I love going to Branson for vacation several times a year! In fact, we just got back from our Christmas trip there just a week ago and we loved it! I am already creating my Spring Break packing list since it is just a few months away!
I am all about packing light! Here is how to have an ton of outfits with just 8 mix and match main pieces!!
LIKE WHAT YOU SEE??? SUBSCRIBE, SHARE, LINK BACK TO ME!!!
I love lists! They help me remember what all to pack when going on a trip and make sure that we don’t leave anything behind when we are coming home. Traveling with kids and a baby can be a difficult task if you go into it unprepared. It can also take up a lot of precious room in your vehicle if you over pack, but then what if you under pack and leave important stuff at home?? Don’t worry! After many trips to the nearest Walmart to get stuff that we left behind and also many trips where we had bags laying on our laps because we packed stuff we really didn’t need, I have figured out some awesome tips for packing light but still bringing everything you need!
First things first, we are going to talk about why we under pack. We think that traveling light means we will need to do without certain items or we think, “I can just pick that up at the local store”. Well, you are kind of right in thinking that about some items, but think about it this way:
Now onto why we overpack. We think about the what ifs. “What if Jimmy gets loses one of his toys, should I bring extra?” “What if he spills something on every single outfit we brought?” “What if we get invited to a prestigious country club ball and I don’t have a ballgown?”. In the event something like that happens, then you can go shopping, but don’t bring a long that tuxedo just in case. It is taking up room that you can use for other things.
Ok, so we have discussed why we under pack and over pack and the problems that go with each. Now we need to talk about the perfect amount to pack!
Essentials
Health/Medical
Toiletries
Adult Clothes- (one outfit per day and then an extra shirt)
Kids Clothes- (one outfit per day and then 1 extra)
Baby Clothes (2 outfits per day and then 1 extra)
Baby Bag
Kids Bag
Misc Stuff
THE RULES OF PACKING
Happy Travels everyone and I hope you found this post as helpful as I have over the years!
Do you like what you read?? Like it, comment, share it with your friends, and SUBSCRIBE!!
So, I am a dance teacher and my dancers will be going to many competitions and performances that are out of town. Plus, spring break is right around the corner. I always find myself packing half of my closet with me and not even being able to carry my own suitcase. It suddenly clicked, why not pack light and still bring everything I need? How is this possible you ask? Here are some great tips for packing light and looking cute while going out of town.
1. Mix and match. I always bring mix and match items for me and my daughter. If something gets spilled on her skirt, I don’t have to change her whole outfit. Just her bottoms or vice versa. I love to shop at The Children’s Place because they have such cute mix and match items and at a great price too! For adults, mix and match is a little different. I bring pieces that can be layered over, under, and worn different ways. My list includes:
Check out my post about versatility.
2. Remember to pack light. It is hard not to pack every little thing you own to go on a trip. I stick to the basics and versatile pieces. You don’t need to pack a formal dress just in case you get invited to a mansion party. If that happens, why not go shopping for a dress instead of lugging one around that you don’t know if you will wear. Also pack lighter fabrics. They can easily be rolled up. I also limit myself to 2 pair of shoes per day that we will be gone, but no more than 5 pair. I always pack a pair of flip flops or sandals, a pair of heels, a pair of flats, and a pair of tennis shoes. These same rules apply when packing for our children too!
3. Pack in the smallest suitcase you can. The less room you have to “fill up” the less you will pack. I only pack 1 outfit per day that we will be gone and maybe 2 extra outfits just in case.
4. Know your destination and your activities. You won’t need that winter parka if you are going to the beach in the summer. You may want to pack 1 light hoodie or sweater to wear in the evenings. If you are going horseback riding, make sure you have pants instead of a skirt or dress and closed toed shoes. Make sure you check the weather a few days before you go!
5. Pack SMARTER not HARDER. Pack everything you need into one teeny tiny little bag by rolling items as small as you can get them. Put your shoes in the bottom and put socks and underwear inside your shoes. Put bulkier items towards the bottom and lighter items at the top!
6. Travel Size. Always buy travel size or buy the empty travel bottles. Never ever pack full size shampoos or body soaps. You won’t use nearly that much, so why take it? It is a waste of space.
Ok, so there are a few tips! Now, here is my general vacation packing list. This is what I go by and I stick to it. This is my list for a 2 night 3 day trip. Double this list for every 3 days you will be gone.
That is my list. Anything else can be bought when we get there. I also have the whole family share shampoo, conditioner, soap, face wash, and sunscreen. That saves on a lot of room!
Chic Southern Mommy 