Over the years I’ve tested out several different methods of packing my kids clothes for holidays. I’ve done duffel bags, the rolley kids suitcases that are the size of a shoe box and a big suitcase with all the kids clothes stacked in piles; which only take 2 seconds to destroy as a little pile-wrecking monster looks for a shirt they cant live without (insert angry emoji).

Luckily, I’ve found a way to easily pack for our children. It’s a game changer needs to be shouted from the roof tops. ROLL PACKING!!!

When packing for Paris I made both awesome choices and huge mistakes. But who doesn't make mistakes when learning? (if you're raising your hand I must posses your magical secrets, lets grab lunch). But if you're like the rest of us mortals, mistakes are a given. Thankfully, we have a chance to learn from each others wisdom. Lets have a big round of applause for the internet which provides opportunities to share experiences and opinions which can help others avoid mishaps and outright disasters.

Overpacking was my biggest mistake, it's a problem I know well and will tackle in the near future. The best takeaway from our Paris packing experience was the rolling method. Totally travel life changing! After "researching" like a crazy woman I was converted!

Outside Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, terminal 3

The Rolling Method

Figure out how many days you'll be gone, including there & back traveling. We'll call that number X
Pick out X number of shirts (long or short sleeve)
Pick out X number of pants or shorts
Pick out X number of underwear, diapers or pull-ups
Pick out X number of socks
Match up outfits - including all the things above
Fold the shirt in half lengthwise with the front facing out and lay put on a flat surface
Fold the pants in fours and lay on top of the shirt
Put either underwear, pull-up or diaper on top lengthwise
Put socks at the top of the pile
Starting from the top, roll the outfit
Wrap an elastic around to hold it together
BAM! DONE! Give yourself a self five.

Kids Learning to Pack

Roll packing is so easy even my kids can do it. Depending on their age, kids can help with different stages of packing. Im a firm believer that we’re raising tiny humans that are training to be adults. Its my mom responsibility to teach them life skills.

This is a rough guideline because kids mature differently, especially those with developmental or physical delays. No matter the age make sure each outfit is complete. Even preteens and teens are notorious for forgetting underwear or socks.

1-3 yrs (help while you do it) pick favourite shirts, bring over sock or diapers, count items, put the rolled bundles in a suitcase or bag, etc.

3-6 yrs (help while you instruct) pick all their shirts and pants, match clothes to create outfits, count the outfits, fold the clothes, roll them, etc.

6-10 (more independent packing while you checkin or monitor) Pick all outfits, match outfits, fold, roll, pack, etc.

10+ Independent and can pack on their own, however, make sure to check what they’ve packed.

To Roll or Not to Roll? That is the question.

Not everything needs to be roll packed; although, once you start rolling you may not want to stop.

I roll pack complete outfits: shirt, pants, socks, underwear, diaper, accessories, etc. I also roll pack and label specific outfits for certain events - like church, a party, a celebration or

Awesome Bonus Tip

One thing I like to do is get a bag of multi-coloured elastics. I assign each kid a colour and use that colour for their rolled clothes. This makes getting dressed super easy - like crazy easy. They grab a bundle with their colour and away they go, a complete outfit ready for the day.

The different coloured elastics are very helpful if:

you have kids in similar sizes
use a lot of hand-me-downs (which gets confusing when they may have fit in those clothes last year, the coloured elastics tell them that it’s not theirs anymore)
shared suitcases
road trips where you’ve planed different bag for different days.

After getting dressed the kids put their elastics in a container or ziplock to be reused. Waste not want not. ;)

I cant believe how much more I’m able to pack when rolling the clothes. Below I have 4 kids clothes for a week away - each kid has their own colour of elastic. It included’s 36 outfits, 12 pairs of pjs, 20 pull-ups (2 kids at night plus a few extras), diapers, wipes and a bunch of spare underwear.