How I got my kids to love packing for trips
This packing trick came from a baby gift I received years ago—and I still use it on every trip. My kids are 9 and 12 now, far from babies, so that says a lot about how useful this item is!
What is this amazing item? A kid-sized duffle bag.
When my older daughter was born, she was gifted a small, child-sized duffle bag. That bag has been on every vacation, every sleepover, and every trip to the mountains since. It’s been an absolute game-changer for travel with kids.
Here’s why I love it:
✔️ Perfect for quick overnights or weekend trips.
✔️ Small enough for little ones to carry themselves.
✔️ Flexible—duffle bags squeeze into tight spaces in the car.
✔️ My favorite part? You can pack their duffle inside your larger suitcase. Once you arrive, your kids have all their stuff in their own bag.
You could use packing cubes instead, but I’ve found that having their own bag works better. It gives kids ownership over their stuff and their packing process.
To help your kids take charge of their own packing, I’ve created an easy-to-use Kids’ Packing List that you can use over and over again. Giving your kids the tools to pack for themselves when they’re little is a skill that will serve them for life.
We’ve used this system for years, and it works like a charm! Even though my kids are older now (9 and 12), they still ask for the list to help them stay organized and make sure they don’t forget anything.
A Simple Trick to Help Kids Pack
To supercharge the independence factor, I created a kids’ packing list that we use over and over again. It’s a simple checklist where you write the number of each item they need, and they get to choose their favorites.
Does this mean they might pick some crazy mismatched outfits? Maybe. But it also opens up a conversation about how to choose clothes that work together. (That said, as a mom of a middle schooler, I’ve accepted that “matching” is not a hill I’m willing to die on. You do you.)
How to Make Packing with Kids Easy
1️⃣ Start with a clean surface—a made bed or clear floor works great.
2️⃣ Write in the number of items they need based on the trip length.
3️⃣ Have your child pick out the items and lay them out in piles.
4️⃣ Use a kid-sized bag to keep everything together.
5️⃣ Go through the list together—double-check their choices and guide them if needed:
- “Looks like you only have three socks, but the list says five. Can you grab two more?”
- “I love this outfit! But we might need something nicer for dinner with Grandma. What about your purple dress?”
Pro Tips for Success
✅ Clothes only? You may want to use the kid’s duffle for clothing while keeping outerwear and shoes separate.
✅ Use smaller bags—A little stuff sack or zip pouch for socks and underwear makes it even easier.
Packing for Multi-Destination Trips
If you’re heading somewhere with different climates—like a mix of outdoor adventures and city sightseeing—try separating outfits into smaller bags within the duffle. That way, clothes for later in the trip stay clean (and off-limits until you need them).
Bonus: If your child is too young to pack independently, this list is a lifesaver when asking a grandparent or babysitter to help pack!
We’ve been using this system for years, and even now, my 9- and 12-year-olds still ask for their packing lists to keep themselves organized. It’s a simple trick, but it makes a big difference—and gives kids a skill they’ll use for life.
Want your own copy of the list in a FREE PDF Download? 👇