so happy that we found these things…I can’t even tell you!  They are  large zippered pouches for clothes.  I can pack my things in a separate cube from Jackson’s and put it all in one suitcase.  This way I can easily find things I need without taking everything out of the bag.  Plus, they compactly hold so much in each cube that you can fit a ton more stuff. 

If you don’t like the cubes, buy vacuum sealable bags.  I don’t use these because I always seem to get a hole in them and then I don’t have space for everything on the way back home.  Also, if you stay in a hotel you don’t have access to a vacuum.   Plus, the packing cubes are 100% reusable and at a pretty good price!  No, I was not paid by ebags.
Get them here.

I hope these few suggestions help for your holiday traveling.
I’ll post all about how to keep a baby/toddler happy while traveling…or at least attempt to keep them happy!