Staying (Somewhat) Organized on Vacation with Little Kids: A Survival Guide

Vacations with little kids are not relaxing in the traditional sense—but they can still be magical, memorable, and even a bit organized (really!). If the thought of packing, traveling, and living out of a suitcase with your small humans gives you hives, take a deep breath. A little prep and a few simple habits can keep things humming along smoothly—even if you're sharing one hotel room with three snack-happy, sand-covered children.

Here are my tried-and-true tips to help you stay organized (or at least a modicum of sane) on vacation with little kids:

1. Pack by Day, Not Just by Person

Instead of packing one big bag per kid, try packing daily outfit bundles in labeled Ziploc bags or packing cubes. Include socks, undies, and any accessories (hello, sun hats and swim goggles). Each morning, just grab a bundle and go. Bonus: no digging through a tangled mess to find the elusive other sock.

2. Bring a “Dirty Laundry” System

Whether it's a pop-up hamper, an empty duffel, or just a giant trash bag, having a designated space for dirty clothes keeps them from overtaking your room. (And yes, it makes unpacking easier when you get home, too—just dump it straight into the wash.)

3. Snack Packs Are Your Best Friend

Designate a small tote or pouch for kid-friendly snacks, and restock it each morning. Having snacks ready saves you from overpriced airport food meltdowns or “hangry” moods on the road. Pro tip: include wipes and a plastic bag for trash!

4. Use a “Vacation Command Center”

Set up a spot in your hotel room, Airbnb, or beach house that becomes your central drop zone—shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottles, chargers, itinerary printouts. Knowing where things go cuts down on chaos and the dreaded “Where's my [insert random object] Mom?!”  Side note, why is it always Mom...? Where's your Father!? I digress...

5. Schedule the Chaos… Lightly

You don’t need a color-coded itinerary, but having a loose structure (morning outing, midday rest, afternoon fun) helps keep everyone from spiraling. Small kids thrive on routine, even in new places. And let’s be honest—so do most adults.

6. Pack a Mini Organizing Kit

A tiny organizing kit could include: a roll of painter’s tape (label water bottles or hotel room drawers), a Sharpie, a few zip ties, some gallon bags, and travel laundry detergent. It’s the MacGyver kit for moms.

7. Don’t Forget the Mental Reframe

This isn’t a business trip. It's not going to be perfect. You’re not failing because the stroller won’t fold or the kids won’t nap or the car is covered in goldfish crackers. You’re making memories. Messy, sandy, snack-filled memories.

8. Build in “Reset Time”

Every couple of days, take 15–20 minutes to reset the room. Repack bags, toss trash, fold clothes, reload the snack tote. It’s like a vacation version of hitting “refresh,” and it goes a long way in helping you feel like you’re not drowning in chaos.

Final Thought:

You can’t control everything—especially when small kids are involved. But a little pre-planning and some daily habits can make your vacation feel less like survival mode and more like something you actually enjoy. And when the trip is over, you’ll be so glad you set yourself up for success (and minimized the mountain of laundry waiting at home).

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