If you’re planning your next family break, you’ll probably be looking for ways to save money on it too. Driving can be a much more affordable option than flying, and if you pack tactically, you might be able to save even more! These helpful tips to packing the thrifty way come from Izzy at PassSmart and are designed to help you save money on fuel!
Do you REALLY need that?
We’ve all been asked this question, and we probably all put up a pretty good case as to why we did really need it, but it might be time to rethink. Overpacking can create unnecessary excess weight, and when you’re packing 20 pairs of shoes for 7 nights away, the solution is obvious. Try to plan your outfits for each day and night, allowing, of course, for some emergency options! Think about whether or not you’re likely to use it or whether it’s just going to stay in the suitcase. Be ruthless!
Roll, don’t fold!
Rolling your clothes will allow you much more space in your case. Although I’ve just tried to discourage you from overpacking, utilizing your space in one suitcase will stop you from having to take two! You might even be able to share case space with your partner if you’re a pro-roller.
It’s also worth noting that material, squashable bags will free up more space than hard suitcases. You’ll be able to fit more in the car, and won’t have to play tetris trying to fit everything in the trunk.
Cutting down the kids’ stuff
It’s one thing minimizing your own stuff, but cutting down on the kids’ things can be an even bigger challenge. For such little people, they certainly create a lot of baggage! Of course, they need more changes of clothes than us, but there are ways to reduce the amount of toys, books and other things they want to bring!
Instead of spending time wrestling with them over their life-sized Winnie the Pooh, give them a bag each and tell them they can pack whatever they want as long as it fits in the bag. Turn it into a game and there’s less likely to be any tantrums.
Use it or lose it
Don’t leave things in the car that you don’t need. That may seem obvious, but many people have a habit of chucking stuff in the trunk and forgetting about it. So if you’ve got a snow shovel in the back and you’re traveling at the height of summer, it makes sense to take it out.
The same goes if you have a roof rack. The chances are you’ll be using it if you’re going away, but, if not, leaving it on there could significantly reduce your fuel economy.
Organizing your trunk
It’s not just when you go away that you need to think about having a neat and tidy trunk. Keep it that way for the rest of the year too by investing in some storage compartments. They’re available to buy online and in store and are perfect for busy mums and dads. Say goodbye to rifling around for stuff in the back, because there’ll be a space for everything!
This guest post was written by Izzy from PassSmart.com; the service for learner drivers looking for their perfect driving instructor.
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I totally agree on the “roll” don’t fold – we usually travel only with carry-ons and that’s for a week of vacation, I’ve learned to pack light over the years. I limit shoes (they take up way too much space in suitcases!) maximum of 3 pairs for each person – 1 pair of dress shoes, 1 pair of walking shoes, and then one pair of another kind (usually slip ons to get to the pool quick~)
I always overpack for my children, but never pack enough for myself!
Some great tips
Great tips!
Thanks for the great tips. Packing is not my favorite!
Great tips. It is definitely hard to pack for a trip with a large family.
Great tips! I have a tendency to way over pack. One thing I do is to trade out my everyday purse for a larger tote, so I have a little extra room for things I want handy.
Those are some good tips. I’m bad at over packing because I’m always playing the what if game for what I might need. I had never thought about rolling clothes, I’m not sure I could actually do that though :-/.
Little people certainly do come with a lot of baggage! You just need to think in terms of essentials so you don’t over pack.
i roll now and it saves so much room. it is hard traveling with kids so any tips are great. thanks.
Great tips! We just booked our first family vacation so I can’t wait to test these out!
Great tips I’m not sure when we will be going on a trip but I will have to keep these in mind.
Great tips!
A trick that has worked for me is.. don’t start packing early! The earlier I start.. that more I take!
I always overpack for the kids. Once I was so worried about traveling alone with my almost 1 yr son that I forgot to pack my underwear! Always double check too! LOL
I definitely roll, but I am far from a pro. I need to work on my suitcase skills.
I give mine children a small backpack and they can fill to their heart content!!