Are you heading to a cottage this summer? Here are some tips for packing what you need to enjoy some great family time this summer.
Are you heading to a cottage this summer? Figuring out what to pack can be stressful, since it may not be easy to pick up something you’ve left behind. There is also the added challenge of being able to fit everything in the car! We've been lucky enough to be able to take our kids to a cottage every summer, here are some of the things we've learned along the way.
1. Don't overpack
Kids will often spend the days in their bathing suits and don’t need a lot of extra clothes. Plus, if the cottage doesn’t have laundry, you can always wash clothes out and hand them to dry or find a laundromat in town.
2. Find out what will be provided
If you are heading to a friend’s cottage, chances are they will provide linens, towels and you will be sharing the kitchen space. If you are renting a cottage, check to see if the owners are providing some of these items for you. Depending on the rental, you may have access to toys or games as well. (Make sure to ask if you will have access to laundry!)
3. Make a list of your essentials
Along with clothes and toiletries for everyone, remember to add these things to your list:
- First aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray (including after care for bites)
- Any condiments you might need (even if you are picking up groceries, you may not want to buy a whole bottle of some spices or condiments)
- Any kitchen utensils (or BBQ tools) not provided, including serving bowls/plates and tupperware for leftovers
- Other misc items like garbage bags, ziploc bags, a flashlight and laundry detergent
4. Toys and activities for the kids
Pack some activities for rainy days or when the kids need some quiet time. Puzzles and games are great (and can make for great quality family time) and craft activities can keep kids busy for hours. One of our favourite activities is to tape some brown craft paper to the outside cottage wall and let the kids create a mural with paints. This keeps the mess outside and it a great way to all kids to create something together. Sand toys, sports equipment are also great ways to keep kids busy.
A couple of other tips:
- Smaller bags are better than bigger ones – easier to pack in small nooks in the car, easier to keep similar things together
- Try to keep like things together – it will save you some time later when you are looking for someone's water wings or glue for a craft activity
- Bring a camera – you will want to remember these family moments!
Enjoy!
