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Spring break and summer road trips are on the horizon! As parents, we want to get from point A to B as efficiently and peacefully as possible. Here are my best organization tips, including a thorough, editable packing list for family vacations. The more you can declutter and organize beforehand, the higher chances of a smooth trip while away from home!
Day(s) Before:
The Car
- fill the gas tank on a separate outing BEFORE the road tip
- clear all clutter from the car
- vacuum car and spot clean as necessary
- pack extra plastic shopping bags in middle console or seat pockets of car
- replenish clean cloths, napkins, rags, hankies, vomit bags, etc. in middle console of car
Electronics & Entertainment
- charge tablets, headphones, phones, etc.
- download movies/shows, ebooks, or audiobooks
- prep activities and make a separate bag for each child that they can reach independently.
Food
- purchase car snacks
- prep car snacks for both there and back in separate pouches and store them under a seat. This way you don’t have to think about it right before hopping in the car, especially on the way home when food might be sparse.
- freeze ice packs
Pets
- prepare for any animal care needs
Day Of:
Food
- make lunches/dinner and place near front seat with ice pack
- water bottles filled
- perishables packed
- cooler filled
The House
- trash out
- lights off
- air off
- doors and windows locked
- animals prepped
Minimal Clutter Car Activities for Kids
- Doodle boards – our kids have used these since they were 1 on up to currently 6.5 years old.
- Magnatab – not going to lie, I have fun with this too.
- Sticker by letter or sticker by number – letter is best for 3-6ish, the number is smaller and more detailed.
- Triangle crayons + construction paper or coloring book
- IQ Puzzler Pro – is fun for adults too. Ages 6ish and up. But my 3-year-old is having fun with it too.
- Mini Etch A Sketch – all ages.
- Road trip bingo
- Small figurines
- No mess coloring pads
- Headphones for music, podcasts, audiobooks, or shows
- Clean snacks: cheese cubes, salami, crackers, cheerios/fruit loops, grapes, blueberries, pouches, bars, suckers, M&M’s, etc.
Additional Tips and Resources
- Clean out your car at every stop. Throw away trash. Tidy kids’ toys that have made it on the floor. Doing this every stop will feel less daunting. And an added bonus is feeling less stressed the next time you climb in!
- Consider what you might need in an emergency while on the road. Extra clothes easy to reach? A little potty? I never go anywhere without ours, even though we’ve only used it a handful of times!
- Road Trip Organization Tips with a 2 and 4 Year Old
- Techniques to help be more organized while away from home
- Minimal clutter car activities for kids
- Editable packing list for family vacation
For the Car
- Reusable trash bags
- Collapsible crates
- Clear zipper pouches
- Sunshades and/or sunglasses
- iPad headrest attachment
- Vomit bags
Easy Packing
- Toiletry bag
- Compression packing cubes
- Over-the-door organizers
- Dirty laundry bag for each person
On Location
- Store luggage in closets to minimize clutter in bedrooms
- Keep a dirty clothes bag for each person
