How to Use Lists to Take the Stress Out of Family Travel

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by Jody Halsted

I don’t think there is much that is more stressful than packing for a trip, especially if you have kids! It can be difficult to remember the necessities when you have to remember which “cuddle buddy” is the favorite this week and which movies the kids want on the DVD player / laptop / iPod.

To take the stress out of packing I make lists. In fact, I make multiple lists. I find the Cozi Shopping Lists to be a great tool for all my list-making needs. Let’s use our upcoming trip to Texas as an example. For this trip I will actually access two of my already prepared lists: Visiting the In Laws & Warm Destinations.

I can view the lists I have prepared, see what I need to buy before leaving (looks like travel toothpaste and sunscreen) and easily add those items to my Cozi shopping list for Target. When I am shopping I can have the lists sent to my phone via text message or access it with the mobile Cozi (if wi-fi is available). I love this feature because I often forget lists at home-usually next to where I keep the reusable shopping bags-but I rarely go anywhere without my phone.

Next I print the list(s) I will be using and pre-pack what I can about 2 weeks before we leave. For this trip I will pack swimsuits, warm weather clothes and toiletries in advance, marking them off the list(s) as I go. I continue to pack slowly, as I can, during the two weeks before the trip. By the night before, I have everything packed, except what has to be used the morning we leave. By printing the list and crossing off items as they are packed I don’t forget anything in the mad rush to get out the door.

Other handy packing tips:

• If you are driving consider using Rubbermaid storage bins instead of suitcases. They hold so much more, especially if you also utilize Space Bags. Get more tips with this packing light video.
• If your drive will take you to a hotel for a night or two place everything you need for those stays into a single suitcase. It’s less hassle and you have less opportunity to lose something.
• If you are flying consider shipping items. This is especially handy for gifts. If you take a gift on an airplane it cannot be wrapped. If you check the bag it may become lost or damaged.  And you often have a checked bag fee. Alleviate the stress and use UPS.
• Take only half the clothing and plan to do laundry once during your trip- or take it to a cleaner.

Use Cozi Shopping Lists to keep track of everything you need to pack or buy for your next family trip.

Jody Halsted plans adventures near and far to share on her travel-oriented website Have Kid Will Travel. She also writes a lifestyle blog, Iowa Geek, and is the founder of the I_Blog Conference, the first blogger conference designed to serve the US midwest. Jody is also "Mommy" to two preschool age daughters, "Wife" to Doug, and "brush wielder" to Toby, a 12-year-old St. Bernard mix.

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