The Ultimate Family Packing List (+ Free Printable!)
This family packing list will help you stay organized, pack smarter, and reduce stress!
Packing is my bread and butter! I love packing but I know I am part of a very small group of people who don’t love it like I do, so let me help you! Packing for a family trip can feel overwhelming—there’s so much to remember! From diapers and travel strollers to snacks and entertainment for kids, it can be easy to forget something important.
But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! This family packing list is something we have used in over 50 trips as a family and that I am constantly adjusting and perfecting. It is designed to help you stay organized, pack smarter, and reduce stress. As a bonus, you can download the free printable list at the end of this post for easy reference on your next trip! Just tweak it to your specific family and you are going to be set to go!
This blog post is all about our family packing list!
Must-Have Essentials for Parents
Before we start on our packing for the kids, let’s talk about the parents! In addition to all of the clothes and toiletries that parents pack, let’s not forget about the essentials every parent needs to keep things running smoothly on a trip.
Travel Documents & Essentials
Carry-On Essentials for Family Travel
Pro Tip
Keep all important documents in a waterproof travel organizer to stay prepared for any situation.
Kids’ Packing List: What to Bring for Stress-Free Travel
Packing for kids can be tricky—you don’t want to overpack, but you also can’t risk forgetting their essentials. I’m going to give you an overview of what to pack for kids, but if you want a more detailed packing list, I’ve got blog posts all about our toddler packing list and our toddler cruise packing list that you can look at!
Here are our recommendations for what to include in your kids’ packing lists for smooth family vacations:
Clothing & Accessories for Kids
Entertainment & Comfort Items
Pro Tip
Pack one extra outfit in your carry-on in case of spills or accidents!
Our Favorites
Must-Have Tech & Gadgets for Hassle-Free Travel
As much as I love to think that I can travel without the help of screens, sometimes it can be a lifesaver! We usually bring our iPads or Kindles when traveling as a family and we have an extra tablet that our son uses during trips. It definitely comes in clutch when things do not go as expected, like delayed flights or missed trains.
Here are must-have tech gadgets that we always add to our family travel packing list to keep parents and kids happy:
Need travel essentials? Shop my curated Amazon Travel Storefront here!
Essential Travel Tech for Families
Pro Tip
Keep all tech accessories organized in a travel tech pouch to avoid tangled cords and lost chargers.
Packing Organization Tips: How to Save Space & Stay Organized
You’ve made it to then end! That is a lot of stuff to add to your family packing list, isn’t it? It does seem like a lot, when written out like that. Just remember that packing is just part of the trip. The actual family travel is so worth it. And the more you do this, the easier it will get.
One of the things that we have found that makes packing for a family is organization! I am super organized when it comes to packing and my husband has started having me pack his suitcase too because of how much I can fit in such a small space. Let me share my tips! If you want to learn even more, I have a blog post all about packing light and like a minimalist that can help.
Here’s how to maximize space and keep things neat while avoiding overpacking:
Smart Packing Hacks for Families
Pro Tip
Assign each child their own small backpack with their travel essentials so they feel involved and independent!
Get Your Free Printable Family Packing List!
I’m so exctied for your next family trip! I know it can feel like a lot so to make packing even easier, I’ve put together a FREE printable family packing list that you can download and use for every trip!
Download the free printable list here!
I’ve left some spots blank for you to add to. Feel free to use this as a starting point for your family travels and adjust it for your needs as you go. Not every family is the same and not every trip is the same but having a good starting point can be huge.
Need travel essentials? Shop my curated Amazon Travel Storefront here!
Packing for a family trip doesn’t have to be stressful—with the right plan (and checklist!), you’ll have everything you need for a fun, worry-free adventure.
Happy travels!
