Visual Packing Checklist for Kids

When the boys were toddlers, I would toss everything we needed for a trip into one large suitcase before heading on a family trip. (I didn’t know about the over-the-closet shoe organizer for clothing—a Brilliant hack!) Now that I have older children who are 6, 8, and 10, they can pack their suitcases themselves with some help from this free printable visual packing checklist for kids. Now, every family member can pack for themself. Family goals! And I made it for you to print from home and use, too.

Table of Contents:

1. At what age can kids pack their suitcases?
2. Free Printable Packing List
3. How to use the packing checklist
4. Supply List for Trips
5. Helping kids become more independent
6. Empower your child with skills to thrive.

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At what age can kids pack their suitcases?

Earlier than you may think! Children develop independent skills at a very young age. The important step is getting good at one task before moving on to another. We can help children become more independent by clearly and patiently introducing responsibilities.

Gathering items from a visual checklist is a tool your child can use to pack their suitcases. The important puzzle piece is walking young children through the steps with your child the first few times until they become proficient.

For children to understand and master the task, we must also walk them through using the checklist to model how to check off as we go. It will take a few times, but the work upfront will pay off to more independent packing down the road. (I promise!)

And as a parent, I get it.

Sometimes, it is more time-consuming to help your child understand how to complete a task than to do it yourself. We move at lightning speed, trying to gather all the parts and pieces leading up to a family vacation.

Use the step-by-step directions below to help navigate how to introduce and hand off packing to your child.

RELATED: This chores for toddler post offers a simple list to help include your child in daily tasks around the home.

How to use the packing checklist

The packing process can be daunting without a list and a few helpful steps. Good news! This packing list will help take one thing off your plate.

1. Enter your email (no spam, simply new ideas in your inbox every Monday and Wednesday morning).
2. Print the printable packing checklist.
3. Put the packing list into a plastic sleeve. (In the supply list below.)
4. BEFORE packing day, introduce the packing list to your child.
5. Chat about the checklist. (This works well over a snack.) Ask your child, “How many pairs of pants do you need for next week’s trip?” Discuss the different clothing items you may need. Is there something that needs to be added to the packing list?
6. Casually talk about the different items and what may be needed.
7. When ready to pack, reintroduce the packing list.
8. Use a dry-erase marker to write how many items must be in the suitcase.
9. Work TOGETHER. Point to each item and collect the total amount together.
10. Check off each item from the packing list as you go.

PRO TIP: Putting the time on the front end to work through the visual checklist together will help your child have a better understanding. Over time, you will notice they take on this task without your help.

Supply List for Trips

Here are a few items my children use when packing for a trip or overnight stay. The clear plastic sleeves for the supply checklist and the suitcases have held up well over time. I would also like to keep a first aid kit in the car. Next time you pack, you will have everything you need!

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Helping kids become more independent

Helping children become more independent is possible! I created this deck of soft skill activity cards to help guide you through each skill. My suggestion is to work through one skill at a time and get really good at it before moving to the next.

RELATED: This post is a must-read if you are headed to Disney World.