A Last-Minute Summer Holiday Packing List for Families

Summer is the time for unforgettable family adventures. Whether you’re planning an action-packed staycation exploring the great UK outdoors or jetting off to sunnier shores, one challenge unites parents everywhere: holiday packing. From making sure you’ve crammed in every tiny item of clothing to not forgetting the all-important cuddly companions, getting the holiday packing right is a skill. 
As local experts at helping families move and store their belongings, we’ve designed the ultimate holiday packing list for families to make sure not a single toy or travel essential gets left behind. With these tips, you can float off on your next family adventure panic- and tantrum-free.

What To Pack for a Summer Beach Holiday? The Full Packing List for Families

Hand Luggage

Remember those all-important carry-on essentials to keep kids happy and entertained on the journey: 

• Tablet/smartphone loaded with games/movies
• Headphones
• Snacks and water
• Colouring books/puzzle books
• A few small toys
• Wipes
• Change of clothes
• Comfort toy/blanket

Travel Documents

If you’re planning a family holiday abroad this summer, remember to pack all the required travel documents for your overseas trip. Depending on your destination, you may need to apply for a visa before you can enter the country. 

Remember to do your research ahead of time and come prepared. A few essential documents to bring along include: 

• Passports
• Travel insurance documents
• Boarding passes
• Visa (if required)
• Printed reservations/confirmation numbers

Kids’ Clothes

No matter if you’re headed to blazing hot beaches or embracing the classic British summer, having the right clothes packed is crucial. Kids can get grubby fast, so it’s wise to overpack a few extras! 

Remember to adjust the quantity to the number of days you plan to travel. Generally, a good rule of thumb is one shirt per day and one pair of shorts/bottoms for every two to three days. Pack a couple of extra sets of pyjamas too in case of any late-night spills or accidents. 

Use the below holiday packing list for one child on a one-week trip as a starting point, and simply double or triple up the quantities for your family:

• 7–10 T-shirts/tops
• 3–4 pairs of shorts
• 1–2 pairs of jeans/trousers
• 10 sets of underwear and socks
• 2 sweaters/hoodies
• 1 lightweight jacket
• 1–2 pyjama sets
• 1 swimsuit
• 1 rash vest/swim shirt
• 1 sun hat 
• 1 pair of sandals 
• 1 pair of closed-toe shoes

Parents’ Clothes

Don’t forget to pack for yourselves too! Clothing to include: 

• 7 tops/T-shirts
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 2 dresses/skirts for her
• 7 undergarments
• 2 swimsuits
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat/baseball cap
• Flip flops
• Nicer shoes for going out
• Lightweight jacket

Baby Essentials

Babies require enough equipment to make moving a house look simple. Don’t leave home without:

• Plenty of nappies
• Wipes
• Bottles and formula/breast pump
• Changing mat
• Baby monitor
• Pram
• Toys 
• Baby sunscreen and hat
• Baby blanket 
• Dummy or some sort of comfort item 

Health & Medical

Accidents and illnesses can easily derail a family holiday if you’re not prepared. From messy slips on the beach to bouts of traveller’s tummy from local street food, stocking up with the right medications is key to keeping the kids happy and out of harm’s way. These supplies include:

• Compact travel first aid kit
• All current prescription medications
• Paracetamol/ibuprofen for aches, pains, and fevers
• Adhesive bandages and antiseptic cream
• Decongestants/expectorants for colds
• Antihistamines for allergies or insect bites
• Insect repellent
• Anti-diarrhoea medication
• Thermometer
• Tweezers and scissors
• Rehydration sachets

Toiletries

Somehow toiletries always get forgotten in the holiday packing frenzy. Make a list and check it twice to avoid any “uh-oh” moments when you arrive!

• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash/soap
• Sunscreen (factor 30+ for kids)
• After-sun lotion
• Deodorant
• Hairbrush and hair ties
• Nail clippers
• Medications/first aid kit
• Nappy supplies if needed

Entertainment

Long journeys and rainy days require a vast reserve of toys and games to keep little ones occupied. An under-packed entertainment stash can spell disaster! Remember to pack:

• Tablet/smartphone loaded with games/movies
• Portable games console
• Colouring books and crayons/pencils
• Two or three favourite cuddly toys
• Books and comics
• Inflatable beach ball
• Beach bucket and spade set
• Frisbee
• Beach ball
• Kite
• Snorkel set
• Inflatable pool toys
• Travel board games like Uno, Connect 4, and Guess Who?

Make More Family Memories With Wigwam Self Storage

As you pack up for those long-awaited summer adventures, don’t let clutter at home cast a cloud over your family memories. Whether you’re getting organised before a big move or just need to reclaim some space from the kids’ ever-growing toy collection, Wigwam’s personal storage units provide the perfect answer.

Our secure, modern storage facilities across Oxfordshire, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire offer flexible storage spaces that grow with your family’s needs, no matter how big or small. 

Get started with a free quote online, or contact your nearest Wigwam location to chat with one of our storage experts.