Clothes – packing for late winter
People often ask me about packing. It can be a hard one, as you’re not sure what you’ll be doing and what the weather will be like. Keep it simple and don’t take anything they don’t normally wear at home (chances are you won’t want them wearing it when you’re away). Make sure the clothes are comfortable and that the kids will actually want to wear them (especially older kids).
Because we’re staying with family and will have access to washing I’m taking 3 full sets of clothes per child. This will allow for one set to be washed each night and a spare. This doesn’t include “plane clothes” – because we have such a short flight and will have rel’s waiting at the other end we normally dress up a bit in our “good” clothes and shoes. (I always keep it simple though and always wear the same clothes there and back).
Three “full” sets of clothes includes;
| Boys | Girls |
| singlet | singlet |
| socs | socs |
| undies | undies |
| long sleeve shirt | long sleeve shirt |
| pants | pants + pinafore dress |
| jumper/light jacket | jumper / light jacket |
| casual shoes (1 pair) | casual shoes (1 pair) |
Extras – 1 set of pyjamas + dressing gown + slippers, nappies for the baby, extra undies for the 3yo, emergency princess dress up for 3yo girl, footy top for 4yo boy, 1 beanie and hat each.
My kids get reasonably dirty every day. You could possibly take less clothes if you have children of the non-grubby variety, or if you’re happy to wash and use a clothes dryer every night.
I always take as many nappies as I can fit, less bother about shopping while you’re there I say. Alternatively, if you’re staying with family they may be happy for you to let them know a shopping list ahead of time.
By laying out your 3 sets of clothes in little piles, before you pack, you have less chance of forgetting anything. Just make sure you have each set complete before you start packing or you’ll keep wondering if you did actually pack that singlet. You won’t want to unpack your whole suitcase to make sure!