Before you start to pack your car for a trip, remember that emergency supplies are essential. Pack a car kit that includes trash bags, travel-size boxes of tissues, paper towels, moist wipes, anti-bacterial hand cleaner, anti-bacterial ointment, adhesive bandages, over-the-counter medications and the family's prescription medications. Also do not forget to include a roadside emergency kit that includes a flashlight, jumper cables, blankets, batteries and flares.And do not forget to bring at least one extra set of keys for another passenger to keep.
Clean out your car before you start packing it to make enough room for both luggage and passengers. Leave any unnecessary items at home. If you plan to buy new luggage, the soft-sided type is easier to pack and safer to sit next to. If space in the car is limited, pare down what you need to the bare essentials. That will also save money at the pump, since the heavier the car, the fewer miles to the gallon your car is likely to get.
Put larger "once we are there" bags in the back of the trunk or consider or on a car-top luggage carrier. Keep the "voyage" bags, including emergency kits and a food cooler, near the front of the trunk so you can access them easily.
If your children are coming along for the ride, make sure they will be as comfortable as possible. Let each child bring a small bag to fill with desired car activities, and bring some extra activities of your own, just in case the kids get bored with what they chose to bring. Fill a cooler with snacks and drinks and have some picnic supplies (plasticware, paper plates, bottled water, can opener) on hand so that you do not have to stop at as many restaurants. Having sandwiches for a picnic at a rest stop is a family-friendly idea.
If you pack the car the night before your trip, you will have plenty of time to consider what you want to pack and where you want it to go. The day you leave should consist of eating breakfast and getting everybody out the door as soon as possible so that you may begin to enjoy your trip.
