How much clothing to pack for a one month trip?
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Anonymous
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We are leaving for a month long trip. We are going to a very hot place and will stay in a rental with washing machine. No dryer though.
I tend to overpack, so this time I came to DCUrban Mom for insight. So far, I have separated my 3 y old clothes for the trip: 9 summer dresses (including trip outfit and change in case of accidents) 2/2 shirts/skirts outfits 2/2 shorts/shirts outfits 2 swimming clothes / 1 dress to over swimming clothes 10 underwear (still have some accidents sometimes) 1 flip flop 2 Sandals What do you think? Also, suggestion of what to pack for me? No skirts or shorts, only dresses and pants/shirts (linen pants). How much of each? Thanks! |
Anonymous
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No sneakers or long pants or a light jacket? What if there are cool nights or bugs?
What about PJs? |
Anonymous
Pjs yes, and one light cardigan for the plane. But I just came back from another trip and she refused/made a big drama about wearing anything other than her "sparkling shoes." Right now she hates pants (another huge drama when I made her wear one pair during our last trip) because they make her look "like a boy."  Sometimes I press the issue, but since we are going to a very hot place, I think I will take my chances without any pants. I will let the drama begin again in the fall...
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Anonymous
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I'd bring more skirts/shirts than dresses as it gives you more flexibility if stains crop up. If you're not bringing a closed toe shoe option, at least bring some sturdy socks to wear with the sandals.
Drying shouldn't be a problem unless you're going someplace very humid, in which case thin fabric is your friend- especially around seams and waists. Pack some ikea clothespins and some twine or string to rig a drying line. Make sure there's some airflow where you place it. |
Anonymous
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I wouldn't bring linen unless I knew I would have access to an iron. Dresses are so much easier, and cooler in hot weather. If I was going to be hiking, I'd pack something like this:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mountain-hardwear-yuma-pants-upf-50-for-women~p~4493p/ Dries very quickly so you'd only need one pair. |
Anonymous
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I always pack more tops, less bottoms. I always pack a weeks worth of clothes- even if I have access to laundry.
Even though where you are going is super hot, a pair of pants is always a good idea- especially at night if there's bugs due to humidity. Even a pair of leggings would work for your DD. I would bring at least 3 bathing suits per family member, assuming you will be in the water a lot. A light jacket or zip up sweatshirt is necessary for plane travel- airplanes are freezing. Why no sneakers? She can wear them on plane. I don't know where you are going but I never travel without sneakers. Don't forget a hat and sunglasses for everyone in the family. Where are you going, just curious... |
Anonymous
Last time I forced her to wear a pair of jeans (more like leggings) and sneakers for the trip (because it would be could in the airplane). I got so much misery that I gave up and let her wear a skirt with the sneakers. Once we got there, she didn't wear the sneakers not even once! Or the boots, or the crocs. Only those awful jelly sparkling shoes that are actually too big and that I hate, hate hate! At least her feet got a little bigger in the meantime and they fit better now. We are going to Provence. I will pack one or two pairs of leggings. Thanks! |
Anonymous
| As someone who tries to pack as lightly as possible (and I still feel like I over pack for myself and kids), I would recommend scaling back when you have access to a washing machine. If your kid has accidents, it's not like you're going to let urine soaked clothes go unwashed for days anyway. If things have to hang to dry, choose fabrics that will be forgiving for wrinkles and/or not need ironing to look decent. |
Anonymous
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I would cut it down to 5-7 dress/skirt outfits plus a shorts/capris outfit (hiking?). You can wash frequently, if needed. Or even just quick hand wash. You could throw more outfits into her suitcase if there's room or if you detest laundry, but I don't think you really need them.
I think dresses/sandals are fine, as long as the sandals are good-fitting and she can walk a lot in them. My DD lived in dresses/sandals for 3 years and had no problems. Everything else on your list sounds fine. I'd definitely bring a warmer option for the plane though - that is a long time to be cold. Maybe the leggings like you mentioned. And socks. Put them in your carry-on until she complains about the cold. 
We spent 6 weeks in Spain last summer and definitely overpacked. |