Out

Packing & Unpacking (Travel)

Definition

You’re not alone if packing for a trip with kids leaves you questioning if it’s worth going on the trip at all. It feels like moving the army, only your troops may be too young to pack and carry their own gear. Rookie mistake if just before takeoff you discover the iPad battery is at 1 percent.

Conception

Items are needed for travel

Planning

• Creating a packing list, including “morning of” travel packing list (e.g., snacks, fully charged electronics, headphones, sleep accessories)
• Packing list considerations: weather forecast and laundry opportunities
• Determining suitcase needs and purchase when necessary (sharing/individual)
• Downloading, reading, and managing sleepaway camp packing list (if applicable)

Execution

• Purchasing items needed
• Actual packing
• Updating addresses on luggage tags
• Charging all electronics before flying
• Getting children involved in packing carry-on items, special items/loveys, medicine
• For sleepaway camp and extended travel: ordering labels/Sharpie and labeling clothing with children’s names
• Printing or downloading tickets; making sure everyone who needs an ID has one
• Filling car with gas if a road trip

Minimum Standard of Care

Sure a forgotten item is common but is everything in the bags that you need or are you stuck purchasing items in a pinch on the road?