Summer vacation season is here, and whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country road trip, packing doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. With a little organization and planning, you can avoid last-minute stress, overpacking, or worse, forgetting the essentials.
Here are our best summer vacation packing tips to help you stay organized, efficient, and fully prepared to enjoy every moment of your getaway.
1. Start with a Master Packing List
Before you even open your suitcase, create a master packing checklist. This simple step prevents forgotten items and eliminates guesswork. Even better? Use a printable packing list that you can reuse or tailor to each trip.
💡 Pro Tip: Download our Family Summer Packing List Printable from Life’s Lists to stay organized with categories for clothing, toiletries, tech, and more.
2. Pack by Category, Not by Person
If you’re traveling with kids or multiple family members, don’t pack one bag per person right away. Instead, lay out items by category—like swimwear, shoes, and toiletries—so you can double-check that everyone has what they need. Once reviewed, you can sort them into individual bags.
3. Use Packing Cubes and Pouches
Organizational tools like packing cubes and zippered pouches help separate items and maximize suitcase space. Assign colors to each family member or category (e.g., blue for beachwear, red for first-aid), so everything stays easy to find.
4. Pre-Pack Travel Toiletries
Avoid packing your daily-use items at the last minute by preparing a go-to toiletry kit. Fill reusable containers with shampoo, sunscreen, and lotions ahead of time. Keep the kit packed and ready all summer long.
💡 Tip: Don’t forget a mesh bag for wet swimsuits or dirty laundry!
5. Roll, Don’t Fold
Rolling clothes not only saves space but also reduces wrinkles. For extra efficiency, roll outfits together—including top, bottom, and underwear—so you can grab and go without digging through your suitcase. For even more space saving use vacuum sealed travel bags.
6. Make a “Last-Minute” Reminder List
Some items can’t be packed until right before you leave—like chargers, snacks, or your child’s favorite stuffed animal. Keep a sticky note or phone reminder with these last-minute items so you don’t forget them in the rush.
7. Organize Your Car or Carry-On
If you’re traveling by car, designate bins or seat-back organizers for snacks, games, and emergency supplies. For air travel, use clear zip pouches for liquids and keep electronics within easy reach at security checkpoints.
Don’t forget our Road Trip Activity Pack from Life’s Lists to keep kids entertained on long drives!
8. Keep Important Documents Together
Use a document pouch or travel wallet to store passports, reservation confirmations, park passes, and medical cards. Keeping all your travel papers in one spot eliminates panic when you need them quickly.
9. Involve the Whole Family
Give each child a packing checklist tailored to their needs (we have fun, kid-friendly printables for this!). This not only teaches independence but also helps them take responsibility for what they bring—and what they leave behind!
10. Leave Room for Souvenirs
Don’t pack your bags to the brim. Leave some space (or pack an extra foldable tote) to bring home keepsakes, beach treasures, or outlet mall finds without cramming everything on the return trip.
Ready to Pack Like a Pro?
Say goodbye to travel stress and hello to well-organized vacations. With these packing tips your next summer getaway will be smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
Happy Organizing!
Kristin
Kristin is a Professional Organizer and owner of Livable Solutions Professional Organizing and Life’s Lists. She has been a professional organizer since 2004 and is designer behind Life’s Lists, where she creates practical and stylish organizational printables. As a mom to a boy and a girl, she finds daily inspiration in managing toys, games, activities, and family schedules—fueling her passion for helping others bring more order and ease to everyday life.
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