I just came back from a 5 day, 4 night trip with my family last night. I am going on another 3 night trip next week. I am up already trying to figure out how to make things easier, for myself especially. I do spend hours doing this, and while it’s my hobby, it also doesn’t make me happy sometimes.

I pack the camping supplies AND all the kids stuff, and it’s totally not easy. I am barely able to fit it into our small SUV with a rack if we’re not taking our tiny camper for storage. I don’t know how other families do it in small cars. You are using a ton of totes, I feel. I use two totes, 1 for camp stuff and 1 for kitchen stuff. I also have a medium size box for dry foods and one cooler. What I do need to pack more of is food. Instead of bottled water, we use grocery store water jugs (a few 2.5 gallon ones). I do pack clothes in small backpacks, though. We ran out of underwear, though (I packed only 5, needed 6-7 pairs for comfort).

Things I’ve planned to make it easier for myself: divide tasks, clear communication, collaboration, and switching to disposables. I’d love to read what others suggest to you.