Are we there yet? Are we there yet?! Are we THERE YET?!
Who else hears this whenever you get in to car to drive anywhere!? Well you are not alone. So what do you pack for these trips to keep the kids occupied an your sanity in tact?
As some of you know, we are about to take a long drive to our new home. It is about 20 hours of driving over 2-3 days (my father seems to think we can do it in 2, but I’m preparing myself for 3).
Although I will have the DVD player and snacks available at a moment’s notice (sanity is priority, mind you), I also want to make sure that I will have everything I need and that I will know where it is when I need it.
BE ORGANIZED
Organization is really key when planning a road trip/move with kids. You need to know exactly where everything is and have it accessible at a moment’s notice because let’s face it, kids are not always patient. I usually block off my car into 5 zones with the necessary items in each zone.
Zone 1 – For the Parents
Let’s start with us-the parents or adults in the car. After all, we are the ones who have to prepare for everyone else, so why not make sure we have what we need as well?
This Zone is usually located in front of the passenger seat or in/on the middle console. Since hubby isn’t traveling with me this time, I’ll just focus on what I would bring: Fanny pack (with money, ID, phone, phone charger, headphones and a space to hold odds and ends) which I got here, Car console charger (similar to this one) for all electronics needs, adult snacks, water bottle (I use my Hydroflask because it stays cold for so long) and my CD collection. I put my favorites in a small holder like this to keep them easy to grab **there is a coupon code for the link to the CD holder**. I also have a phone mount to help with any directions. I got mind at the Dollar Store!
Zone 2- Food
This is by far the most important zone. I put a cooler and a canvas bag of food behind the driver’s seat. I also use containers with compartments and lids for each kid to help contain the snacks and make for easy choosing and munching on the go. My current favorites I got from amazon here. These are smaller than some of the other compartment containers because my kids are still little. They don’t need that many options for snacks! I am writing a separate blog post on what I put in them, so stay tune! Comment below with your favorite road trip snack for your kids!
Zone 3 – Fun
This is the Zone for things such as books, movies, tablets, games, toys and anything else you will need to help keep your littles occupied. Don’t forget the BATTERIES for any electronic devices! This zone is right in front of the middle seat between Zone 2 and 4.
One tip is to have each child have their own bags full of stuff. They can keep these next to their seat. Scour the dollar store or Target Dollar spot for awesome items to add in their bags. Your wallet will thank you! I have broken down what I have found for my littles here.
Zone 4 – The Dirty stuff
Kids are messy. That’s just a fact of life. Dirty diapers, accidents, food, and dirt are just part of it. These items are kept behind the passenger seat on the floor within easy reach if needed.
I always make sure to have a COUPLE change of clothes per person (adults included), at least 12 diapers, diaper cream, baby wipes, baby powder, paci’s, and bibs.
I also include stuff for carsickness, such as Dramamine, small barf bags, SeaBands, candy to suck on and some ginger ale. I put all these items in a large tote bag from 31 since they are sturdy at the base and do not fold into themselves.
I also keep gallon size ziplock bags with a small amount of powder laundry detergent or Oxy-clean. This is for those blow outs/spills/messes on clothing that a simple wipe wont do. Just add water and the clothes, shake, and they will be able to soak until you are able to wash.
Zone 5 – Odds and Extras
So this zone is for the area of the car for all the extra stuff that you wont need right away. For us, this would include Pack n’ Plays (we have two cause our littles are young), luggage, the travel high chair, the Bumbo Seat (or something like it), Puddle Jumpers (for the hotel pools), and a small stroller.
I also keep the baby carrier, the “long term cooler” (if traveling with Breastmilk) and pillows/blankets. These are all usually stored in the back/trunk and are only taken out when we have stopped at our destinations at the end of the days.
