Mommas Guide to Packing for your trip! - Welcome to Adventure & Repeat

Whether you are camping in a tent or a camper or even a hotel, packing is probably every moms least favorite activity. I feel like packing with kids is not only a struggle but something I dread each and every time we go. You are going to constantly have to question yourself and rewrite lists over and over again depending on age and needs of kids. Not only are you responsible for the day to day need items, you also have to plan for clothes. We recently took a week long vacation and after 3 years I feel like I have finally gotten into a groove.

Step 1

Always start early! We have a camper luckily, which allows me to put the staple things in there as we typically plug our camper in to run the fridge a few days before. The staple things I will go ahead and put in there early is usually chips, snacks, refrigerator items ( that I know I wont be using), kids clothes, and some of my clothing items, toys that we plan on bringing , we have extra blankets and the pack n play, pots and pans that stay in the camper all summer as well. The more items that can stay in there the less items you ultimately have to pack! I do have the items that stay in the camper on the top of my list that I have on a google document on my phone that way I dont have to second guess myself about what is out there, this makes the packing much easier.

Step 2

Always make a list! Part of my issue is that a lot of the items I plan on bringing are things that we use every day and need to leave in the house until right before we leave. So if I have a list I can slowly cross the items out that I pack into the camper as I no longer need them in the house. Everyones list is going to be a little bit different, but always making sure you pack for both cold and hot weather depending on the time of year is important. Some staple items may include

Clothes
Snacks
write down each meal your making and make sure to pack all the ingredients
Games for yourself or kids ( our favorite to play while the kids are napping is Catan)
Matches/ lighter
Table coverings
Pillows/Blankets
Pots/Pans
utensils for cooking and Eating
pot holder
chargers
Towels
Medicine/ First Aide Kit
Pack n Plays when necessary

I am hoping this list gets you started but as you start your list, just go through your typical day to day activities and that should give you an idea of what you will need.

Step 3

Be strategic! Make sure to strategically fold your kids clothes to make your life easier while on camping! Ultimately you want to relax on vacation as well , so do the work ahead of time. below are the pictures on how I pack my kids clothes into bins to store in the camper for easy access. Making sure to follow the slides before makes for compact and easy packing. If your kids are out of diapers and need underwear, make sure to include those in every outfit rollup.

Step 4

Be Organized! Making sure you have everything in designated bins is going to be a life saver. When we used to do more tent camping we would use a 3 drawer storage container to separate everything. It was always, plates, silverware, spices in the top drawer. Personal/Hygiene items in the middle drawer. Snacks in the bottom drawer ( that way the smores are easy access!).

Step 5

Double check your list, make sure you have everything by going through your list after you feel all is packed, and think through your day to day life to make sure you have what you need. The first time I went camping I completely forgot all meds because my kids didn’t need it at the time, I always make sure I bring the following medication in a tote for the kids.