When you are traveling by airplane you have to pack using sturdy luggage pieces such as suitcases and duffel bags that will withstand the wear and tear that can happen during baggage handling. But when traveling by car I find that I can be much more organized and efficient if I pack for a road trip using a system of bins and tote bags to hold all of our clothes, toiletries, and other items that we will need for our adventure.
While I drive a rather large-sized vehicle and have room for lots of bins, I also need to take a lot of stuff with us on a road trip for our family of 8! But a bin and bag system will work in any sized car if you find bins to properly fit your space (and they especially work nicely in minivans and SUVs).
Start by measuring the trunk space you have to work with, paying particular attention to the depth of that space, and find bins that will fit your needs. I use these XL bins with latching handles This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. in the back of our car.
Because I didn't have enough room to fit four of these bins across the back of my car, I also purchased him some smaller 20-quart bins This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. to maximize my space and allow me to keep everything neat containerized and organized.
In each bin I can fit two reusable tote/shopping bags worth of clothing or other items that I want to take on this trip. And within one tote I can pack one day of shorts and tees for my entire family.
One bag will hold everyone's PJs, one bag will hold a pair of jeans for each person (in case it gets cold), or all of our rain jackets, a stack of sweatshirts, etc. The idea is to compartmentalize my packing and know exactly where everything is, so I can find it immediately when I need it.
How to Pack Toiletries for a Road Trip:
Another tip that I have when it comes to packing toiletries is to not put everything into one large toiletries bag. Separate your items into two categories- items that you'll need every day, such as shampoo, hair combs, toothbrushes, etc, and items that you'll need to take with you “just in case” like first aid items and some medications.
That way when you arrive at a hotel you only need to take in the bag of items that you know that you'll need that evening, and the rest of the toiletries can stay in the car until you need it.
Want to See Road Trip Organization in Action?
I created this YouTube video that shares exactly how I plan and organize our family road trip…. check it out:
Planning a Family Road Trip?
You might want to check out these other posts that offer tips and advice on planning and packing for road trips:
- Printable Road Trip Planner– a free printable and planning guide to help you plan your next road trip!
- Free Printable Road Trip Packing List
- How to Pack the Inside of Your Car for a Road Trip
- How to Plan a Great American Road Trip
- The Best Car Coolers for a Family Road Trip
And if you are looking for some more cool destinations:
- 10 Great Things to Do in Atlanta with Kids!
- 10 Great Things to Do In South Dakota with Kids!
- Great Things to Do in Bar Harbor, Maine with Kids!
- Things to Do in Williamsburg with Kids!
- Things to Do in New Smyrna Beach Florida with Kids!
- 5 Reasons to Visit Mammoth Caves with Kids
- 7 Great Things to Do in Lake Placid with Kids
Megan Lockridge says
Thank you, this is so helpful! I have 4 kids and we’re heading off on a cross country road trip this summer. I’ve been trying to think through this type of packing situation, but getting to actually see it in action is a game changer. Thank you for sharing!
Stacie deLeon says
Can u please tell me what’s on ur bin labels?
Sharon Rowley says
I labeled each bin according to what was in it… so I had a bin for shorts and tees- Day 1, shorts and tees, day 2, etc. I had a bin for sweatshirts and long pants, and another for PJs. I had a bin for toiletries and a bin for road/room snacks and so on. Within each bin were 2 shopping bags and in those bags were the items I’m describing. When we got to a stop for the night, I simply pulled out the bags we needed and handed it to one of the kids!
silvana says
Thank you! I soooooo needed all your advice and videos regarding road trips! I took the kids (at 4 and 3) from Chicago to KY for two weeks to help a friend last year. We loved it. This year my friend from KY and I (from Chicago’s suburbs) are meeting at Niagara falls for a three week vacation in Canada! Each of us has a boy and a girl. We will have a 3, 4, 5, and 6 year old! It will be a lot of fun… only if we plan it well. I was doing research on road trip packing…. I love the way you think! so practical! I am going to add the filing box with the traveling and hotel info, itinerary, and clipboard! I will work on my to do list, and the grocery list! I am looking for a map to put on the roof, and to get the next exit book (wondering if it will work in Canada).
I am an over prepared type of person! I already had my itinerary (hotels and activities) and even most of the food we will be eating!
Thank you again and again for sharing your tips. It will make my trip so much relaxing!
I am off to measure my mini-van´s trunk!
Sharon says
You are so welcome! From what I can tell- “Next Exit” only covers US highways…. so you’ll love it for the way there! But you’ll need to stick with your other guides for stops within Canada.
The Mommy says
Great idea! We rarely road trip with all 4 kids, but when we travel (we’re heading to Disney later this summer), I pack an outfit for each child (including undies and socks) into a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. You can squish all of the air out (which does kinda wrinkle everything, but still) and they can pick a bag with their name on it and get dressed! Voila! I also make sure to put pj’s on top so they can get ready for bed while I set everything up for the next day.
Beth says
Having the tubs is a good idea. I don’t think they will fit in our tiny car, but keeping the swim stuff seperate in a bag ready to go first is trick I learned a few years ago when we would get to our destination before the room was ready. I look forward to hearing about your road trip.
Erin {Home Everyday} says
Your tips are always so amazing and easy to follow. Thank you for sharing this. We are planning some road trips this Fall and I need to pin this!