Packing List
Packing List

Packing List

Our Family Packing List: What We Actually Bring on Every Trip

After more than 10 trips with our family of four—by plane and car, for weekends and week-long getaways—I’ve finally dialed in a family packing list that works most of the time. It’s been refined trip after trip after trip (usually after forgetting something important), and this version reflects what we’ve learned along the way.

Our Packing Philosophy

We aim for minimalism. That means:

  • Packing what we need, not everything we own
  • Using the washer/dryer at our destination when possible
  • Bringing only essentials for the flight or drive and restocking things like diapers once we arrive

Pre-Trip Checklist: Home + Dog

Before we even touch the suitcases, we:

  • Book a Rover sitter for our dog
  • Send our pre-written dog care instructions (a template I reuse each time)

Travel Essentials

  • IDs & travel docs
  • Phones & chargers
  • AirPods
  • Sunglasses
  • Medications — We always bring full, unopened bottles after a burst bottle ruined everything once. Meds now go into gallon Ziploc bags.
  • PB&J + fruit in an aluminum container for travel day
  • Diaper bag w/ night diaper, pull-up, 2 milk boxes, and snacks

What We Pack (Per Person)

Dad

Light, repeatable basics: 3 t-shirts, 3 shorts, 1 jeans, 1 hoodie, 1 swimsuit, shoes x2.

Mom

Vacation mode: 3 tops, 3 pants, dresses, pajamas, makeup, sandals, walking shoes (worn on travel day), flats. Work out clothes.

1-year-old

Daily clothes, sleep gear, sleep sack, swim diapers, and travel crib sheet. We forgot a Hatch once—ended up buying one on Facebook Marketplace during the trip!

4-year-old

Underwear, socks, PJs, swimwear, nightlight, toddler bed sheet. Light layers are key.

Toiletries

We all share one roll-up toiletry bag with the basics:

  • Toothbrushes + toothpaste
  • Hairbrush
  • Shampoo/Conditioner/Body wash
  • Deodorant, face wash, makeup
  • Sunscreen
  • Razor + shaving cream
  • Curling iron + hair ties

For the Kids

  • Diapers + pull-ups (just pack a few, buy the rest there)
  • Wipes, diaper cream
  • Hatch x2, egg lights x2, baby monitor
  • Baby nail clippers, toddler blanket, stuffies, books

Feeding Supplies

  • B.box sippy cups (truly leakproof!)
  • Bibs, changing pad
  • A couple glass mason jar cups with silicone sleeves
  • Snacks always prepped in the diaper bag

Entertainment

Travel = unlimited screen time (yep, that’s our rule)

  • iPads/tablets with chargers
  • Headphones
  • A few toys just in case

Baby Gear

  • Zoe Twin Stroller
  • Baby carrier
  • Portable crib or playpen
  • SlumberPod — essential for baby sleep on the go
  • Hiccapop toddler bed

Health & Safety

  • First aid kit, hand sanitizer
  • OrangeTheory band
  • Thermometer
  • Children’s meds (Tylenol/Ibuprofen—unopened)

Things We Buy After Arrival

We keep a small “to buy” list in our notes app:

  • Diapers, pull-ups, wipes
  • Whole + 1% milk
  • Yogurt, berries, granola
  • Dish soap + scrubber
  • Laundry detergent

Real Talk: Stuff We’ve Forgotten

Let this be a PSA:

  • Forgot our baby monitor once—we felt lost.
  • Forgot nightlights another time—we realized lots of nightlights are so bright.
  • Forgot the Hatch (bought one on Facebook Marketplace in a pinch).
  • Forgot to check a med bottle was sealed and it soaked the others 😭

Now, we have a rule:

Don’t check off anything until it’s in the suitcase.

Bonus Tip

If you’re traveling with kids, just assume:

  • You’ll need to do laundry
  • If you think you packed enough wipes in the diaper bag…pack more
  • You’ll need a gallon Ziploc for everything from snacks to medical supplies