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Who wants to think about laundry when you are planning a trip, right? But consider for a moment how challenging managing family washing in a home can be. The logistics of laundry for a whole family can feel overwhelming when you're constantly on the move.

The good news is that with a few tips and a few essentials, you can pack less, save money, and enjoy the freedom of backpacking with your family.

In this blog, our community has come together to download their valuable tips and share their wisdom!

The options for laundry can vary significantly depending on where in the world you are visiting and the type of accommodation you are staying in. We have aimed to cover a range of options with some top tips for all scenarios!

1. Bring a Sink Plug

One common issue travelers encounter is finding sinks for washing clothes but no sink plugs. Carrying a universal sink plug is a smart solution that can save you from the hassle of finding or improvising a plug in various locations. Trust us, there have been many occasions where we have had to try and plug the sink with the laundry itself and have ended up washing our entire supply of washing power away! This small, lightweight item can make a big difference when it comes to doing laundry efficiently.

2. Opt for Washing Sheets:

When it comes to packing laundry supplies, washing sheets are a game-changer. They are lightweight, compact, and won't spill or pose any safety risks in your luggage. Simply toss a sheet into the wash with your clothes, and it dissolves to release the cleaning agents. This is a convenient alternative to traditional liquid or powder detergents.

3. Utilize Hotel or Local Laundry Services

In many developing countries, you'll find hotels and local laundry services that offer surprisingly good value for washing your clothes. However, there are some important considerations:

- Avoid leaving clothes that require specialist treatment, as these might get damaged.

- Check the turnaround time, it's often as quick as 24 hours, but make sure it aligns with your travel plans.

- Inquire about their pricing structure, as some places charge by weight or the number of items. Look for a service that charges by weight for kids' clothes to keep costs in check.

4. Take a Photo of Your Laundry

Before leaving your clothes with a laundry service, take photos of each item. This will serve as a visual inventory, ensuring that you have a record of what you handed over. It's a simple precaution to prevent items from going missing.

5. Add a Silicone Tag if using a Laundry Service

Attach a silicone tag to your laundry bag before handing it over. Include your name, WhatsApp number, email address, and the number of items you've left. This proactive approach shows that you're organized and encourages the laundry service to take extra care in handling your clothes, reducing the risk of losing items. You then also have a quick way to reference the number of items when you do the collection.

6. Carry a Stain Removal Bar

Stains happen, especially when you have kids in tow. Pack a stain removal bar or a whitening bar, depending on your specific needs. Cut it into quarters and pop one piece in a ziplock bag to save space and weight. This way, you'll always have a quick solution on hand for tackling stains without adding too much weight.

7. Make It a Family Activity

Laundry doesn't have to be a chore; it can be a fun family activity. Turn your bathroom into a makeshift washing machine by tossing your clothes in the bath or shower with your kids. Let them help with the scrubbing and enjoy some quality family time while getting your clothes clean.

8. Invest in a Scrubba Bag:

For those who want a more efficient and portable solution for washing clothes on the go, consider purchasing a Scrubba Bag or a similar specialized product. These compact bags are designed for washing clothes while traveling and can be a valuable addition to your laundry arsenal.

9. Find a Laundromat or Laundrette

There was consensus among our members that younger kids seem to love a visit to a laundromat! Many cited the toys that are often available in them, others mentioned the way that children are always happy to pair up socks! A couple of people even referenced the free wifi often available that teens are happy to jump on in exchange for helping do some folding!

Once you’ve located a laundromat or laundrette, use a search engine or map to check pictures of the machines – you’ll be surprised how many people add these to the internet! You’ll often be able to check the machine size and the quality and cleanliness of the place before you go. Aim to pick somewhere with large 25kg+ machines and dryers as this will save you huge amounts of time.

Remember not all will have powder or liquid available, and often it is sold at a premium and isn’t great quality, so it is best to buy some at a supermarket before you visit.

One top tip from a member is to smell the drum before you throw washing into it – if it smells dank or mildewy, find somewhere else!

10. Chose accommodation with a machine

Many accommodation booking sites have filters that allow you to select self-catering or catered accommodation with a washing machine at the site or in the accommodation. If you have young children, a bed-wetter or considerations such as skin sensitivity or OCD, having a washing machine on hand can dramatically reduce the stress of the holiday.

11. Take a Line

Also useful for hanging towels up, suspending mozzie nets from and sometimes using as an extra ‘lock’ on a door, take a travel washing line with you. Look for a line that is quick-drying, adjustable, and easily collapsible, ensuring that it doesn't take up too much space in your luggage.

12. Drying clothes on the move

Aside from a line or using a laundry service or laundromat there are few options for drying clothes on the move.

A top tip from our community is to pack quick-dry, moisture-wicking clothing such as sportswear. This saves a surprising amount of drying time which can be invaluable if you need to wash clothes but avoid travelling with heavy, wet laundry!

Traveling with your family is an incredible experience, and having a well-thought-out laundry plan can make it even more enjoyable. By following these twelve tips, you can minimize the amount of clothing you need to carry, save money, and ensure your family always has fresh, clean clothes. With the right tools, a little preparation, and a sense of adventure, you'll be able to explore the world with your kids while keeping your laundry under control.

You didn’t come this far to stop.

Our Top Tips Summarised

Bring a Universal Sink Plug: Avoid the hassle of finding sink plugs while washing clothes on the go.

Opt for Washing Sheets: Pack lightweight washing sheets for a spill-proof and convenient laundry solution.

If you are Using Hotel or Local Laundry Services chose services charging by weight for kids' clothes.

Take a Photo and Add a Silicone Tag with the number of items and your contact details on before leaving items with a laundry service.

Filter Self-Catering Accommodation Options to find those with a Machine

Pack Smart: Pack a travel washing line and quick-dry clothing for efficient drying.

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Stories from our Family Travel Community

We were travelling from New York to LA a few years ago when my normally calm 2-year-old, Timmy, disappeared. Like all those other parental moments when you think you are in control, one second he was helping me get bags ready to be checked by security and the next he was gone!

With the nimbleness of a ninja, he must have evaded the TSA agents like a pro as when I started to panic everyone assured me no one could possibly get through the checks undetected!

I had security checking the monitors at the same time as I dumped our bags and fought my way back through the line to the entrance for security, yelling. It was only minutes until thankfully a TSA agent wandered back to the security belt with him but it felt like forever.

Timmy just grinned, wearing his newfound independence like a badge of honor.

I used to scoff at the idea of baby reins, thinking them unnecessary, but now, looking back, I realize there's indeed a time and a place for them. An airport, I've decided, is most definitely that place!

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We have made quality of our habit. It’s not something that we just strive for – we live by this principle every day.