Packing for a family trip can feel like a puzzle. Between sticky fingers, sweaty hikes, and the occasional surprise spill, it’s tempting to bring every piece of clothing you own. But here’s the secret: you don’t need to. With a little planning and the right family laundry travel tips, you can travel lighter, save space, and still keep everyone smelling fresh.
Book Smart: Find Accommodation with Laundry
When you’re searching for a place to stay, filter for “laundry” or “washing machine.” It’s one of the first things I look for when booking Airbnbs, hotels, or apartment rentals. Having a washer halfway through your trip means you can pack half as much.
Just keep in mind that in many countries, especially across Europe, dryers aren’t common. Expect a washer only, and plan to air-dry your clothes on a rack, balcony, or even a sunny windowsill. It’s slower, but it works and it saves your clothes from shrinking too.
Pro tip: you’ll likely need Google Translate to figure out the machine settings. I’ve spent more than a few minutes standing in front of a washer in another language, trying to guess which button starts the cycle. Don’t be afraid to scan the labels or use the camera translate feature it’s a lifesaver!
Also, be prepared for those machines to take much longer than the ones at home. European washers can easily run 90 minutes or more, so choose the “quick wash” setting when you can. It works perfectly for lightly worn travel clothes.
Pack Less, Choose Better
Instead of packing two weeks’ worth of clothes, aim for 5-7 days. Choose versatile pieces that mix and match, dry quickly, and can be worn more than once. Darker colors and breathable fabrics are your friends here. Everyone in our family gets roughly a week’s worth of clothing, and once we’ve got access to a washer, we just repeat the rotation.
And here’s a big one: if something’s been worn but isn’t dirty, hang it on a hook or refold it instead of leaving it in a ball on the floor. A quick shake and hang-up keeps it wrinkle-free and ready to wear again plus it saves space and sanity when you’re sharing small rooms.
If you’re wondering what to bring, check out my Carry-On Packing List for Families
Bring a Mini Laundry Kit
A small laundry kit makes life on the road so much easier. Mine usually includes:
- Detergent sheets – I first discovered these on our recent trip to Austria and couldn’t believe I hadn’t used them sooner. They’re not liquid (so TSA-friendly), weigh nothing, and make doing laundry on the go a breeze.
- A small stain remover – because gelato happens.
- A foldable drying line or clothesline – perfect for balconies or bathrooms (only if you need one)
- A mesh hanging laundry bag – keeps dirty clothes off the floor in tight hotel rooms. (there’s one at Dollarama I like best)
- A few zip-top bags – for damp swimsuits, muddy socks, or anything that didn’t dry in time.
- A few dryer sheets – I tuck them into our suitcases to keep everything smelling fresh between washes.
Little things like this keep your space tidy and make laundry less of a chore.
Don’t Waste a Good Day on Laundry
Laundry is the perfect task for those unexpected rain days or the day someone in the family isn’t feeling great. There’s no point spending a sunny sightseeing day waiting for the spin cycle to finish. Knock it off the list when you’re already inside resting, and you’ll thank yourself later.
Air-Drying is the Norm
If you’re used to tossing everything in the dryer at home, this part might take a little adjustment. Air-drying clothes is totally normal (and expected) in most parts of the world. I actually love seeing our clothes fluttering on a balcony line it’s one of those small, everyday travel moments that makes you feel like a local. Quick-dry fabrics will be ready again in no time.
Keep a Routine
Every family member has their own small laundry bag and knows to toss their clothes in it each day. When we finally reach a place with a washer, everyone helps sort and hang things up. It’s simple, but it keeps our space cleaner, our luggage lighter, and our mornings easier.
For more tips on fitting everything into your suitcase without overpacking, read my post on Packing 101: The Ultimate Carry-On Only Packing List for Families
Final Thoughts
Laundry might not be the glamorous side of travel, but figuring out family laundry travel tips will make your whole trip smoother. You’ll pack less, spend less time digging through suitcases, and still feel fresh after a long day of exploring.
exploring:
Leave a comment