Happy Monday, friends! I hope you all had a great weekend! As my family continues to cruise along the Mediterranean, I have a short and sweet post today all about how we packed for our current trip 🙂 .
Disclaimer: I used to pack this way all the time but then…I got spoiled and lazy. Spoiled because we went YEARS without a bag getting delayed/lost and lazy because well, I think this process takes a minute longer. Remember when we packed for China (twice!)? I shared this method. The first few big European cruises with the kids? I packed this way. The last four or five years? Laziness.
Buuuuuut in March when we went to Hawaii, we had luggage that didn’t make the flight and then when we came home from Nantucket last week, we had luggage that didn’t make it back home, so I decided maybe my luck had run out (all the luggage eventually showed up but in one instance, it took almost two days). I didn’t want to risk someone’s luggage not arriving in time for the ship to embark, so I pulled out our suitcases and packed my old way. This is not rocket science, just an easy little way of packing a large family for an extended amount a time with a buffer should a bag (or two) not make it to your final destination.
Here’s what I did:
#1: I pulled out all of the suitcases we were going to use on this trip. This time, we pulled down one suit case per person. Since we’re gone two full weeks, this gave us more than enough room in each bag plus room for any souvenirs/treasures we find and want to bring back. I placed all of our suitcases open on the floor in the living room.
#2: I pulled out all of my trusty packing cubes that we’ve purchased over the years and asked the little girls to sort them by color. We had enough to almost give everyone their own color (I was pink, Andrew was black, etc.).
#3: Then, I took construction paper and cut pieces into strips. I took a set of packing cubes, my construction paper slips and a marker to each person’s room and we started packing by days instead of items (shorts, dresses, swimsuits, etc)…
…here is an example! I took the largest size packing cubes and was able to fit all of the little girls clothes in one for the first three days. I wrote down the specific days and then exactly what I placed in each cube…
…see? And then, I placed the strip of paper on top…
…and zipped it up. I repeated this for the rest of the trip (spreading out things like pjs through the trip as they don’t necessarily need a new pair every day)…
…in the little tiny cubes, I would put one day instead of multiple.
#4: After I had everyone’s stack of “days”, I brought them all downstairs (in my empty laundry baskets) and then divided them up into the six suitcases. Everyone’s Days 1-3 in one suitcase, Days 4-6 in another, etc…
…here is one group all stacked and ready to be distributed. For each of my days, I included my workout clothes (pjs or a swimsuit if it was in the rotation), shorts, top, undies and evening wear.
#5: After all of the packing cubes were distributed between the suitcases, I filled each one with miscellaneous items like sunscreen, shampoo, curling iron, beach bag, etc.
So, instead of everyone having “their suitcase”, we had suitcases for different days of the trip. This way, if a bag would have been delayed or lost, everyone missed 1/6 of their items instead of one person missing every single thing. Plus, instead of opening all of our bags inside our hotel room or stateroom, we only had to open and operate out of one bag. This system also made getting ready in the morning SO FAST for everyone including me. I would open it, pull out my stuff, and bam, I’m dressed for the day!
So, that’s how we packed 🙂 .
I have several packing/travel related posts if you want to go back and re-read a few…
SHAY’S ULTIMATE BEACH TRIP PACKING LIST (with printable list!)
PACKING CUBES REVIEW (where I really break down why I love them so much!)
ADOPTION PACKING LIST
SHAY’S WAYS- 18 KEYS TO PREPPING FOR A TRIP
If you have packing tips/tricks/advice, I would love them! Please comment below for everyone to read. I’m off now for another day of fun. I’ll see you back here on Wednesday 🙂 ! xx
Elspeth says
Such a great tip! I love seeing how people pack and organize things!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Elizabeth Feldpauscb says
We don’t fly too often with our crew because it’s just too expensive for us but we do a lot of road trip vacations. I did this packing method when we drove to Michigan last Thanksgiving for my husband’s brother’s wedding! A bag for the night on the road, a bag for the two nights at the hotel for the wedding, two bags for the week at my in-laws house! My husband was so grumpy when I was packing like this but by the time we got home, we had completely on board! When he realized he only had to unload two pack n plays and one duffle bag instead of everything… he became a much more relaxed dad 😂😉 so THANK YOU for sharing!
Melissa Terry says
BRILLIANT!!! I used your packing method to get the 6 of us to Hawaii for a week using only carry-on sized luggage and it worked out so well. Thanks for the tips!
Jill Meyer says
Great tips! We always use our own color packing cubes. We each have a set (two sets for the adults) in a designated color. Makes unpacking at your destination super easy. Depending on where we are going, I also have the kids throw an extra swimsuit in their carryon. That way if our room isn’t ready or luggage gets lost, they can at least hit the pool to kill time or have one key item. I have a travel charging station and medicine kit so I can just throw those in each time without having to reassemble. I also take pop up laundry baskets to have a place to put laundry in the room and helps if we are doing laundry on the trip.
