How to pack for a road trip for busy moms

Road trips are the best! Packing up the car, heading to a destination together as a family, prepared and ready for whatever adventure awaits! The thought of going somewhere new with a different change of scenery is always exciting.

While it is a time of excitement, it's also as important to make certain you have everything and are prepared for that family car trip regardless if it's a multiple day road trip or a day trip across the state. An oversight like that could bring your road trip to a screeching halt. Here are some great guidelines to follow to help you be ready to go for your upcoming family road trip.

Write it down

While you might think that you can remember it all, don't take that chance. Grab a pad of paper or blank page from your computer's notepad and write down the essentials that you are needing to make certain get packed into the car.  

For longer road trips, have a main list of items that everyone uses such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and items like that. Then, for each person in your family, create a separate list for them. On those separate lists have their personal items such as clothes (be specific!), medicine, sneakers or sandals, toothbrush, etc..

Once you write it down, keep those lists in a safe place to keep adding to them as you think of things. Hanging it on the fridge is always a great place to keep it!

Tackle each list completely

Once you have your individual lists composed, it's time to start packing. If you were the one that started making the lists, you need to make certain that you are the one to finish them. Often times, too many hands helping out can cause things to get overlooked and not end up in the suitcase or day pack.

Start with one member of your family's list, and pack it in its entirety from start to finish. To ensure you have everything, mark it off as you pack it. When done, give the list to the person it belongs to and have them look it over.

Ask if there is anything missing that they need to have packed and if so, now is the time for them to help grab that item and add it to the suitcase or day pack. Do this with each person in the house, and packing will be much quicker!

Load up the car with goodies

Don't forget this step! If you are traveling with little ones, make certain that you have some fun options for them while they are riding in the car. Grab a crate or bag and have it stocked full of books and coloring books galore!

Here are my favorite car accessories for any family road trip.

Also, give your little ones each their own responsibility of packing up a small bag of their own toys that they want to take with them in the car. They will love the responsibility and it will also mean that they will be certain to pack toys that they want to actually take and play with, and won't leave you guessing!

Don't forget the drinks and snacks

Take out the need to stop many times along the way by having some water bottles and juice boxes, as well as some yummy snacks that you know the kids will love.

Apples, carrot sticks, and raisins are all great snack options. But there are so many other fun snacks as well. Check out this long list of road trip snacks for your next car trip.

Do a final house walk-through

It never fails that something may slip through the packing cracks. It happens, we are human! BUT, try to stop those thoughts and do one final walk-through from room to room in your home. If you see something that is a must for the trip, grab it up and add it to your bag. Otherwise, be good with what you have and let your mind rest easy knowing that you are ready to go!

Have fun packing and preparing for your family road trips! It's a time full of tons of excitement for all. Take your time in making your list, and double-check before you hit the road. Once you step out the door, don't look back! Enjoy your trip and the journey that awaits you and your family!