Road trippin’
It's summertime, and the living is easy...
Unless you've got multiple littles going to multiple camps, birthdays and holidays creeping up, vacations to plan, library books to return, dentist appointments to attend now that school is out, playdates to arrange, sunscreen to buy in bulk, screen time to manage, bug bites to soothe...
Unfortunately, we may not be able to help you with those things. However, we can help you prepare an organized and sane family roadtrip! Whether you're going an hour down the road or five states away, we've compiled some tips for a low-stress trip (because let's be honest, unfortunately no road trip is ever completely stress-free). I've even interviewed some friends of mine who each have kiddos under 5, and they have graciously shared some tips and packing suggestions that they employ each time they travel.
Let’s start off with some general reminders and expectation-setters.
general tips and expectations
Keep the cooler with drinks and snacks in the backseat, within reach of everyone. This is VITAL.
When you're nearing a stop, start cleaning your space and putting shoes on. Take trash out each time you exit the vehicle.
Expect differing desires for entertainment. "Set expectations for taking turns with music, screen time, quiet, nap time, etc. to avoid fights."—Meghan P.
Expect messes. "Sometimes you're on a stretch of road in Oklahoma with no facilities and you have to change a catastrophic diaper. Have ready paper towels (maybe a real towel), extra clothes, wipes, travel potty, and grocery bags."—Elizabeth P.
Expect little sleep. Just accept that you probably won't rest the same way on this trip as you would at home.
Expect to have to be flexible. No matter how well you plan, just accept that nothing ever goes QUITE the way you think it will.
Expect bored snack feelings. Keep snacks handy. "Pack snacks that take time to eat, like Cheerios."—Hanna W.
organizing your stuff
Make a list of your needs before you even put anything in a suitcase. Personally, I have a note on my phone with bullets that can be checked and un-checked. Before I start packing, I consult the list and un-check all the items I'm going to need, so that I can check them off again when I've packed them. I can't tell you how many times this system has saved me from having to buy deodorant at the closest drug store.
Use packing cubes. Have you noticed that when your clothes are folded and orderly, they take up less space? It's true! This concept works for traveling as well as for your closet drawers. Neatly fold your tops, bottoms, and delicates and keep them in separate packing cubes by the organization of your choosing: you could go all tops in one cube, all bottoms in another, etc, or you could pack outfits together. As long as they are folded and compact instead of thrown and strewn, you will better be able to maximize your suitcase.
Invest in a Snackle Box. Y'ALL I love this concept. I gave one to my sister-in-law for Christmas last year and she went bananas (metaphorically). Instead of having ten different boxes of delicate crackers or bags of squishy fruit, decant the snacks into a storage container like this that will keep them separated and protected. And look how fun it is! You get a little personalized shopping experience right here in the cooler!
Pack overnight stuff in a separate bag. If you're going to be on the road for multiple days, consider packing a separate bag for your overnight items so that you don't have to unpack the entire trunk to drag your entire suitcase into the hotel just for one night.
Keep a master travel document. Compile all your travel information--hotel reservations, maps, addresses, etc--in one place. Having this info scattered in multiple places can make you mentally scattered as well. Have printed backups of your reservations and other info in a folder, just in case. Now you only have two places to consult instead of searching through your entire inbox for that reservation number!
stocking the car
Employ a backseat organizer and trunk organizer. These keep handy all the keep-handy-things we'll mention in the next section. Your middle console can't hold it all!
Blankets and pillows. Have pillow, will nap. (At least that's the hope.)
Cordless vacuum. You could spend time trying to find a convenient car wash at which to vacuum up the spilled Cheerios, or you could bring your own cordless vacuum, keeping you moving toward your destination and feeling self-satisfied in your ability to think ahead.
Snacks. Did you remember to pack the snacks?
keep handy
Keep the following items in a middle console or backseat organizer:
First aid kit, including kids dramamine.
If in diapers or potty training--a caddy for diaper change items so you're not depleting your diaper bag stock, and a travel potty.
Wipes and napkins, even disposable utensils and small plates/bowls.
Small scissors. I end up using these all the time, and they are super compact and fun to use!
Sanitizer for hands and surfaces. Let's be honest, this is mostly for snacking purposes.
Grocery bags and zipper bags. You never know when these will come in handy. Wet swimsuits, muddy shoes, sandy towels...you name it, and you're prepared to keep the mess away from your other items.
Car emergency kit. We recommend this one from AAA.
Sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses and/or hat. Because they WILL ask to stop at that cool playground.
A trash can that is low-profile but hangs within reach.
Snacks. Did I mention to keep the cooler within reach of everybody?
entertainment
Screens and headphones. As the parent, you get to determine time limits and usage. But screen-time can be a great tool for some peace and quiet.
Also consider these other mess-free entertainment options:
When you're packing, tell your kids that they get one backpack each to fill with the toys of their choice.
Travel bingo. A road-trip tradition, and the whole family can participate!
Waterwow or erasable doodle-pad. Mess-free craft choices.
"Buy your kids a new fidget-y type toy before the trip. Hype it up before you get on the road and don't let them have it until you're in the car."--Hanna W.
Snacks. We all know that food can be entertainment, too. Like Bugles, am I right?
travel plans
Plan your stops. If possible, study your route before you get on the road and be familiar with the towns, cities, and rest stops. Roughly calculate the distance, and have an idea where you will want or need to stop for potty and meal breaks. If you want to earn extra credit, know where the playgrounds are along the route as well!
Overnight items in a separate bag. I'm reiterating here, but it's an investment with big returns.
Do you have your folder of travel documents?
Snacks that are delicious AND nutritious. It's like making a meal plan, but with the novelty of fun treats!
If you take anything away from this blog, let it be this: keep snacks stocked and within reach at all times.
But really, road trips don't have to be big hairy ordeals. I hope these tips help you feel organized and prepared so that you can soak up all the sunshine, family time, and new memories that your heart can hold.