It’s Topic Tuesday and I’m really enjoying this! If you’re not sure what that is, check out the details here….

Today’s topic is from Joanie and it will be “How to pack SOMEWHAT light for Vacation”?!

I’m just forewarning you….this is NOT my best topic and I WILL be taking advice from all of you! I am a definite over-packer and always have WAY too much! I pack too much clothes, too many jackets, a blow dryer even though hotels have them. Diapers that will last a whole month because I don’t ever want to have to buy expensive diapers on vacation. And then, I still end up forgetting something. 😐

I also need your advice on this topic but I will tell you a couple things I’ve learned…

1 – Make a list! Or at least print one online of all the items you need. I like to sit down and figure out how many socks, shorts, shirts, pajamas the kiddos really need. This tremendously cuts down on items. I like the list here.

2- Let this kids have their own backpack with toys, cups, snack containers, etc. This helps because it seems like those take a lot of room and the kids can carry these themselves so you have less to worry about. They won’t want to carry around their clothing but their toys are a whole ‘nother story!

3- I got this idea from Small Notebook. Pack each one of your child’s complete outfits in a ziplock bag and label it by the day they will wear it. Pack one extra as a spare. This is a great idea because it not only keeps you from over-packing, but the suitcase will also stay very organized! – LOVE it and will try it next time.

4- Well, that’s about it….I told you, I am NOT good at this. In fact, when I went on vacation awhile back I had to find a Walmart to buy an extra suitcase to take home some more clothes I bought. 🙄 I should have packed less knowing I was going to need room for my “shopping items”….hey, that could be another tip!

5- Just thought of one more thing…think about it this way, the more bags you have the more likely you are going to have to pay a baggage fee at airlines. Not a good thing for us people who like to save some moola!

Wouldn’t it be nice to have your packing/luggage for a family of 4 look like this?! HA! Add a few more bags, purses, tote, another bag and you’d see how mine would look!

Now it’s YOUR turn….what are your tips on packing for a vacation?!