Mom Hack: Using a Shoe Organizer to Pack Clothes for Traveling with Kids

Traveling with kids can be a whirlwind of chaos and excitement, especially when you’re hitting the road for a long drive. As a mom of an 8-year-old and a 3-month-old, I’ve found that the key to a successful trip is all in the preparation. One game-changing hack I discovered for our recent drive from New York to South Carolina was using a simple shoe organizer to pack my kids’ clothes. Here’s how I did it and why it made our journey so much smoother.

The Shoe Organizer Hack

Step 1: Choose the Right Organizer
First, I picked up a sturdy, clear plastic shoe organizer with 24 pockets. The clear pockets make it easy to see what’s inside without rummaging through each one, which is perfect for quick access on the road.

Step 2: Plan and Pack
I used the shoe organizer to pack outfits for each day of our trip. For my 8-year-old, I packed an outfit (shirt, shorts/pants, underwear, and socks) in each pocket. For my 3-month-old, I packed onesies, pants, socks, diapers and bibs. This way, everything was compartmentalized and ready to go.

Step 3: Fold It Up
Once packed, I simply folded the organizer and placed in the suitcase. One can easily fit on a carryon suitcase but two can fit in a larger one.

Why It’s So Great for Traveling

1. Easy Access and Organization
With a shoe organizer, all the clothes are neatly packed and easy to find. No more digging through a suitcase or bag to find that one missing sock. Each pocket holds a complete outfit, so getting dressed is a breeze. This was especially handy for my 8-year-old, who loved the independence of grabbing his own clothes.

2. Reduces Stress
Having everything organized and within easy reach made our trip much less stressful. There was no frantic searching for a clean onesie after a spit-up incident or trying to remember where I packed the extra socks. Everything had its place, which made the journey more pleasant for everyone.

3. Keeps Kids Engaged
The clear pockets made it fun for my 8-year-old to choose his outfits each day. It also helped him stay engaged and feel like he had a part in the trip, which is a big plus when you’re spending hours in the car.

Traveling from New York to South Carolina with an 8-year-old and a 3-month-old was no small feat, but the shoe organizer hack made it significantly easier.

If you’re gearing up for a road trip with kids, give this hack a try. It’s a simple, inexpensive solution that can make a world of difference in your travel experience. Happy travels!

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