Halfway through the year and it’s Winter holidays for us.

Three weeks of holiday fun, ticking off Winter bucket lists, sleeping in (haha, who am I kidding!), later evenings, less sleep and more sugar!

Even though our July holidays are so long, we often don’t go away around this time as it’s pretty freezing anywhere else, we save our international trips for Christmas or Easter and MC saves his leave days for those trips too. So I normally put together a staycation itinerary filled with play dates, movies, theatre shows, days at the park, baking classes, games arcades and holiday clubs.

But this year, we have decided to sneak away for a few nights to enjoy the fresh air and Winter chill with our girls and special family friends. And after numerous requests, I thought I would share my packing tips and organisation. Last year when we went on our Summer holiday, I shared an image on my Insta stories of my packing system but back then, it disappeared after 24 hours and everyone kept asking for this blog post… It only took a year!

When packing for a trip, I get plastic bags for each child for each day that we are away. I label them with the child’s name and the day (ie: SJ – MONDAY). I then pack each bag with the clothes for that day and evening, and this is how I plan them out:

Summer Holiday (each bag contains):

• Underwear
• Swimwear
• Outfit for the day (either a dress or shorts/shirt combo)
• Every second day contains pyjamas as wear these twice, and an evening outfit for a dinner outing
• One jersey and one set of clothing for the drive/flight home
• One of pair of sandals to wear to dinners and on the plane 
• One pair of every day slip slops
• I always pack two extra “emergency” outfits in case someone gets really messy or gets sick etc.

Winter Holiday (each bag contains)

• Underwear and socks
• Outfit for the day (alternate between shorts and long sleeves or pants and short sleeves)
• Every second day contains pyjamas as we wear these twice, and an evening outfit for a dinner outing
• One jersey
• One big thick jacket to layer
• One set of clothing for the drive/flight home
• One of pair of boots to wear to dinners. The cowboy boots canada are not just for horseback riding and farming – they can be a great fashion statement, especially for dinner events. By pairing cowboy boots with a nice dress or a blazer and jeans, you can create a chic and unique look that sets you apart from the crowd. Whether you’re looking for a casual or formal style, cowboy boots can add a touch of western flair to any outfit. So, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try wearing cowboy boots to your next dinner event.
• One pair of every day takkies
• I always pack two extra “emergency” outfits in case someone gets really messy or gets sick etc.

The easiest part for me with our three girls is that they wear the same outfits so each day has the same clothes packed. These clearly marked bags make it easy for anyone to dress the kids – MC, grandparents etc without them having to think about it, and we fold the clothes up and place them back in the bags to put in the washing when we get home.

Another tip that makes packing easier is to keep your toiletry bag stocked and packed at all times. Buy all your toiletries as extras (toothpaste, body wash/soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and a brush, face cloth and hair bands) so all you have to add when you go away is the toothbrush.

My friends find it hard to believe but I pack like this for myself too. I plan day and night outfits for each day, add underwear, swimwear or pjs, 1-2 options of shoes and one big jacket. I also leave my toiletry bag already packed and ready to go with extra products so I also just add my toothbrush.

No need to add stressed fuss to your exciting holiday adventures.

Do you have a packing system when you travel? I would love to hear your tips and tricks.

x

*Our favourite luggage is from the amazing Thandana – we each own a weekender bag and toiletry bag, in the most beautiful prints. And thank you to the beautiful Wilma Towell for these photos.