Packing Light With Kids: What’s Worth Bringing (And What Isn’t)
Because the real overpacking culprit isn’t what you think…
First: What Is Overpacking for a Family?
Overpacking doesn’t just mean “too much stuff.” It means:
Stuff you don’t actually use
Stuff that stresses you out trying to keep track of
Stuff that takes up space without adding value to your trip
We’re prepping to travel through South America with our two kids. That means every item has to earn its spot — and if it adds stress instead of solving a problem? It’s not coming.
Here’s how we’re deciding what’s worth bringing (and what definitely isn’t).
Our Rule for Packing Light as a Family
If it’s not:
✅ Used weekly
✅ Easy to replace
✅ Part of a daily routine
…it stays home.
And that rule applies to our gear just as much as the kids’. Even if Tania still mourns her full-size blender.
How We’re Packing Light for a Long Trip With Kids
1. Clothes: Capsules Over "Options"
No one needs 9 shirts and 12 “maybe” outfits.
Each person (yes, even the kids) gets:
4–5 tops
2–3 bottoms
1 hoodie or jacket
1 pair PJs
1 swimsuit
2 pairs of shoes (closed + sandals)
Tip: Neutral colors and quick-dry fabrics equals winning combo
Laundry will be part of life, embrace it.
2. Toys & Comfort Items: Quality Over Quantity
We gave the kids a rule:
“Bring what brings comfort, not clutter.”
Each gets:
1 comfort item (a plushy, a small blanket, etc.)
2 small toys (they picked LEGO and drawing pads)
1 shared travel game
We’re also bringing:
Wikki Stix (lifesavers on flights)
Uno + travel board games
Downloadable kid-friendly apps & audiobooks
Tip: We use a Kindle Fire Pro loaded with offline content. It’s our emergency entertainment kit.
3. How to Keep Kids Busy on Flights (Without Overpacking)
Here’s what worked for us on test trips:
Surprise activity kits (snacks, coloring, stickers)
One new storybook
Snacks they don’t usually get = distraction magic
Downloaded playlists or audiobooks
A tablet… and backup headphones because someone will lose theirs
Pack it all in a small travel backpack they carry themselves….because ownership helps motivation.
Why Traveling Light with Kids Is Worth It
We’ve done the “pack for every possible situation” thing before.
What we’ve learned:
Kids adapt better than we think.
Less stuff = fewer meltdowns about missing things.
You stress less when you’re not guarding 17 unnecessary items.
It’s not just about the bags. It’s about giving ourselves space in our luggage and in our minds, to focus on the experience.
Gear That’s Worth It (Because We Tested It)
Packing Cubes: Still obsessed. These compression cubes – are helping us stay sane and organized by color-coding each kid.
Kids’ Headphones: These volume-limiting headphones –survived 3 long car rides and one juice spill.
🧸 SlumberPod or blackout shade tent: If your kid can’t sleep without total darkness (ours couldn’t when younger), this might save your nights. Check it out here.
Want the Free Kids Packing Checklist?
We made this cheat sheet to help us cut the “just in case” clutter — and actually pack what our kids used.
Includes:
Kid gear
Clothing and toiletries
Tech and travel comfort
Our “comfort vs. chaos” filter to avoid overpacking
Get it sent to your inbox — just drop your email below and we’ll send you the printable version we actually use.
Final Thought: Light Doesn’t Mean Lacking
Travelling light doesn’t mean going without.
It means choosing what matters most and letting the rest go.
So we’re packing light not just to save space, but to make room for:
Spontaneity
Tantrum recovery snacks
Unexpected adventures
Actual memories, not just luggage
