Packing Rules That Actually Work for Families (And Which Ones We Ignore)
Because trying to follow the internet’s perfect packing lists with two kids is… not realistic.
Why Packing “Rules” Don’t Always Work for Families
If you’ve ever tried to fit your entire life into a couple of backpacks with kids, you’ve probably stumbled across packing systems like the 5-4-3-2-1 rule or the “golden rule” of packing light.
And then you laughed… or cried.
We tried them all while prepping for numerous trips and now so planning for a year of travel through South Americaand here’s what actually worked for our family of four (and what totally didn’t).
What Is the 5-4-3-2-1 Packing Method?
This one’s all over Pinterest. It’s meant to simplify travel clothing:
5 tops
4 bottoms
3 accessories
2 shoes
1 swimsuit
Great in theory. In practice? Kids don’t wear outfits. They wear combinations of mystery stains and superhero pajamas.
Our adapted version looked more like:
5 tops (that can survive snack attacks)
3 bottoms (including one pair of joggers for every occasion)
2 shoes max (one closed, one sandals)
1 “just in case” hoodie
0 accessories unless you count headlamps
The “Golden Rule” of Packing: Pack Light But Make It Work for You
You’ve probably heard: “Don’t pack ‘just in case’ items.”
Our version?
If it’s not worn twice or it doesn’t earn its space, it’s out.
That means:
No “maybe I’ll exercise” shoes.
No packing seven bedtime books when the kids are obsessed with two.
No sacrificing a solid raincoat for an extra dress shirt you’ll never wear.
What Should You Pack First in a Suitcase?
We learned this fast: pack backwards.
Start with:
Essentials – passports, chargers, meds.
Shoes – heavy, bulky, awkward.
Kids’ comfort items – so you don’t forget them in the panic.
Base layers and pajamas – because tired kids don’t wait.
Then fill in the rest. And leave space for “surprise” stuffies that sneak in when you’re not looking.
The Rule of Three (Shoes) and What We Actually Did
The 3-shoe rule says:
1 casual
1 active
1 nicer/dress
We packed 2 per person:
1 that can hike, run, chase kids, etc.
1 sandals (closed toe for kids)
The “nicer shoes” didn’t make the cut. We’ll be too busy chasing buses and beach days for anything polished.
We’ve rounded up all the packing essentials we use as a family — from cubes to carriers to chaos-control tools.
Browse our top picks here → Amazon storefront
The Packing Tools That Actually Helped
Here’s where the rules met reality and what saved us:
Compression Packing Cubes
Total game changers. We use these Amazon packing cubes to:
Separate each kid’s clothes
Squish down bulkier items (looking at you, fleece hoodie)
Avoid the “exploding suitcase” every time we unpack
Family Backpack System
Each of us gets:
One carry-on backpack
One personal item (small daypack for parents / mini pack for kids)
Possible one big packpack
We also love our Osprey daypack – for comfort and load support.
Mesh Laundry Bags
Don’t overlook these mesh laundry bags. They keep dirty clothes contained and make hand-washing easier on the road.
Free Download: Our Family Packing Checklist
We made this so we don’t have to rethink it every time.
✅ Clothes we actually wear
✅ Toiletries we always forget
✅ Documents, meds, tech, and random kid things
👉 Download our full family packing checklist below
Final Thoughts
Packing rules are great until you try them with a 5-year-old who insists on bringing a dinosaur costume “just in case.”
What matters most: Pack with intention. Leave space for growth (literally and emotionally). And remember, the stuff isn’t the adventure. You are.
