If you’re about to take a family trip, packing light might seem impossible.
However, with the right strategy, it is possible to pack efficiently, whether you’re road tripping or taking your kids on their first international flight.
Plus, there are financial benefits too. A recent survey from Upgraded Points showed 19% of Americans have paid extra fees due to overweight luggage. The last thing you want when traveling is having to pay more at the airport because you’ve overpacked.
The key is to plan ahead, share items, and book accommodations that make your trip more convenient for your family.
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Create a Packing List for Each Family Member
A few weeks before your trip, create a packing checklist for each family member.
To keep the task from being too overwhelming, ask your spouse or partner to help. If you have teenagers, empower them to create their own packing lists of essentials. Younger children might need your help, but you can still involve them in the process.
Focus on outfits you can mix and match to reduce the amount of clothing you have to bring. For example, you can wear jeans with multiple tops or bring clothes with similar color palettes so you can mix and match easily.
Adults' essentials
Although these will vary depending on the length of your trip, adults will typically need tops for each day of the trip, two to three bottoms, and a layering item that works with multiple outfits, like a jean jacket.
You’ll also need clothes to sleep in and a swimsuit, if you have swimming on your vacation agenda.
Shoes take up significant space in your suitcase, so try to find options that work for multiple scenarios. For example, a set of nice sandals can work for a dinner out or a pool day.
Must-haves for children
Children can follow the same packing list as parents with an extra outfit and extra pajamas just in case.
Of course, if your child has a favorite stuffed animal or book, make space for them either in one main suitcase or your child’s individual carry-on.
Pack shoes that your child already loves and wears. New shoes on a trip might lead to blisters.
Toddler and baby necessities
Babies and toddlers need more items than other family members, but luckily their clothes are smaller.
Keep things simple when packing for little ones. Onesies, shorts sets, and a layering piece for chilly days can go a long way.
Pack essential items like diapers and wipes as well as formula or breastfeeding supplies you’ll need.
RELATED: How To Pack Smart for Family Travel
Share Any Items You Can
Share as many items as you can with your family members — even your luggage.
For example, you can share one checked bag and then have each family member bring a small backpack or carry-on with packing cubes.
For shorter trips, and even some longer ones, each family member doesn’t need their own individual checked bag. If you have small children, having multiple checked bags can get cumbersome if you're also trying to wrangle kids and car seats.
If you are checking a bag, you can bring a full-size toothpaste and shampoo bottles for all of your family members to share.
For all your tech, you can purchase a multiport USB hub so you can charge several different devices at once.
RELATED: Must-Have Travel Gear for Stress-Free Family Adventures
Check for Laundry Options
If you’re going away for a longer trip, consider a vacation rental with a washer and dryer instead of a hotel. Having a laundry facility on site can help you pack lighter.
Some hotels offer laundry services as well, but it tends to be pricey.
Even if you don’t have a washer and dryer available to you, bring packable detergent. You can purchase laundry detergent that looks like a dryer sheet, which doesn’t take up any room in your luggage. You can use these to wash an outfit in the sink and hang it to dry.
Book Accommodations that Cater to Kids
According to the American Express 2025 Global Travel Trends Report, 81% of respondents said they prefer to travel to places that have activities for families that cater to all ages. And when you don’t have to pack tons of toys or games to occupy your kids, it makes it easier to pack lighter.
Search online for accommodations that have kids’ activities on hand, whether that’s a hotel with a stocked game room or a vacation rental with a pool.
Also, when traveling with kids, especially young ones, you tend to need a lot of gear, like high chairs, booster seats, and bassinets. Many hotels and vacation rentals cater to families and supply these items.
Check ahead of time what’s on hand before you pack it.
Buy or Rent In-Destination
Don’t forget that you can often rent or purchase items while you’re at your destination.
Use tools like DoorDash or Instacart to deliver items like snacks or diapers to your hotel or rental. This is helpful because you only need to pack enough supplies to last you through your first day or two and then you can order supplies when you arrive.
Some car rental companies include car seats with the rental for an extra fee. Or you may be able to rent strollers at a theme park.
Remember, you’re on vacation. It’s okay to order or rent supplies if it makes packing easier.
RELATED: Family Travel Tips for Planning Safe Ground Transportation
Be Tech-Savvy
There’s no need to add to your luggage by printing out itineraries or plane tickets.
Download travel apps, keep tickets in your digital wallets, and read books on an iPad or Kindle instead of lugging along hard copies.
FAQs About Packing Light for Family Travel
What’s the best way to pack light for a two-week family trip?
Plan to do laundry, whether at your hotel or vacation rental or by washing clothing in the sink. Pack capsule outfits that coordinate and share toiletries and chargers with your family where possible.
How do I minimize kids’ clothing without running out of outfits?
Bring clothing in quick-dry fabrics so you can wash when needed and hang to try.
Pack a Tide pen in your purse in case you want to quickly clean a stain and reuse clothing the next day.
Bring clothes that your child can wear more than once, like a sweatshirt or jean shorts, depending on the weather.
Should I bring full-size toiletries or buy them at my destination?
Only bring full-size toiletries if you plan to check a bag and share them with your family. Otherwise, you can use toiletries at your destination.
TL;DR: How To Pack Light for Family Trips
Packing light for family travel is about strategy, not sacrifice. Choose versatile clothing, buy or rent in-destination where possible, share supplies, and look for family-friendly accommodations with lots of activities, so you don’t need to bring toys to occupy the little ones.
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