Planning for your next family vacation? Trying to make it better? You must have realized that good packing is a good start.

1. Before packing

How to pack light and save space for the coming family travel?

Packing list

Start writing your list several days ahead of your travel. Do not add things that are not necessary for the travel, or you will get exceedingly heavy luggage. Daily necessities have no reason to be on the list; buy them from local stores or markets. By the way, preserve your packing list well in case you lost your luggage; you will need it for an insurance claim.

Clothes

Take into consideration the weather at your destination while you are preparing for the whole families' clothes. Consider the events and activities your family is going to participate and decide what clothes to take. Generally, casual and loose apparel will be good.

Flashlight

Flashlight is very helpful as you may go to unfamiliar places during the nights or in a power-off state. The flashlight will also act as fireworks but be cautious when using them, especially when your kids do so.

First-aid kit and detergent

A simple first-aid kit is strongly recommended in case of unforeseeable injuries and emergencies. Detergent also lies within the consideration because you and your kids are going out and might get dirty.

Think for your kids

Do not forget to bring some toys for your kids to play on your way. Or you can simply play games, such as road trip printouts, with your little ones. Do not bring forbidden toys onto airplanes if you travel by air.

2. Packing

You have got the packing list, now stick to your plan and get everything ready and then consider applying your luggage maximally and storing your belongings in order during packing.

Rolling clothes

Iron all clothes before packing them. In order to prevent wrinkles, roll them tightly. It is suggested to overlap three or four pieces of clothing flat and roll them to avoid wrinkles. Place large items into the luggage first, and then the small ones to fill the empty spaces, for example, place the underwear into the spaces between large items, and this will put the whole luggage to full use. Place frequently-used items on the top to avoid rummaging the luggage.

Placing toiletries into plastic bags

Use a zippered plastic bag to store your toiletries to prevent the leaking or melting and ruining other items.

For safety's sake, you'd better place important items such as your travel documents, camera, jewelry and keys into an inconspicuous bag. An unbranded black or dark-colored bag will be safer.

Don't forget to tie a unique and easily-recognizable rope to your luggage. This will help you quickly spot your luggage among others, and reduce the possibility of other travelers' taking it by mistake.