One of my 6-year-olds packed his own suitcase for the beach. He was very methodical, following an organized, 3-step process, and, frankly, I think we can all benefit from his tutorial.
The great thing about this packing system is it’s straightforward, efficient, and it works for any trip of any length anywhere in the world. I’m going to share it with you here because I like you, but I’m warning you now, this is patent pending, folks.
How to Pack for Vacation
by my 6-year-old
Step 1:
Pack one (1) stuffed animal.
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Step 2:
Jump HARD to pack it all down.
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Step 3:
Shove in a big book.
……….
And that’s it.
All you need for any vacation. Anywhere. Ever.
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P.S. I might’ve added a few pairs of undies to his suitcase after the fact. And a shirt. And pajamas, pants, socks, boots, and a coat. But that’s because I’m obviously an overpacker.
P.P.S. I might have a little chat with this kid’s future partner before they go on their honeymoon. Or not. 😉
P.P.P.S. What are your two must-have items when you head out of town? I’m having a hard time picking between coffee, my book, my phone, earplugs, and a really good bra.
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17 responses to “How to Pack for Vacation in 3 Easy Steps”
After I read this a friend posted on facebook that her 10 year old son had packed 3 pair of boxers, a sweatshirt & 14 rolls of duck tape for their 4 day vacation, and that was all. I guess he was going to make any of the clothes he needed.
My suitcase would have to have a good bra & my Kindle. Everything else I can get where I’m at if I need it. I don’t imagine ever going anywhere that coffee cannot be found with relative ease, at least not of my own free will! The bra, well, I noticed mixed feelings there in the other posts. I’m guessing that is at least partly affected by what your original endowment was and where it’s at now. In my case, flopping around hinders me much more than a bra ever would.
So. I love you. I love your writing and your honesty and the god stuff that makes it real. And, yes, creepy that someone in Canada you’ve never met loves you but, well, there it is. =)
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Definitely coffee. But a bra is something that I wouldn’t cry about “accidentally” forgetting to pack. Although I might be stuck inside with people who already love me despite my lost battle with gravity. My kindle would be my second choice.
Oh, and I would NEVER trust my son to pack his own suitcase. He forgets to even wear underpants sometimes (which caused me once to have to buy a pack at K-mart and pull him off the soccer field so he could rectify the situation.) Yes, I’m thinking he’ll be fine on his honeymoon.
Book and cash. What else do you need? If no cash is available, just a book it is =)
Definitely a book! Good thinking. And my glasses.
Forget about the bra. Comfort is number one for me and the bra I can do without.
Some of us can not go without. Right Beth?
I think I am crying and peeing at the same time reading this. So I guess I need underwear and Kleenex in my suitcase!!!
Nah his honeymoon will be fine, that’s all he’ll need, the new wife will be in charge of everything else, right. ;o)
I would have always said contact lenses and birth control pills. Funny how turning 40 changed both of those. My eyesight randomly got better but my chances of getting pregnant…ugh not so much.
I think a stuffed animal and book are the way to go!
But if I have to be all adult about it, I’d go with a good, comfy pair of running shoes and a sports bra – everything is made more comfortable with comfy shoes and the lack of an underwire!
Ha ha ha ha, no need for chatting about the honeymoon, he’ll be just fine!
If I can swing it, I take my pillow, always. Yes, even overseas!
I’m actually hard pressed to think of a second must have… our phones don’t generally work so… oh wait, duh, my camera!
Yes, pillow and camera and I’m set!
If I can ignore the mundane (medication and deodorant) my must-haves are my phone and yoga pants. Because every experience is made better with yoga pants.
I agree with Meghan. Sweat pants are a must, and if forgotten, I am in a panic the entire vacation. The phone I can do without. 🙂