when packing for holidays .....

[Liviam]

Ok ladies I am absolutely terrible at packing. I always overpack and still don't manage to pack what I actually need.
We are heading to the beach for 4 days & 4 nights. It will be me, DH, DD 4yrs, DS1 2yrs & DS2 9 weeks. We are staying at DHs aunty beach house which is completely set up as a house so we are lucky in we don't have to take any linens, toys, books or beach stuff (like buckets/spades).

So I'm asking for your best tips and what do you never leave without?

Thanks,
dan.

[~ Zarava Flutterby ~]

Sunscreen
Bathers
Clothes for each day but if you have access to a machine then i would only take what you wear on the first day plus 2 sets then on day 2 do a big load of washing.

[JLeigh29]

Make it a mix and match wardrobe - all the bottoms should match all the tops (denim is good!) and only take a couple of pairs of shoes that will match with everything. If you're going to be going out somewhere nice, take one pair of pants/bottoms only and extra tops that all match. One pair of togs only and rinse. Wear the heaviest stuff that takes up most space! Roll your clothes. Stuff the undies and small stuff inside shoes.

Take the little bottles of shampoo etc and share (it's only four days, no one will die from using a different brand of toothpaste/shampoo etc!). I always take more make up and beauty stuff than I need because I mistakenly think a holiday might give me time for stuff like a mask etc - I'm lucky if I moisturise, lol!

Any toys you do take (for the car ride etc) make sure they're multi-purpose e.g. suit more than one child, can go in the car as well as in the bath or on the beach etc...

[sangie]

I always overpack lol!

But on our last weekend away I did quite well and packed lightly (DH was impressed!). I wrote a list and stuck to it and crossed each thing off as I packed it. My biggest thing is always taking too many clothes which we never end up needing. If you have access to a washing machine then just take minimal clothes and you can always do a load if you have to. Also just take a small amount of shampoo, toothpaste etc and you can always go buy more if you need to.

Have fun, hopefully you get great weather

[Olive]

medication, thermometer and bandaids
sunglasses for kids

[Nai]

My rule is to ge out everything you think you need, then halve it. I have become a pretty provident packer using this method

[Mother Goose]

i never leave without procrastinating

I also pack:
car activities such as colouring in, ipad, music, and I just bought a deck of cards called "50 things to do in the car"
snacks for trip
wet ones IN the car
sunscreen
hats
socks
shoes
given I know you're worried about the weather at your destination - boots for the beach so they can still play on the beach
beach towels (unless Aunt has some there to borrow)
undies for each night + 1 spare for each toilet trained family member - more for those who are still learning
PJ's
i always pack DD's fav bed buddy AND one of her little pillows which she uses in the car as well
mix and match clothes for sure! stuff you can layer
any medicines you are all on
pandol
bandaids
hair brush/comb
shampoo and conditioner
soap
toothbrush and paste
mobile ph + charger
camera
beach toys (bucket and spade)
PLASTIC BAGS! great for rubbish in the car and wet/dirty clothes/toys

don't forget your "arrival survival pack": bread, coffee/tea, sugar, milk, cereal, biscuits

have a brilliant time hon! xo

[Cranky Kitten]

My go to for beach holidays is sarongs. Take up so little room, but have so many uses

[Liviam]

Thanks ladies. I had the kids clothes out on the beds and I have just halved it (and added a few again ). Fabulous tip.

I do have access to a washing machine so I have even packed washing powder.

Olive - I had forgotten their sunnies so thanks.

Tash - I cut & pasted our list from chatting last night, LOL!!

Awesome tips ladies, thanks

[Mother Goose]

You forgot something..... ME!!!!!!!!!!!

[Phteven]

Passports, tickets, money/credit cards, paperwork.

If you have all those things it doesn't matter what you forget because unless you're going to the remote areas of Uzbekistan you'll be able to buy it when you get there.