I love LOVE packing for trips! I get excited to make lists and organize! There is some sort of McHale super packing gene that starts taking over a couple of weeks before the trip and it makes sure I have as much packed as I can as soon as possible!
About a month before:
* I start thinking about my list (we are creatures of habit so we travel to the same beach. This means that the list is permanently tattooed on my brain)
* Pay attention to those BOGO and 2 for $whatever deals on cereals, travel friendly snacks, and dry goods and set the extra aside in a special location in my pantry (our dinner is ALWAYS spaghetti because it's quick and easy)
* Check the status of our back up bathing suits (we always take 2 each because putting on a damp bathing suit is the worst! we alternate) then pack the back ups
About two weeks before:
* Check out the sunblock shampoo/soap situation and stock up
* Buy our new tooth brushes and throw them in the suitcase ( I time it so our current toothbrushes are ready to be tossed the morning we leave)
* Pick a color scheme for each kid and then as I do laundry start packing away some their clothes (I do a color scheme because they have TONS of shirts so they get packed first and then totally forgotten about. When it's time to pack shorts I can avoid fashion nightmares without having to go back and look through the shirts each time I pick a pair a shorts to pack)
* We don't really meal plan or freeze casseroles, but we do bring down the basics like oatmeal or pancake mix or my beloved quinao. I start pouring out however much we probably need (labeled with servings or directions) and add it to the pantry stash
* Buy cheese sticks and yogurt squeeze tubes and then raid the 4th of July parade candy for road trip snacks (it's called balance, people!)
* Closer to the end of this week, I start putting my clean laundry into the suitcase (as usual momma does not have nearly as many clothes)
About a week before:
* Pack up a bag with car snacks (non refrigerated kind) baby wipes, new stickers/paper/crayons, hand sanitizers, and gum
* Shop for fruit/veggie sales for trip food and the week
* Pack the rest of the clothes ( we only pack 4 outfits because we do laundry mid week) and look terrible in leftover wardrobe
* Gather make up and medicine in a travel bag, but keep out on the counter so you can still reach them if needed
* Give each kid a backpack to fill with must reach toys for trip
* Set aside a few kids cups/plates if needed and water bottles
A day or two before:
* Lay out clothes for the morning we leave
* Stock up on ice
* Put all the refrigerated things coming with you on a shelf next to each other so you don't have to think in the morning
* Put one set of suits/towels and sunblock in a pool bag (don't bury it when you pack the car! make it easy to reach for when you get there before your place is ready! the kids can swim while you wait!)
* A truly nuts vacation packer *raises hands* starts gathering everything by the door so nothing is forgotten
* Coolers cleaned out and put near the fridge
Night before:
* Charge up kindles and electronics in the evening so they can be put in purses or bags by the door and chargers packed
* Load up the car with AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE! even the suitcase because you don't need to wait to pack up toothbrushes and you have the small travel bag of make up/meds for any last minute things
* Set up coffee maker
* Bag up breakfast and pour milk in cups with lids (or get your kids some Snackeez cups! Love them!)
Morning of:
* Wake up and toss every one's pillows by the door and grab the little travel bag
* Gather fans if you are one of THOSE people who need it to sleep
* Grab cell phones and chargers (if you don't have a spare packed already)
* Load up the cold stuff and gather the kids
* Get in the car and eat some candy because you did it!!
This is not a 100% complete guide. Don't just rely on this and blame me if you are missing things. Our extended family divides and conquers so they handle certain things so I never have to think about them! Plus I'm writing this while that super gene is still in control and it's trying convince me to get up and pack something even if I don't need too!
P.S. These days are done for me but if you are traveling with a baby, skip the blow up kiddie pool. Pack all of your food in a medium size (low sided) storage bin. Then once the food is put away in your kitchen, use it on the beach. Clear bins make the perfect infinity pool ;)
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