The 5-Minute Carry-On Challenge: How to Pack Your Kids for a 5-Day Trip

2 days ago
2 min read

We’ve all been there: the night before a family vacation, surrounded by a mountain of tiny clothes, wondering how on earth it’s all going to fit into a carry-on. But what if you could pack for two kids for a 5-day trip in under five minutes?

It sounds like a pipe dream, but with a few strategic hacks, you can trade the packing stress for an extra glass of wine before your flight. Here is the foolproof system to master the art of the "quick pack." All of our favorites are linked on Amazon.

1. The Pre-Pack Layout

Before a single sock touches the suitcase, lay everything out on a flat surface. Not only does this help you visualize your outfits, but it’s also a defensive maneuver. Kids love to "help" by sneaking extra stuffed animals into the suitcase—laying everything out first ensures you know exactly what's going in (and what’s a stowaway).

2. The "Set of 2 + 1" Rule

Overpacking is the enemy of the carry-on. To stay lean, organize your clothes in sets of two and then add one extra. For a 5-day trip, that means 6 outfits total. This gives you a safety net for spills or accidents without requiring a checked bag.

3. The Swimsuit Strategy

If you’re heading somewhere with a pool or beach, always pack two bathing suits. There is nothing more painful for a kid (or a parent) than trying to wiggle into a cold, damp swimsuit from the day before. Having a dry one on deck is a small luxury that makes a huge difference.

4. Use "Explosion-Proof" Packing Cubes

If you aren’t using packing cubes yet, consider this your sign to start. They are the ultimate game-changer for three reasons:

Compression: They allow you to fit way more than you think into a small space.
Organization: You can find exactly what you need at your destination without tearing the whole bag apart.
Kid-Proofing: If your kids decide to open their suitcases in the middle of the airport, your hard work stays contained. No "clothing explosions" here!

The Result

By following this workflow—visualizing, auditing your outfit count, and containing it all in cubes—you can breeze through the packing process. Both kids are packed, organized, and ready to roll in less time than it takes to check in for your flight.

Ready to try it for your next trip? Let me know your favorite packing hack in the comments!