The Sebastian Travel Packing Method: Because We All Just Want to Get There with Our Stuff
Let’s be real, packing for a trip – especially with kids – can feel like a logistical puzzle you didn’t sign up for. But here’s the good news: I’ve got a system that turns the pre-trip chaos into something…well, almost manageable. Welcome to the Sebastian Travel Packing Method, where we prioritize getting organized so we can leave feeling relaxed, not stressed and enjoy vacation.
The 4-6 Week Head Start: Giving Ourselves a Break
We’re all about starting early here. No last-minute scrambles, just a relaxed approach to getting ready. Why? Because life’s too short to stress about socks.
The Size Reality Check
Kids grow at warp speed. That’s why we do the "Size Reality Check" weeks in advance. Swimsuits, ski layers (even though we rent the gear), everything gets a good look. We’re all about avoiding the "my clothes don’t fit" drama on day one. Planning a ski trip with the family should be about creating joyful memories on the slopes, not worrying about whether the gear fits.
The Online Rescue Mission
Discovering a wardrobe issue weeks before departure? That’s just a reason to shop online. No stress, just a quick order.
The Mental Checklist: Brainstorming Done Easy
Starting early lets my brain casually think about what we need. It’s like a laid-back to-do list.
The Gradual Pack: One Step at a Time
We pack a little bit each day, sometimes as I’m folding clean laundry. No frantic stuffing, just a calm and steady approach.
The Guest Room Headquarters: Where Packing Happens
My guest room turns into the packing HQ. It’s where the magic (or at least the organization) happens.
The Dresser Stash: The Secret Weapon – I start hiding items in the dresser, like a squirrel getting ready for winter. Out-of-season clothes, extra toiletries, and any small travel-friendly entertainment items I pick up while out shopping. This way, I’m not scrambling at the last minute to keep my kid entertained.
The Bed Zones: Everyone Gets a Spot – Each family member gets their own dedicated row from the head to the foot of the bed. This layout allows me to visually confirm that every essential item is packed, ensuring nothing gets forgotten. Pajamas, underwear, socks, outfits, layers—everything is lined up in order, from top to bottom. This method also helps me identify any missing items at a glance, making last-minute adjustments easier. By organizing this way, I can quickly see if someone is missing a jacket, enough pairs of socks, or an extra layer before anything gets packed into the suitcase.
The Visual Inventory: Seeing Is Believing – I lay out items on the bed, so we can see what we’ve got. It’s like a packing preview.
The Kid-Friendly Arsenal: Keeping Everyone Happy
Traveling with kids means having a good stash of fun stuff.
The Gift Trick: Stockpile Fun Items Over Time – When I’m out shopping for birthday presents, I keep an eye out for small travel-friendly toys, books, or activities. If I find something great, I grab an extra one to stash away for future trips. This way, I always have a collection of new and exciting entertainment options ready to go, without the last-minute rush.
Usborne Magic Painting Pads & Ooly Art Supplies – Mess-free creativity is a must.
LEGOs, Magna-Tiles, and Balls – Classic fun that works every time.
Usborne Sticker Books – Great for keeping kids engaged during meals.
Small cans of Play-Doh – Perfect for sensory activities on the go.
LEGOs with paper plates and plastic bags – Easy to transport and great for restaurants.
Activity Books & New Books for Reading – Keeping kids entertained and engaged during travel.
Goggles and Pool Toys – Because every trip needs some fun in the water.
The Sebastian Packing Plan: A Simple Guide
4-6 Weeks Out:
Size checks, online shopping, mental checklists.
2 Weeks Out:
Clothing, shoes, toiletries, electronics.
One Week Out:
Bed layout: Everyone gets a row from head to toe to ensure all items are accounted for.
Entertainment
Suitcase prep: Suitcases are packed efficiently with packing cubes and essential layering—one per person for cold-weather destinations.
A Few Days Before Packing Up:
Everything starts making its way into suitcases—one for each person if we're headed to a cold-weather destination.
Ensure suitcases are packed efficiently with packing cubes and essential layering.
The Day Before Travel:
Pack a carry-on with a change of clothes, pajamas for everyone, a swimsuit in case luggage gets lost, my medical kit, and chargers separated in pouches for each person.
Ensure all devices, headphones, and essential electronics are packed and charged.
Don’t forget your AirTags!
Final checks, deep breaths, and plenty of snacks.
The Medical Kit: Just In Case
I asked my doctor for a prescription for antibiotics to take with me after getting stuck with strep throat for my son a few times while traveling. Having it on hand gives peace of mind and avoids the hassle of finding a doctor or pharmacy in an unfamiliar place.
We’re ready for anything from scrapes to sniffles.
Pain and Fever: Tylenol, Motrin, Kids’ versions.
Allergies: Benadryl, Kids’ Benadryl, Flonase.
First Aid: Band-Aids, gauze, wipes, tweezers, etc.
Hydration/Digestion: Electrolytes, eye drops, Simethicone, Miralax.
Respiratory: Afrin, Sudafed, Tessalon Perles.
Comfort/Protection: Lip balm, repellent, sanitizer, masks, Melatonin.
Personal/Prescription: Emergency meds, tampons and pads, Zofran, steroid cream, anxiety meds.
Sebastian’s Packing Tips: The Practical Guide to Travel Success
Use Packing Cubes: These organizational tools help compress clothing and keep suitcases tidy.
Roll Your Clothes: Rolling clothes saves space and minimizes wrinkles.
Create a Packing List: A detailed packing list is essential for staying organized.
Involve Your Children: Let your children help with packing their own belongings. This teaches them responsibility and helps them feel involved in the trip.
Don’t Overpack (and Embrace Your Favorites): Don’t overpack. I don’t know about anyone else, but I tend to end up wearing the same favorite things over and over on vacation anyway. Especially when it comes down to a favorite pair of jeans or a comfy loungewear set that I wear down to breakfast. Focus on packing versatile pieces that you love and know you’ll wear.
Plan for Mid-Trip Laundry: I always plan on sending some laundry halfway through, especially for base layers that get sweaty and ski socks. That way, I only have to pack 3-4 sets for each of us. This significantly reduces the amount of clothing you need to pack.
Plane Outfit Laundry Strategy: I always make sure everything I wear on the plane is fully washable, and I send that to get washed at our destination. Then, I wear it home. It’s a great way to start with fresh clothes on the return journey.
Destination-Specific Fabrics: I save my wool and cashmere for our destination—not because they might get damaged, but because I don’t want them getting germy and dirty during travel. I’d rather have my cozy sweaters fresh and clean when I arrive.
Remember the Essentials: Don’t forget goggles and pool toys! These are easy to overlook but essential for a fun and comfortable vacation.
Test Worn-In Items: If you’re packing items that have been stored or worn in, test them out before your trip. Check ski jackets and pants for tears or damage. For swimsuits, try them on and move around to ensure they fit properly and comfortably. This will prevent unpleasant surprises on vacation.
Label Everything: Label suitcases and carry-ons with your contact information.
Take Pictures of your Luggage Inside and Out: This can be helpful if your luggage is lost. I don’t always do this, but it is good practice.
Embrace the Imperfections: No packing process is perfect. Be prepared for minor hiccups and focus on enjoying the journey. Unless you’re going to the wilderness (which clearly I am not), anything you forget, you can usually buy at your destination.
There you have it – the Sebastian Travel Packing Method. It’s about being organized, being practical, and having a good time. Happy travels!