How ADHD Moms Conquer Vacation Stress with Packing Lists

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For ADHD moms, embarking on a family vacation can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. The joy of spending quality time with your children is often accompanied by the stress of managing multiple tasks, including packing.

I didn’t always think of travel prep this way, it was just stressful, But last year after a series of events I discovered I am a lot like my kids, I have ADHD just like them and being organized and remembering all the things are very much weaknesses of it!

Now I am building new hacks and habits to help myself do better instead of feeling down on myself so we can have family adventures that are full of fun and not stressful for anyone. My latest strategy has made our summer so much easier as everyone was traveling in different directions.

I made a new printable packing list so I don’t have to remember all the things and my kids can be more independent in getting some self ready for each trip. It has been a game-changer for us and alleviates the stress during vacation planning and preparation. To make it even easier, I’m sharing my list with you so you can use it to make your next trip stress free.

Streamline Your Vacation with Organizational Shortcuts

ADHD often makes it challenging to stay organized, especially when faced with numerous details. In my everyday life I live by the notes in my planner and my reusable notebook, called a Rocketbook. When we start planning our family vacations, i start taking notes, so I can remember what we talked about the next time I sit down to work on the details.

The packing list I created has all the basics on it but it also has fill in the blanks and choices to circle so we can customize it on the fly for each adventure no matter the season or duration. When the kids get their list they have to write down how long we are going to be gone, or as we call it “how many sleeps”. Then they have to decide if they need long sleeves or short sleeves based on the season and location. And there are bonus options to add like swimsuits and hiking gear.

These choices give the kids control in some of planning before they start using their list to pack their belongings. The notes they make on their list ensures that nothing important is overlooked while reducing the mental load on our already busy minds.

A Tangible Packing Solution for ADHD Moms

Visual cues play a crucial role in managing ADHD symptoms. I have come to terms that the piles all over my house are actually helpful to my ADHD because I can see everything all the time. Having the packing list in front of each of us as we pack. By visually checking off each item as you gather them, you create a sense of accomplishment, providing positive reinforcement and reducing anxiety.

I always check everyone’s suitcase with them before they finish so we can double check their work and see if anything needs to be swapped out for something different. They can be confident as they pack that they remember everything and its more about mom wanting them to wear a different shirt instead of forgetting the underwear.

Relieve the Burden of Remembering all the Things

ADHD can affect working memory, one of the executive functioning skills needed for everyday living. It can make it difficult to remember tasks and details. The kids packing list relieves part of my thinking burden as their list helps them remember to pack everything and I can let my brain focus on the other details of our trip.

I use my Fusion Rocket Book planning pages to write our trip itinerary so it’s in one place and I can start grocery lists and last minute lists in the book as well. No loose papers to keep track of and always plenty of scratch paper while we are traveling too.

By having everything written down, in the same place, you can refer to the notebook whenever you need, reducing the likelihood of forgetting important things. And when the trip is over you can wipe the Rocketbook pages clean or scan them to the cloud to reference for the next adventure.

Empowering Independence: Engage Your Kids in the Process

My kids have ADHD just like me so they need to work on their Executive Functioning skills and learn to organize their belongings when they travel. The packing list also helps them develop good habits and strategies for themselves. Kids thrive when they have a sense of responsibility and autonomy.

By involving them in the packing process using the packing list, the kids are empowered and take ownership of their own belongings. They have to think through planning for the trip as they choose the right clothes for the location and season, the purpose of the trip and what activities we plan to do.

Traveling for a wedding requires very different packing than a camping trip or a trip north in the winter. They can actively check off items as they add them to the suitcase and learn the habits of packing on their own.

Download the Family Adventure Planning Kit

To help your next trip go smoother, download my list and use it with your kids. I have added a few bonus pages that we use when we travel as well. As I said, I take all the notes when planning as someone with ADHD and now i’m sharing my system with you.

You will find additional packing lists for the whole family for different types of activities and meal planning pages we use when we are camping or traveling. These have spaces for 3 daily meals and daily activities as well to give you a trip overview. It helps us know what meals we will eat on the road, at the hotel or with friends. There are options for different size trips as well, 3 days, 4 days and 7 days.

Grab the Family Adventure Planning Kit Now!

Additional Resources:

Traveling is one of our favorite perks to the homeschool life. Planning the trip can be a hassle but the learning and memories we make along the way are worth it. Read some of our other tips on homeschooling and traveling as a family.

ADHD shouldn’t get in the way of family Vacation

As a mom with ADHD, managing the stress of vacation planning can be overwhelming. However, using a packing list for your kids and planning pages for you can be a helpful tool in reducing your stress levels and ensuring a smoother vacation experience. By using this Family Adventure Planning Kit, you can simplify your preparations and focus on creating wonderful memories with your family.