Kate says
So simple, yet so brilliant. ESPECIALLY that only one bag needs to be opened in the hotel room.
LISA WILSON says
I love this idea! I am terrified of losing a bag , so much so that my husband and I argue… I want to carry on, he wants to check. The only way we have made peace is that once hes packed, I switch some of the packing cubes so each suitcase holds some of each persons clothes. Next trip Im trying this!
Tasha says
Do you check the weather beforehand and pack accordingly? What if the outfit packed for that day doesn’t match the weather or change of activities? I am an overpacker because I worry about the “what-ifs” but usually only end up wearing a third of what I packed!
Mix and Match Mama says
Always!! I can easily be an overpacked myself. I told Andrew that I had forgotten how (with this method), it really makes it hard to overpack.
SS says
My only advice is we bring a travel vacuum bag (that your roll) to put bathing suits in, just in case they aren’t dry! This way clothes don’t get as wet or smell like chlorine.
Love your Day packing.
Debbra Weber says
This is great information. All of my friends and family who have flown the past six months have had their luggage lost or delayed. I hope you have great luck with your luggage on this trip! I love your travel posts–thank you!
Alison says
I’ve read all your previous posts about those packing cubes. I think I need to finally jump on that wagon! I don’t have as big of a family as yours, but I like the idea of packing each suitcase to mirror the other, should luggage get lost or delayed. It all sounds efficient and nearly misfortune-free. 🙂 I hope you’re all enjoying the Mediterranean adventure, together!
Susan S says
How do you split up for your staterooms on a cruise or do you have a large enough suite for everyone?
Mix and Match Mama says
On the reservation, it’s guys in one and girls in the other (they’re next door to each other), but it’s been a random mix every single night. On our last cruise, we all had one stateroom and it was great, but I like having the two bathrooms, so this time, I went back to two staterooms instead.
Aparna says
Wow! Love this idea! So organised! Need to invest in packing cubes!
Tina says
Just starting to pack for our upcoming 9 day UK cruise so this post is very timely. It’s just me and my husband this time around (leaving our 4 kiddos at home with grandma!) but I’m thinking packing by the day will still be very helpful. Fingers crossed all of our bags make it to London! Enjoy your cruise!
Mix and Match Mama says
Have the BEST TIME!! That cruise is on my bucket list!!
Marcy Norman Cox says
Great travel tip, we will definitely incorporate this next time we travel. We usually have each family member pack one travel cube with a swimsuit and 2 outfits and put it in their carry-on backpack, since in the past any lost bag has shown up in about 1-2 days, but like you mentioned one lost bag was everything for that one person, so having a suitcase for specific days will change everything for the better.. thank you
Michelle Jones says
This makes my little organized loving heart so happy! 😍😍😍 I love the cubes. Definitely gonna get some.
Shauna says
How do you pack the toiletries that are used daily? Is that in a separate bag/suitcase? Have a fabulous trip!
Mix and Match Mama says
I always try to bring my makeup in my carry on bag and then the other things (lotions, razors, shampoo, etc), I just put in a suitcase and pray that one doesn’t get lost. On this trip, I forgot to pack shampoo and conditioner (whoops), so I bought us bottles at a store in Barcelona that we’re using.
Linda B. says
I’m not sure if packing cubes allow this, but I use the super large ziplock bags to pack clothing. When we went to Colorado, I was able to shove snow pants in a bag and push down to get the air out, including my husband’s adult large pants. It made for a ton more room and my family of four, on a winter trip, took four carryon suitcases and four backpacks so we didn’t lose any luggage.
Julia says
My tip is to only carry on – no lost bags, no baggage fees, and it cuts down on overpacking because we only pack what we need!
jennibell says
Perfect!!!
I’m glad those days are over (packing for a family of 6 – ha!) but a good idea next time my husband and I travel — maybe half and half.
Have fun :). I’m following along on SM. My sister was in Barcelona the same time you were and was hoping she’d run into your family but you boarded your ship before she did (they are doing Barcelona to Rome) — such a small world!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwww! I would have LOVED to have met her! I hope she had a great trip!!
Dragica says
This is wayyyy too clever!
Josie says
Do you ever do laundry on a trip like this? I can’t imagine packing for 2 weeks and not doing laundry.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! We did laundry the second day we were on the ship (so about five days in). We washed swimsuits, shorts, some undies and a few miscellaneous things. When we ski each winter, we do laundry in our airbnb every day and that allows us to pack much less. This was doable though. We’ve reworn lots of wet swimsuits and made it work too.
Kim says
Do you do laundry in your room? If so, any tips? We are leaving in a few weeks for a 13 night cruise to Scotland, Ireland and Iceland.
And do you ever find your bags get too heavy?
