more how-tos (aka packing for 6)

you know, because i have it all figured out…

this is when we packed to go to my mom’s for 3 days.

packing.jpg

i use gallon-sized freezer ziplocks.  and i put two kids’ clothes per bag.  i seperate them by days, and types of clothing.  for instance…  one ziplock contains pajamas for sunday night for my 2 youngest.  it includes diapers.  so when i bathe them for the night i pull out the bag and i have all i need.  for the 2 oldest i put monday play clothes, including socks and underwear for each.  so, then, monday when we get up the boys go find the bag with their names on it and put their clothes on, they get to practice reading the days of the week and identifying letters and recognizing their names.  this helps while we’re there to stay somewhat contained, but it also helps while packing.  you know you haven’t forgotten any set of clothing for any day, because it’s all labeled.  and since they’re all so small and make so many messes! - i packed a couple of extra bags of clothes, appropriately labeled “extra play clothes” or “extra goin’ out clothes”.  the three big kids slept in the fold-up kid tent and my youngest slept in the pack-n-play.  (and no, i didn’t take my sewing machine, i just packed on my sewing table!)

packed and ready to load.

readytoload.jpg

and here’s a fully packed picture just for fun!

allpackedup.jpg

(as a kid, i was always amazed at my dad’s packing abilities.  paying attention to him definitely paid off!)

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  • mott

    Wow! When you were a child I never thought you had my organization genes, but I was wrong. You’ve certainly got it down and then some. It sure makes life easier and with lots of kids it’s a must. Proud of you, girl!

  • http://momma-tude.blogspot.com/ K.T.

    I think we needed you when we went to Florida -actually probably more when we came back.His mother knew that we were packed in tight and then she bought lots of stuff so we were sardines on the way back….LOL

    These are great ideas!!I am so glad you share them!!!!

  • http://www.peaceandcraziness.blogspot.com Mandy

    Cool ideas! I’ve finally just started giving everyone their own bag to go staying anywhere. It makes my life easier. I always pack “going out” clothes on one side of the bag, PJs in the middle, and playclothes on the other side. (obviously we have long bags lol) Socks and undies go in the outside pockets, or all tucked in on one side of the bag. (gosh I hate trying to find socks in a big bag!) For me, having bags with lots of outside and inside storage keeps me sane!

  • http://thejoyfulchaos.wordpress.com silly me

    thanks for your ideas,mandy. very cool, woman!

  • http://girlsrmadeof.blogspot.com brandy

    okay…this looks all well and good…but when the heck do you find time to pack like that? it takes me forever as it is! i thought i was doing good just to get everyone packed…much less actually organized. gee, just when i think i’m doin’ alright ya gotta go fill my head with this jazz!

    just kidding…i might even actually try it.

  • http://thejoyfulchaos.wordpress.com silly me

    i started 2 days in advance and threatened everyone with their life if they got near it!

  • Maury

    Wow,that is some organized packing! When we pack, I have gotten to where I just let my kids do their stuff themselves! They all have their own little suitcase, and when they know they are going to grandma’s they just fill it up. I’ve gotten so lazy, I just look in the suitcase, and if it looks like plenty of clothes, I am like, o.k. that is great! My mom actually commented last time about all the odd assortment of clothes in their suitcase. I just told her she would have to talk to them about it!

  • http://thejoyfulchaos.wordpress.com silly me

    maury-
    that is awesome!!!! i can’t wait til that day!!

  • http://www.peaceandcraziness.blogspot.com Mandy

    That’s a good idea, Maury.. Madison would actually probably do great packing her own bag. I really need to let loose and let her “grow up” a bit more…

  • http://ihavetosay.typepad.com/randi/ Randi

    Hi, You are a great packer!

    When my kids were younger, we were able to fit amazing amounts of goods into the van for road trips too. This past summer when my daughter went to Africa this paid off as we were able to get all of her items packed (for 3 weeks in Africa) in a dufflebag–with room to spare! The other people on the trip were bringing more than one suitcase and had to leave stuff behind because it was too much! Your packing skills will pay off someday! ;)

    BTW—I LOVE your blog header!

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