I’m a mum who found a life-changing packing hack for holidays – and it’s all thanks to a cheap Amazon buy
IF you’re lucky enough to be jetting abroad this summer, then you’ve come to the right place.
With the kids off school for six weeks, if you’ve got plans to go on holiday and want to make your life that little bit easier, luckily for you, we’ve got just the thing.
A savvy mum has shared her “game changer” hack that will make packing your little ones suitcase so much easier – and it’ll ensure that your hotel room stays super tidy too.
Samantha, a woman from the UK who has a daughter named Luna-Joan, took to social media to share her packing advice, leaving many open-mouthed.
The savvy mum explained that thanks to a £9 buy from Amazon, packing her child’s suitcase is a breeze.
She described the hack as “the best packing hack you will ever see in your whole life”, as she said: “If you’re going away with little ones, toddlers or even for yourself, this is gonna change the game for packing.”
Samantha advised parents to order themselves a large shoe organiser, which can be hung on the back of doors.
She explained that you can nab the “really cheap” buys for just £9 on Amazon.
She then shared: “You’re gonna wanna separate all of your little ones outfits into days and then pop them into these little shoe organiser sections.
“There’s more than 14 so if you’re going for two weeks, so you can pop hats in one, shoes in one, all that jazz.”
Once you have put each outfit into each pocket, you can then fold the organiser up, and pack it straight into your suitcase.
Thanks to this trick, Samantha claimed that there will be “no messing about”, and you will feel like an “organised Queen”.
This is because you won’t have to worry about unpacking when you arrive at your destination, as Samantha continued: “You get to your hotel, pop it on the back of the door – everything’s not all over your room like mine usually is.”
Thrilled with her packing hack, the content creator beamed: “This has honestly changed the holiday experience for me.”
How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays
IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place...
BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there’s nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: “Don’t feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun.
“Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time.
“Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, ‘What do you think you could do?’ and maybe have a list of ‘I’m bored’ activity ideas on the fridge.”
SCREEN OVERLOAD: It’s tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don’t let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen.
Liat says: “It’s unfair to expect older kids to power down but it’s important to set some ground rules.
“Set family tech rules together. If you’re often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren’t allowed any screen time until they’ve done set chores, some exercise, or a board game.
“Are there times when you’d like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit.
“Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.”
TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime.
Liat says: “If you’re juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it’s normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace.
“If you can’t afford or don’t want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids’ workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours.
“Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn’t make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.”
SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of Helperbees.co.uk says: “Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken.
“Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea.
“We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood.
“Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.”
EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier.
Dr Bugembe says: “Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather.
“Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they’re wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun.
“Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They’ll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.”
SOCIAL MEDIA USERS REACT
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @samanthahesketh4.0, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 62,000 views.
Social media users were impressed with the simple but effective hack and many took to the comments to express this.
Seen Stacey Solomon do this, total game changer
TikTok user
One person said: “Omg game changer, cracking idea.”
Another added: “Fab idea!”
A third commented: “This is amazing!!”
Whilst someone else beamed: “Seen Stacey Solomon do this, total game changer.”
To this, Samantha replied and wrote: “I can’t believe I never thought to do it before!”
Top Hacks for Holidaying with Kids
IF you've got plans to go on holiday with your little ones this summer, here's some advice to take on board.
Plan Ahead:
- Book accommodations with family-friendly amenities.
- Research kid-friendly attractions and activities.
- Make travel arrangements that accommodate your children’s schedules.
Pack Smart:
- Create a packing checklist to ensure you don’t forget essentials.
- Pack a mix of familiar and new toys to keep kids entertained.
- Bring snacks, extra clothes, and emergency supplies in your carry-on.
Travel Comfort:
- Use neck pillows and blankets for a more comfortable journey.
- Download movies, games, and music on tablets or phones.
- Schedule travel during nap times or overnight to maximise sleep.
Stay Organized:
- Use packing cubes to keep clothes and items sorted.
- Keep important documents, like passports and tickets, in a dedicated folder.
- Utilise apps for itinerary management and navigation.
Engage and Entertain:
- Plan interactive activities like scavenger hunts or travel journals.
- Explore local parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly museums.
- Involve kids in trip planning to get them excited and engaged.
Maintain Routine:
- Stick to regular meal and sleep times as much as possible.
- Bring along comfort items, like favorite blankets or stuffed animals.
- Allow for downtime to avoid overstimulation.
Stay Flexible:
- Be prepared to adjust plans based on your children’s needs and moods.
- Embrace the unexpected and make the most of impromptu moments.
- Keep a positive attitude to set the tone for a fun and memorable trip.
These hacks can help make your holiday with kids smoother, more enjoyable, and will ensure that you return home with wonderful memories!