Mix and Match Mama says
We had it sent out with our cabin steward and they returned it the next day. With six bags, each one was well under the limit. We do struggle though with heavy bags when we fly to ski. That ski gear and winter clothing/boots gets so heavy! Have a great trip!!
Leah Z says
We did a 3 week road trip last summer where we packed like this and it was the best! We stayed in a different place every single night and it was so much more convenient to only have to load in one suitcase each night!
Trish Rissman says
You have such terrific ideas! I’m always impressed. We are heading to Barcelona/cruise at end of Aug. I’d never tried this packing method but it totally makes sense. You are a very smart, lovely young woman/mom. I’m 65 but your ideas still help me quite often!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awwww! thank you so much, Trish!!
Ramona Puckett says
Great idea! Thank you, hope y’all are having a fun time!
Rebecca Carney says
Love this method! We’re going on a 2 week trip in August and I will use some of these ideas. We’re driving so thankfully I don’t have the issue of losing luggage- hope this trip was smoother for your family. Earlier this summer I ordered and used the packing cubes along with the makeup & toiletry organizers- I was never more excited to pack. Thanks for all your helpful tips and traveling posts. xo
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay! I hope you have a wonderful vacation!!
Christin says
Genius! Please continue to share your organizational ways!!! I know it may seem like not seem like rocket science the way you do things, but your mind truly is gifted in this way.
Mix and Match Mama says
You are too sweet!
Kylie says
Hi! What’s your favorite type of purse to carry when you travel to Europe?
Mix and Match Mama says
Something small that is a crossbody style. I like my hands free. Nothing heavy.
Betsy says
Great ideas! I love the packing cubes! Do you label on the outside of the suitcase what days are inside?
Mix and Match Mama says
Great question! I should have mentioned this! I photographed each open suitcase before we left so that I just look at my phone for the correct one.
Paula R. says
Shay, I love the pictures you’ve been posting… especially the Italy photos! Swoon! I’m amazed that on every trip I see you on… surprisingly- you are only carrying your crossbody bag! I always schlep around a backpack that is more of a “Mary Poppins” bag that is prepared for every scenario! Teach me your ways! I’d love to be more carefree in carrying a smaller bag! I can’t “quit” taking extra water bottles, first aid, wet wipes, granola bars, rain poncho etc for the family. I’m basically a pack mule… but I want to be reformed! So do you just stop and get stuff if you actually need it? How do you manage with not taking a warmer sleeve or jacket for restaurants? Maybe in Europe the AC isn’t as frigid as it is in the US. Ha! My friends call me “Prepared Paula, “ but honestly, carrying everything can be a burden sometimes. Any thoughts of how you’ve honed your skills? Keep posting all these amazing organizing posts for all areas of your life! The comment section is GOLD!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh goodness, Paula! I just smiled all the way through this comment! You are so adorable! Okay, back when they were younger, we had to carry so much gear but now, we go super light. Nothing makes me feel hotter and more miserable than a heavy bag. I literally only have lipstick, passports, sunglasses, bandaids and my credit card on me. The weather forecast is super hot and sunny so no rain gear or jackets needed, when we need water, we buy a bottle(s), it’s so dang hot outside that we covet any a/c and don’t need a jacket at all. When the weather is cooler and I need more things, I’ll bring a slightly larger bag (because it’s not hot so I don’t mind), but for this weather, i’m taking very little with me!
Natalie says
The whole bags getting lost/delayed is exactly why we started packing much lighter and do carry-on only now. Frustrating!! My family of 4 spent 8 days in Aruba recently and only carried on. So much easier!!
Shelia says
Love this idea…I should’ve chatted with you b4 the BIG Disney vacation…I way over packed, I just can’t get it down to a minimum 🙃
I’m ready to schedule our next vacation!!!
Rosana Newark says
I have to say… I never thought of packing like this before but maybe I have to consider it. Thank you for giving me those ideas.
Melissa says
I have forced my family into carryon only. Cannot emphasize enough how easy this is for us now. I even had extra space on our 2 week trip to Spain and Portugal this time. Hot weather helps 😂 But we generally have an Airbnb for a few nights at least and o try to do that about halfway through and it’s fine. We have also washed things in the sink like underwear or socks that dry quickly. Everyone is in charge of their own bag. Especially great for cobblestone streets and running for trains or planes!!
Lisa D says
Great post! I think the best part of this plan is only having to open one suitcase per day! I don’t ever want to lose vacation time shopping to replace items. We always carry on – one suitcase per person and everyone carries their own. If we are going on a longer vacation or the beach or skiing where we need to check a bag, I have everyone put the “extras” in there. Things we would like to take, but can live without if the bag takes a couple of days to get there. My family used to hate me for this. But after years of traveling this way, they have quit arguing and I think they may even like it. If we are ever staying in multiple locations, or in a small space like a cruise ship, I’m going to try your one suitcase per day method!