Packing for a Family of 6: Our Simple System 

 

Packing with four kids sounds like chaos (because it is). But we learned something after travelling when our kids were 1, 2, 5 and 6: it’s not about packing more… it’s about packing smarter — and knowing exactly where everything lives.

This is our real-life packing system for a family of six. It won’t make your trip silent and peaceful (sorry), but it will make it smoother.

1) Packing cubes: the “everyone has their own drawer” trick

We’re obsessed with packing cubes, because they turn one suitcase into six tiny wardrobes.

Our rule: everyone gets their own packing cube.
That means:

  • no digging through each other’s stuff

  • no “Moooom, where is my shirt?!”

  • and packing/unpacking takes minutes instead of hours

Tip: pick a colour/print per person. Future-you will be thankful.

2) Clothing for 2 weeks: the 7-set method for longer travels

We pack for 2 weeks without bringing half our house.

Our system:

  • 7 outfits per person

  • mix & match so you can wear most items twice

  • boom: 14 days of outfits (with a laundry moment somewhere in between)

Keep it simple with colours

I stick to a few colours I like, so everything matches without thinking.

For  example my husband, his “safe colours” are:

  • green

  • white

  • beige

  • and some blue

Almost everything works together, which means fewer items and fewer decisions.

Kids: sets + mix-and-match backup

For the kids, I lay down specific sets (because mornings).
But I also add:

  • jean shorts - Goes with al t-shirts

  • extra t-shirts - White/no print shirts that will go with everything

So if someone spills something on outfit #1 before breakfast, we can still mix things up.

3) Shoes: warm-country edition (easy mode)

Because we mostly travel to warm destinations, we keep shoes super simple:

Per person:

  • flip flops

  • water sneakers (also good for walking / hiking and search for the type you can also use swimming) A real all in one shoe

The kids usually have a barefoot-style shoe, and we love our Tropicfeel shoes because they handle heat + water + walking without needing five other pairs. Just wash then while showering and will be ready to go the next day

4) Quick packing checklist (copy/paste)

Suitcase

  • Packing cubes for everyone in different style

  • 7 outfits per person (mix & match)

  • Simple colour palette clothing that match well

  • Swimwear (if relevant for the destination)

Shoes

  • Flip flops

  • Water sneakers / walkable shoes

Want our “hand luggage / airport survival” system too?

That’s a whole different topic (and it deserves its own page).
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