January is always a great time for cleaning, organizing, reflection and goal setting. Having a slower month to focus on getting life in order for the new year is something I have really come to appreciate. I’m excited to kick off a new year of blog hops with an organizational post. As I thought about what tips I could share…something that has really made life a bit easier for me the last year, this simple idea came to mind. Whether you travel near or far, by car or by airplane, I think this time saving tip will come in really handy. It’s a super quick project to tackle yet makes life WAY easier I have found. Hopefully, you will find it helpful too!
Whenever we are boarding a plane or getting started on a road trip, inevitably I am sitting with the kids and being overloaded with questions and requests for help finding something…all while I am trying to get situated, get out of the aisle, unpack my stuff, organize my carry-on, and get settled myself. This little organizational tip is a piece of a larger, overall travel plan…one which I will tackle in another post, but this is the basic idea that is a serious help. I thought about what my kids (and I) want most when we are stuck on an airplane. Gum, headphones, a device, a snack, etc. For years I have carried all of the necessities in my backpack, which means every time somebody needs something, I am the go-to. And believe me…they ALWAYS need something and patience is not a virtue most kids have developed! lol! 😉 Being the go-to means that I often feel harried and scatterbrained for the first hour or so of a flight or car-ride until everyone gets settled down. And then trying to gather all the little things that have fallen into the seat back pockets and been scattered all over the seats as we prepare to arrive is super fun too. 😉
On an overseas flight a few years ago I was handed this great little pouch full of necessities. A pair of socks, lip balm, mints, etc. and I realized…duh! I should be doing this for myself. I brought home the little pouch I was given and filled it with the following:
-gum
-a little pack of tissues
-wipes (I like to clean my seat, armrests, tray table etc. each time I get on the plane)
-headphones
-a snack
-chapstick
-hair bands
-aspirin
It also has room for my phone when I get on the flight. This little travel pouch has been a lifesaver! Every time before I leave on a trip, I make sure it’s stocked and ready to go. It’s nice and compact so fits in my backpack or purse easily, and when I get on the plane I simply grab it out of my backpack, slip the backpack under the seat and have this pouch that fits easily in the seat back pocket at my fingertips.
It keeps everything I might need easily accessible, keeps it collected so it’s not floating around in the seat pocket, and is super easy to grab and go when we’re getting off the plane.
I made each of the kids one too. Theirs are a little different than mine with different snacks, no aspirin, etc., tailored to each of their own preferences. It has saved SO much headache. They each have them in their own backpacks and are responsible for all of their own needs while on the plane and getting ready to go. It’s a game changer! Now that they are older, I’ve even put them in charge of making sure their own pack is all ready to go before we leave. I remind them several times and give them a list of what should be in it, bit if they forget something, they are out of luck. It’s been a good way to teach them some responsibility. I’m finally able to get myself situated and relax a little bit. Being organized like this ahead of time has made traveling with kids so much smoother!
You can make these organized travel pouches to suit your own needs. You might need a larger pouch for a slightly larger device like a kindle or a book. Maybe something for a small notebook and box of crayons. Make one for each kid and customize it to them.
Looking for more travel posts and ideas? You can check out our entire Travel Gallery to see all of our posts and helpful info.
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Be sure to check out all of these other awesome organizational ideas to get your new year started off right. I’m busy tackling a few rooms in the house right now and will be sure to share when they are looking all pretty and organized! 😉 Here’s a line up of everyone that is participating in today’s blog hop with a sneak peek and direct link to their post:
9 Tips For Kitchen Organization – Happy Happy Nester || Bathroom Organization Ideas – Lolly Jane // Textured Polka Dot Utensil Holder – Craftberry Bush // Turn a Closet into a Pantry – Tatertots & Jello
Organizing Your Party Planning – My 100 Year Old Home // Organizing Laundry Supplies – Zevy Joy // Spice Drawer Organization – Finding Lovely // How to Declutter and Decorate a Beautiful Home – So Much Better With Age
How To Organize Kitchen Drawers – Modern Glam // How I Keep My Home Organized – My Sweet Savannah // Whole Home Organization Ideas to Declutter Your Life – Grace In My Space // Medicine Cabinet Organization Ideas and Tips – Twelve On Main
10 Week Organizing Challenge – The Happy House // Fridge Organization and Storage – Inspiration for Moms // How to Organize Your Pantry – The Handmade Home // A Budget Friendly Linen Closet Makeover – The Tattered Pew
Mudroom Lockers Organization – Two Twenty One // Small Pantry Organization Ideas – The DIY Mommy // How to Organize Kids’ Rooms – Cassie Bustamante // 5 Easy Steps To Create An Organized Junk Drawer – She Gave It A Go // Organizing Tips for Traveling with Kids – Pink Peppermint Design
I do similar things with my kids when we travel. Such great tips!
Hugs, Jamie
LOVE these tips! I saved it to my organizing board so I can share it!
xoxo
such great tips for traveling with kids! i am not that organized!
Great ideas! Thanks for the tips!
We’ve tried traveling with my nephew when he was 4 years old. Oh my, it was a disaster. But, at least now we have an idea of how to keep him calm during a trip. Thanks for this!
this is such a great idea, I don’t know why I haven’t done it before either. While I usually keep things we will need for the travel in one bag, it makes more sense to give each kid their own to hold and take care of. This way they learn to be responsible for their things and they get to customize their bags to their liking and needs. Thanks for sharing this!