How to Make a Hotel Room Work Better for a Family With Kids

 

A hotel room can look surprisingly small when you walk into it with several suitcases, backpacks, shoes, snacks, chargers, and kids.

Within about ten minutes, everything can disappear.

One shoe is under the bed.

Someone can't find their charger.

And nobody remembers where the room key went.

We've learned that creating a little organization when you first arrive makes the entire stay easier.

Create a Charging Station

Pick one area of the room for electronics.

Phones, tablets, watches, and charging cables all stay there.

It sounds simple, but it eliminates the nightly hunt for chargers.

Give Everyone a Space

Instead of letting everyone's belongings spread across the room, designate a small space for each person.

It might be:

• One drawer

• One shelf

• One packing cube

• One suitcase

• One section of the counter

Kids know exactly where their belongings belong.

Create a Snack Station

Pick one spot for snacks and drinks.

This prevents half-open packages from appearing throughout the hotel room.

It's also helpful when somebody announces:

"I'm hungry!"

Five minutes after dinner.

Prepare for Tomorrow the Night Before

Set out clothes.

Charge electronics.

Refill water bottles.

Pack the day bag.

Find the room keys.

A few minutes of preparation can make the next morning dramatically easier.

Don't Unpack Everything

For short stays, sometimes the best organization strategy is not unpacking at all.

Packing cubes can essentially become portable drawers. Take out what you need and leave everything else organized inside your luggage.

Have One "Leaving the Room" Check

Before everyone walks out:

Phones. Wallet. Keys. Water. Backpack.

Have one person call it out.

Eventually the kids start doing it themselves.

Fuel Your Life Tip

Family travel doesn't have to be perfectly organized.

The goal is simply to remove enough little frustrations that you have more time and energy left for the part that matters:

Enjoying the trip together.