Organized Travel: How to Prep, Pack, and Stay Sane on Your Next Family Trip

Let’s be real—traveling with kids isn’t always a vacation for mom. Between packing, planning, and making sure everyone has all the things, it can feel like you need a vacation from your vacation. But it doesn’t have to be that way!

With a little planning and a few organizing tricks, you can take a lot of the stress out of family travel. Whether you’re road-tripping to Grandma’s, flying to Disney, or just sneaking away for a long weekend, these tips will help you feel more prepared, less overwhelmed, and maybe even excited about your next adventure.

As a professional organizer (and a mom!), here’s how I help clients—and myself—stay organized before, during, and after a trip.

1. Start with a Master Travel Checklist

A travel checklist isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. It takes the pressure off your brain to remember everything, and it makes it easier to divide tasks with your partner and family.

I recommend creating a reusable checklist with categories like:

• Clothing: Everyday outfits, swimwear, sleepwear, shoes, socks, undergarments

• Toiletries: Toothbrushes, hair products, sunscreen, makeup, medicine

• Gear: Strollers, baby carriers, travel crib, beach gear

• Electronics: Phones, chargers, tablets, headphones, battery packs

• Entertainment: Books, toys, coloring supplies, games, downloaded movies

• Food: Travel snacks, water bottles, reusable utensils, cooler bags

• Documents: IDs, health insurance cards, boarding passes, hotel info

Pro Tip: Store your list in a digital note app or create a printable version you can check off and reuse for each trip. I also recommend having a separate list for each member of the family… even the dogs! Whether they are being boarded or coming with you, then need their essentials too!

2. Pack by Person, Not by Category

If you’ve ever dug through an entire suitcase looking for a single pair of pajamas at bedtime—you know the struggle. One of my favorite packing tips is to pack by person, using packing cubes or gallon-sized Ziploc bags. For trips to visit family in Louisiana, I usually pack my daughter and me in the same suitcase.

Each person gets their own set of cubes labeled with their name. Within the cubes, you can separate outfits by day (if you're feeling extra on top of it), or just keep clothing, pajamas, and extras grouped neatly. When you arrive, you can either leave them in the cubes or quickly pop them into drawers.

Bonus tip: Pack one “first night” bag with pajamas, toothbrushes, and anything your family will need right away. This is a lifesaver when you arrive late or the kids are cranky.

3. Create a Travel Command Center

Think of this as your mobile HQ: a bag or backpack that stays close to you during travel and keeps everything you need at your fingertips.

Include:

• Passports and travel documents

• Itineraries, hotel confirmations, tickets

• Chargers and power banks

• Refillable water bottles

• Snacks (lots of snacks)

• Small pouch with meds, Band-Aids, wipes, sanitizer

• Entertainment items: headphones, tablets, coloring books, etc.

Use zippered pouches (preferably clear), Ziploc Bags, or a backpack with good compartments to avoid digging around. Having this “mom bag” ready to go makes airports, car rides, and long lines so much easier.

4. Be Ready for Downtime + Delays

Kids + waiting = chaos, unless you're prepared. Whether it's a delayed flight, traffic jam, or a long dinner wait, having a few surprise distractions is key.

Try packing:

• New coloring books or activity pads

• A small new toy or game

• A favorite snack that feels like a treat

• A few downloaded episodes or movies (you never know what the internet will be like, better to be safe than sorry!)

• A kid-friendly playlist or audiobook

Also, don’t forget comfort items—blankets, stuffed animals, or anything that helps your little one settle down in new environments.

5. Prep Your Home for a Smooth Return

This is one of my favorite hacks—and the one most moms forget! Before you leave, take 30 minutes to prep your home for your return. It makes all the difference when you’re tired and jet-lagged, and the kids are asking what’s for dinner.

Here’s what to do:

• Empty or clean out the fridge

• Start and finish laundry

• Take out the trash

• Make the beds

• Tidy up one or two high-traffic areas (like the kitchen or mudroom)

Coming home to a clean, calm space helps extend that post-vacation glow—and keeps you from walking into a stress storm.

6. Use Unpacking as a Mini Declutter Session

When you get back, don’t rush to throw everything back in drawers. Take a moment to notice what didn’t get worn or used. If it’s something you bring every trip but never use—consider whether you actually need it at all.

This is a great time to toss out broken chargers, donate clothes that don’t fit, or clear out toiletry bags that are full of almost-empty bottles.

Be sure to write a list of things that need to be replaced if you do throw out broken or empty essentials so you will have them for next time.

Extra Tips If You Frequently Travel

Living and Texas and having most of our family in Louisiana, we travel a lot! Sometimes as a whole family, but sometimes it is just Avery and Me visiting for a long weekend. And sometimes we plan a visit on short notice.

Something that I have started doing is buying duplicates of things we tend to need every time. For example, toiletries. This speeds up the packing process and also allows you to pack these things ahead of time and still have your toiletries the morning of travel.

To not spend a ton all at once buying duplicates, I tend to buy one higher priced items (hair dryer, flat iron, pricey skincare etc.) before each trip.

I keep a clear plastic tote in my closet with all of my travel essentials. This was they stay all together and I can pack at a moment’s notice!

Final Thoughts: Travel Doesn’t Have to Be Chaotic

Traveling with a family will always come with some unpredictability—but being organized and proactive helps you respond with calm instead of chaos. With just a little planning, packing strategy, and a solid travel routine, you’ll be able to focus more on making memories and less on managing meltdowns.

Need Help Getting Organized Before Your Next Trip?

I help busy moms organize the four most important rooms in their homes—so when it’s time to pack, plan, or prep, everything is right where you need it. Whether it’s streamlining your laundry room, making your kitchen travel-snack-ready, or setting up a packing station in your closet—I’m here to help.

Let’s make your home work for you.

Peace, Love & Organizing!