Visual Packing List for Kids + the BEST Packing Hack for Kids

I’ve made packing lists for my kids for years, but it was really a game changer when I started making kids visual packing lists. It allowed even my young kids to start participating in the packing process, and getting them accustomed to helping out with preparing for travel.

What is a visual packing list for kids?

A visual packing list is a packing list that uses pictures instead of or in addition to words . This means that even non-readers are able to start helping out!

This is great, because younger kids tend to really love to help. A visual packing list takes advantage of this interest when it’s at its peak. And it’s great when they can contain everything in a packing cube! (We love these and these.)

When can kids start using a visual packing list?

I usually start having my kids use a visual packing list when they’re about 2 years old. Obviously a two year old will generally NOT be able to follow the list perfectly! They likely can’t read numbers yet at that point (to know the quantity of the items), nor are they generally comfortable with one-to-one association (meaning counting definite objects is still tricky). That’s okay!

The visual packing list for young kids is really for practice – it’s to get them in the habit of helping and caring for their own belongings. Then once they get a bit older, they’re already familiar with the process. That way, they don’t need to learn all the steps at once, and instead takes a progressive approach – starting with joining in with finding items alongside a parent. They will eventually be able to do the whole process independently!

What is the maximum age for a kids visual packing list?

There’s not a maximum age for a visual packing list. In fact, I still give them to my older kids who’ve known how to read for years. I even like using them myself! Sometimes, it’s just easier on the brain to see an image of something than to read a long list of words.

I’ve also found that a visual packing list is especially helpful for my child who has ADHD. The concrete steps and images are really helpful for directing a brain who struggles to remain attentive.

I recently updated the visual packing list to include EVERYTHING we pack for our family when we travel – not just the stuff the kids pack for themselves. I hope it helps you whether your kids are packing independently or alongside you!

How do we use the visual packing list for kids?

I like to print out a copy of this visual packing list for each of my kids to use. Once printed, I fill in the number of each item (e.g., number of pairs of undies) either next to the item or in the checkbox itself, since that number usually changes a bit for each trip. Then my kids can check things off as they go, either by putting an “X” in the checkbox, crossing out the item, coloring in the checkbox, or whatever they’d like.

I usually circle which items they need for certain steps, such as pants or shorts, rain jacket but not pants, etc. I may also cross out things that don’t apply to that particular trip (such as a hat/gloves for a beach vacation). It’s easier and takes much less mental energy for me to have all the various options on the checklist and then cross out what we don’t need, instead of adding in new things each time. Use it however works for you!

I like dividing the packing list into two sections – one for what goes into the luggage (generally clothes and possibly an extra pair of shoes) and what goes into their travel backpacks. You can also use the extra pages to make it easy for you to pack up the rest of the extras like electronics, medical items, toiletries, and more.

Get the visual packing list + the BEST packing hack with kids

I put together our visual packing list in a FREE printable – just pop in your email below and it’ll come right to your inbox. Plus, I’ll share the BEST packing hack with kids, along with our favorite luggage (including packing cubes) for families. I hope it helps make the whole packing process smoother and simpler for your crew. Happy packing!

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FAVORITE ITEMS FROM THE VISUAL PACKING LIST

There are a few specific items we really love that I included in our visual packing list. Obviously things like clothing change over time, but there are a few staples we have and use over and over that I’ll link below. Happy packing!

• Merino wool base layers (more of our favorites HERE)
• Rain pants
• Rain jackets: we love this one, this one, and these
• Shoes: I pretty much always take these or these. All our favorites HERE.
• Kids Kindle: My 10 year old and I thought he’d forgotten his for a few minutes on a recent trip and we both very nearly panicked, haha
• Carabiners: we ALWAYS have a few of these attached to our bags

Toiletries & Makeup

• Mini toothpaste
• Favorite facial oil cleanser (code LOCALPASSPORTFAMILY)
• I love these tiny compressed facial sponges to wash my face – take way less room than washcloths but are really effective
• Electric toothbrush
• Beloved magic blue facial oil (on top of moisturizer at night – hydrates & keeps my skin completely clear) (code LOCALPASSPORTFAMILY)
• My favorite natural deodorant that smells amazing and actually works!!! (Code PREETHI15)
• Cocoa butter stick body moisturizer
• The absolute best lip balm, I will die on this hill
• All our first aid supplies we always take with us

Makeup & Skincare

• Mini tubes of my very favorite sunscreen (that’s also reef safe) (use code LPF15)
• Moisturizer (mini version – I love this kind at home, too)
• Eyebrow gel (I especially love this in hot weather because it doesn’t smear)
• Fave CC Cream (I use color tan warm)
• Foundation brush (there’s a reason this has nearly 46,000 5* reviews)
• Cloud Paint blush in color Dawn
• Phase Zero blush in color Making Moves (just a bit over the top to tone down the above one and add just a hint of shimmer)
• Mascara primer
• Fave mascara

Medical

• Favorite bandages
• The best (hypoallergenic) anti-bacterial
• Low-dose melatonin
• Pain reliever
• Anti-nausea meds
• Children’s antihistamine
• Tweezers
• Small thermometer
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellant + Bug Bite Thing

Baby

• The BEST baby carrier that is super lightweight and folds up tiny – we’ve loved this for well over a decade!
• Adore this tiny little baby pop up tent. Have used one for over a dozen years!
• Favorite car seats for travel
• Breast pump

Electronics

• 3-in-1 travel charging station for phone, AirPods, watch (love this thing)
• Universal travel adapter
• These are my favorite mini portable chargers. I also have a couple of these that work well.
• Mini white noise machine: we truly don’t go a night’s sleep without these at home or when traveling. We own four.
• Car cell phone mount: it’s difficult enough to navigate in new places without trying to see your phone. This mount easily attaches to the air vent so you can navigate without using your hands.
• Earbuds: I got these after losing my AirPods and they’ve been excellent (and way more affordable).
• Soft toddler headphones: Absolutely LOVE these headphones for little ones.

Other

• Sunglasses
• Camera
• AirPods
• My favorite packing cubes
• And everything fit in the backpack I love! It’s no longer sold, but THIS and THIS are similar
• Favorite duffel that packs down small – this weighs almost nothing, takes almost no room, and allowed us to fly back with Greek olive oil and honey. We had to buy a ticket that included a checked bag on the way back because that was all that was available by the time we booked, so we figured we might as well take advantage of it!
• I adore this quick dry towel – the ribbed texture is so absorbent and comfy.
• Laundry detergent sheets are easy to travel with since they won’t spill and hardly take any room.

MORE POSTS

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST ABOUT OUR VISUAL PACKING LIST, YOU MIGHT LIKE THESE POSTS TOO:

• 20 Travel Essentials with Kids
• Best Travel Shoes for Men & Women
• All About the Kids Kindle for Travel

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