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PACKING light might seem impossible with kids in tow, but for Sarah Thompson, it’s second nature.
After years of short-haul getaways and family holidays abroad, the mum-of-two from Manchester, has become an expert on efficient packing and saving money while doing so.
Sarah, 39, teamed up with Naturetrek, a travel expert, to share her practical strategies for travelling with only cabin baggage — even on five-day trips with children.
Roll, don’t fold
“Rolling clothes isn’t just about saving space — it helps prevent creasing and keeps everything compact,” says Sarah.
“I roll entire outfits together per person and secure them with elastic bands or silicone straps. Each roll has everything: a top, bottoms, underwear, and socks — so when we unpack, the kids just grab a roll for the day, and we’re ready.”
She adds that rolled clothes fit better into small packing cubes, which makes it easier to organise by outfit or day, so you’re not digging through your case mid-trip.
Read More on Travel Hacks
Outfit planning is key
Before every trip, Sarah checks the weather forecast for the destination and plans accordingly.
“Without a plan, you end up packing for every possible scenario and bringing double what you need,” she says.
Her golden rule is to choose mix-and-match basics.
“Neutral colours and light layers are key. I pack two tops, one pair of jeans, leggings or shorts, one warmer layer, and one outfit that’s slightly dressier — for dinners or outings. We also bring one pair of pyjamas each and a swimwear set if needed.”
Sarah uses her phone to make a quick checklist per child — including outfits, underwear, and extras — and ticks them off while packing. “It’s simple, and I always have it with me in case I forget what we brought.”
Use packing cubes or pouches
Packing cubes are a game-changer, especially when sharing a suitcase. “I colour-code them so we’re not rummaging at every hotel stop,” says Sarah.
“It makes unpacking much quicker, especially with tired kids.”
She also keeps a clear resealable pouch at the top of the bag with all the family’s liquids — like suncream, toothpaste, and shampoo — to speed through airport security.
“I have a small cable and medicine pouch too — it keeps chargers, plasters, and paracetamol all in one place.”
Mini everything
Rather than buying new travel-size toiletries every time, Sarah uses refillable 100ml bottles. “We fill them with the kids’ usual shampoo and soap — hotel products can irritate their skin.”
She labels each bottle clearly with waterproof stickers and includes a few essentials people often forget: bite cream, mini toothpaste, moisturiser, and sunblock.
“You’d be surprised how much money you save not having to rebuy these abroad.”
Shoes take the most space
Her rule? Two pairs per person: one to wear, one to pack.
“We wear the trainers on the plane and pack flip-flops or canvas slip-ons. Shoes are great for stuffing — I fill mine with rolled socks, chargers or belts to avoid wasted space.”
She skips anything bulky or impractical, focusing on versatile, walkable options that suit multiple outfits.
Wear the heavy stuff on the plane
To save space, Sarah always dresses the family in their bulkiest items for the flight — like coats, jumpers, or hiking boots. “Even if it’s warm, planes get chilly, and it means more room in the bag.”
Each child brings a small backpack with their book, toy, or tablet, plus snacks. “It keeps them entertained and keeps essentials close.”
Holiday packing tips
Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday.
1. Write a list
Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase.
Or for complete ease, try Google’s AI app – Gemini – which will create a list for you and help you not over pack.
2. Involve your kids
Jemma said: “My girls are getting older, they’re 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say ‘this is what you need’ and they follow the list.
“And then I give them a rucksack each – and say to them ‘you can have whatever you want in there as long as it’s not liquid’, and they can take that on the plane. And that’s their ‘home away from home’ items.”
3. Try a hack or two
She said: “I think they all work, but for different reasons – and you’ve just got to pick the right one for your trip.
“Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you’re trying to get a lot of items into your case, it’s a space saver.
“Packing cubes are great – for example, I’m going on holiday with my three kids and we’re all using the same suitcase for our clothes.
“These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked.
“I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we’ve arrived.”
4. Decant beauty products
Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets – which are much lighter and smaller.
Or, if you’ll be popping to the shops when you’re abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive.
5. Get organised before you come home
Jemma said: “When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes.
“Also pack it in some form of order – so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person.
“Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don’t leave it.”
Take a foldable tote bag
Sarah always packs a foldaway tote. “They’re brilliant — it takes up no room but can carry snacks, swimming gear, or shopping. If we buy souvenirs, it becomes an extra carry-on for the flight home.”
She’s also used it for dirty laundry or separating wet clothes at the end of the trip. “It’s saved me so many times.”
Laundry on the go
To avoid overpacking, Sarah packs a small bottle of travel detergent or uses hotel shampoo to hand wash essentials. “Spills happen with kids — washing one t-shirt is better than bringing three extras.”
Save over £80 per trip
Hold luggage on low-cost airlines can cost £20 to £40 per bag, per journey. “For a family of four, that’s up to £160 — just for luggage,” Sarah says.
“We’d rather spend that on activities or a nice meal.”
Travelling with just hand luggage also means no queues at baggage claim or risk of lost suitcases. “We’re off the plane and straight into holiday mode.”
