Family Packing Checklist 2026: Complete Guide + Printable PDF

Mar 9

By Kate Van Dell for Sebastian Luxe Travel

Printable Checklist
If you want the simple one-page version you can screenshot, save to Notes, or hand to your partner so you’re not packing alone, here it is.

Download the Printable Packing Checklist (PDF)

Quick Summary: What to Pack for Family Travel

• Start 4 to 6 weeks early to avoid last-minute stress
• Check sizes for kids’ swimsuits, clothes, and layers
• Use a visual system so nothing gets forgotten
• Bring smart entertainment for flights and meals
• Pack a medical kit with essentials most families forget

Stress-Free Family Packing Strategy

4 to 6 Weeks Before Your Trip

• Check sizes for kids’ clothing, swimsuits, shoes, and layers
• Order replacements online
• Start a running list in your notes app
• Edit out outgrown items

2 Weeks Out

• Set aside clothes, toiletries, chargers, and shoes
• Pull out packing cubes and laundry bags
• Check sunscreen, hats, goggles

1 Week Out

• Lay out each person’s clothing in rows on a bed
• Finalize outfits, pajamas, socks, underwear, layers
• Gather entertainment and comfort items
• Prep suitcases

2 to 3 Days Before

• Transfer items into suitcases
• Pack toiletries and sunscreen
• Add swimsuits, hats, cover-ups

The Day Before Travel

• Pack a carry-on with pajamas, one outfit per person, a swimsuit, and medications
• Charge all devices and pack electronics in labeled pouches
• Add snacks and emergency activities
• Attach AirTags and take luggage photos

Visual Packing Strategy and Organization

The Guest Room Setup

Turn a guest room or quiet corner into a packing zone so everything stays visible.

The Dresser Stash

Keep sunscreen, toiletries, goggles, and small toys in a dresser drawer you can pull from easily.

The Bed Layout Method

Give each family member a row on the bed from head to foot. Line up pajamas, underwear, outfits, layers, and swimsuits.

Visual Inventory

Lay everything out before using packing cubes. It prevents overpacking and forgotten essentials.

Best Travel Entertainment for Toddlers and Kids

• Usborne Magic Painting pads
• Ooly mess-free art supplies
• Sticker books
• LEGOs in reusable bags or on a paper plate
• Magna-Tiles
• Mini Play-Doh
• Activity books and new reading books
• Goggles and pool toys
• Surprise toys saved for flights or restaurants

What to Pack vs What to Buy at Your Destination

Family Travel Medical Kit Checklist

Medications

□ Tylenol
□ Motrin
□ Children’s Tylenol or Motrin
□ Benadryl
□ Children’s Benadryl
□ Flonase
□ Sudafed
□ Afrin
□ Tessalon Perles
□ Zofran
□ Steroid cream
□ Emergency prescriptions
□ Antibiotic (if prescribed)
□ Melatonin

First Aid

□ Band-Aids
□ Gauze
□ Antiseptic wipes
□ Tweezers
□ Hydrocortisone
□ Ice packs

Comfort and Protection

□ Lip balm
□ Electrolytes
□ Eye drops
□ Hand sanitizer
□ Purell sanitizing wipes for the plane
□ Insect repellent
□ Masks
□ Tampons and pads

Expert Packing Tips for Family Travel Success

Use Packing Cubes — They keep everything tidy and organized.

Roll Your Clothes — Saves space and makes outfits easier to see.

Involve the Kids — Give them one small job so they feel included.

Wear and Wash Strategy — Wear washable clothes on the plane. Wash them on arrival. Wear them home.

Destination Fabrics — Keep wool and cashmere fresh until you arrive.

Mid-Trip Laundry — Plan to wash pajamas and base layers halfway through.

Test Everything Early] — Try on swimsuits and ski gear before you go.

Label and Document — Label bags and photograph the inside and outside of your luggage.

Stay Flexible — You will forget something. It will be fine. Most things can be replaced.

Final 10-Minute Check

□ Devices charged
□ Medications packed
□ IDs and passports
□ AirTags on bags
□ Snacks packed
□ Luggage photos taken
□ Shoes on everyone
□ House locked
□ Car ready
□ You ate something

If You Liked This Guide

• Jet Lag with Kids: Essential Coping Strategies for Long-Haul Flights
• 16 Best Picture Books for Little Travelers

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Kate Van Dell