The moment I need to pack, be that for a weekend getaway or a week-long adventure, my mind goes blank. There are just so many decisions to make in the packing process that my mind shuts down and images a city during lockdown. Sure it should be simple enough: grab a suitcase, throw in some clothes, not forgetting a toothbrush. Add in three kids, and the possibility of self-catering and you have the perfect conditions for a pre-holiday Mama meltdown.
And then I always forget something, like hands-soap. Why on earth do self-catering apartments never provide hand soap? I can count on two hands the number of times I have had to run out for hand soap as my first line of business when arriving at a new destination. And each time I did this I promised next time, I wouldn’t forget to pack some. Something had to change. Enter the cure to all my packing problems: my grab and go travel kit.
That’s right. In a cupboard in my office, you will find ready to go at a moments notice, everything we need to make staying in a holiday apartment. And best yet it took my only 30 minutes to put together. No more wracking my brain wondering what to pack and rarely do we have to run to the grocery store on arrival for more than some perishables. Enter a new calmer Kristin!
Ready to make your own? Grab a bunch of large ziplock bags, and let’s start preparing. Your future self will thank you!
Tips before creating your Grab and Go apartment supplies
- Collect sample sizes of products for your travel kit. They are a perfect size! Think washing powder, spice samples etc.
- Keep your supplies once gathered all together, ready to go. We keep ours in a box with our other travel supplies like packing cubes.
- Keep a note of what was missing during each trip and add them when you return home. After a couple of trips, your kit will have everything you need.
- Refill as soon as you get home, so everything is ready next time around.
- Make a card for each pack stating what belongs in each. Not only does it make it easier to know what to refill after each trip, but you can also note what needs to be added last minute.
The Kitchen Bag
No more disappointment when your rental apartment doesn’t have the basics on hand, your kitchen kit has all the tools you need to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner if so need be
- Paper towel
- Tupperware for leftovers
- Ziplock bag for leftovers
- Tea Bowl
- Washing cloth/Sponge/Brush
- Dishwashing liquid
- Dishwasher tablets
- Vegetable Knife
- Peeler
- Swiss Army knife
- Shopping bag
The Food Bag
Gather together the basics you use at nearly every meal and keep a note of perishables to add once you arrive
- Salt and Pepper
- Oil
- Vinegar
- Chocolate Powder
- Jam
- Coffee capsules (I per person per day)
- Ketchup, Mayo and chilli sauce
- Tea Bags
- Stock cubes
- Mexican Seasoning
- Oats
The Toiletries Bag
We have travel toiletries bags ready to go for each family member. No matter if we are travelling individually to a hotel or a sleepover, or as a family to an apartment, packing is a breeze.
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- hairbrush (hairbands)
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Shower Gel/Soap
- deodorant
- shaver
- dental floss
- moisturiser
- lip balm
- cotton buds
- nail file
- small soap bar for hand washing
- a note to add in vitamins
The Medical Bag
Be prepared for unexpected fevers, coughs and grazed needs with a prepacked medical kit. I check this bag after every trip to make sure nothing has expired. The only thing I need to add before a trip is our thermometer. Here is a list to get you started, but of course adapt to your own needs.
- pain relief for adults and kids not forgetting measuring spoons
- sunscreen
- mozzie replant
- antiseptic cream
- plasters
- nose spray
- medication for tummy troubles
- masks
- hand disinfectant
- a note to add in thermometer and any prescription medication
Extras
Apartments often only give you are “get you started kit” which is excellent for a night or two. Avoid running to the shops for toilet paper or hand soap and pack these extras
- Laundry Detergent
- Stain remover
- Toilet paper
- Hand soap
- Tissues
