Figuring out what things to pack can be a long, arduous process.  Packing for a family holiday is even more so!  Of course, the younger your children and the more children you have, the trickier it gets.

I have become a pro at packing.  My extensive digital packing list contains just about everything I could need on a holiday.  Just last week, I packed 4 suitcases for a week-long family trip to Slovenia (we’re still here – I can vouch for myself and say I did not forget anything – haha!)

There are quite a few items which are not your traditional must-pack pieces, but they are ones which will make your life easier whilst on holiday.  Here’s my genius ‘things to pack’ list:

1. Fabric picnic cooler

This is the ultimate multi-purpose item to take on holiday with you!  When travelling, pack all your toiletries inside it.  Emergency leak?  No problem!  During your holiday, use it to transport snacks and picnic food for the car or for stops in stunning scenic areas, or to take a break from a bustling city in a park where your little one can run to his heart’s delight.  Even if you do not plan to eat picnic food, use it to carry cold water.  It’s also perfect to take to the beach to transport wet towels and swimsuits back to your apartment or hotel.

2. Ice pack

Your cooler is not complete without an ice pack to keep your food fresh, and your drinks cold!  Just in case your child has a little accident, the ice pack may be used to prevent bruising.

3. Food storage containers

Pack your picnic food inside them. Buy healthy snacks such as fresh fruit or wholegrain bread and carry them along with you inside the containers.  Always have a spare container at the ready when eating out.  If your child is not particularly interested in the food, or if he is asleep, pack some food inside the container and you are good to go!  I find that the best containers are the collapsible kind, since they take up virtually no space when you are not using them.

If you’re travelling with a baby, you might want to check out this blog post by thinkbaby.  She has got you covered with her crafty list of things to pack essentials!

4. Over-the-door organiser

You know how hectic it gets with kids & clutter sometimes?  And who wants to spend their time picking up all the bits and pieces on holiday?  I love my over-the-door organiser, because I can tidy up in minutes and save time looking for little bits and pieces.  You can also pack them into your suitcase as is if you’re in a hurry!
This is something I particularly recommend when going on a cruise.

5. Garbage bags

Sort your dirty laundry on the spot!  Go back home with clothes already sorted into lights, darks and colours for easier unpacking and a quicker laundry prep!  It’s also very hygienic to make sure all your dirty clothes are stored safely in bags and not rolling around in your suitcase with your other items.

6. Disposable plates & cutlery

We always rent our own apartment when on holiday, and breakfast turns out to be a long affair when we need to do the washing up afterwards.  Hence, for one week a year (two at the most), I make an exception.  I take disposables with us, and when a family member is done from his breakfast, all he needs to do is throw away his plate and remnants.  Thanks to this tip, we’re then out of the apartment in a flash!

7. Reusable water bottles

Let’s just say I feel much better when I pack these for everyone, after packing my disposable plates and cutlery!  I not only cut down on plastic waste here, but I save money on having to buy little bottles of water.  If there are water fountains at your destination, you can fill them up for free.  We would not drink as much water otherwise,  because running out of water is a common event when having to stop to buy bottles.

8. Extension lead

It’s not the first time we were staying at a place where we did not have enough plugs!  We’re a family of four, so we have quite a bit of gadgets to charge and small appliances to use.  An extension lead has been a lifesaver on multiple occasions.

9. Clothes hangers

I hate it when I open up a wardrobe only to find four or five measly hangers hanging on a lonely rod!  Take a few of your own and hang up your clothes to a) be able to see them all and get dressed quicker, and b) to avoid your clothes getting creased if possible!
More importantly, pack kids hangers.  I am yet to check in to a place with children’s hangers!

10. Clothes pins

Besides being obviously handy to hang towels, beachwear or clothes, clothes pins may also be used to keep a curtain tightly shut when you take your little one to bed and it’s still light outside.  Or maybe for when you would like to sleep in!
Keep snacks secure and keep them from going stale or making a mess of your bags, clip receipts together, or use them to keep a toddler entertained!

11. Padlock and chain

How many times have you wanted to leave your child’s pushchair outside of a shop but you were feeling antsy about leaving it unattended?  Have you heard how many strollers are stolen everyday from amusement parks?  I always carry a padlock and a chain with us, and chain Nina’s pushchair securely to a lamp post or fence when I need to leave it somewhere.  What’s more, you now have an extra padlock in case one of your luggage’s goes AWOL!

Next time you go on holiday, refer to this list instead of wondering what genius things to pack ‘in case’!  Happy holidays mamas!

Nakita xxx