You can pack for a split stay in ways that save you time, as well. The goal is simply to package things in such a way that they don't get spread all over the room. Some suggestions:
- Simplify packing and unpacking by using packing cubes (or even just big Ziploc bags), color-coded or labeled for each person. Clothing for part 1 of your split stay (complete outfits) goes in one cube for each person, and clothing for part 2 in another. Toiletries and beauty products can be packed in 1 or 2 pouches or dopp kits, to be placed on or under the bathroom vanity. Miscellaneous items you're likely to need throughout both stays (laundry bag, clothespins, rain ponchos, phone chargers, etc.) go in another packing cube or two in the grownups' suitcases. To unpack, you simply unzip the cubes for that portion of your stay and place them in drawers (or stack in the closet). This way, you're never digging through a suitcase to find something, and packing back up is as simple as zipping the cubes back up and tossing them, and your dirty laundry, back in your bags. (I do redistribute things a little when re-packing: we bring a laundry bag and at the end of Part 1 of the split stay, the bag of dirty laundry goes in one child's suitcase, and the remaining clean clothes and shoes for both kids get repacked in the other child's suitcase.)
- Pack foodstuffs in a collapsible bin or shoebox, so that "unpacking" them is as easy as setting the bin on a dresser or counter, and the food doesn't get spread around the room.
- Bring "wet bags" or extra Ziplocs to use when re-packing, as you may have swimsuits that aren't completely dry.
- Train your kids/traveling partners to assist with a 90-second "room sweep" after you've packed up (we make a game out of it), opening drawers, looking under beds, etc., to make sure nothing is left behind.
(I'm a fan of eBags packing cubes, and their "pack-it-flat" toiletry case, so our bags for a split stay end up looking something like this, but without the straw hat, delighting my obsessive-compulsive side to no end!) There are many brands out there that offer similar products, however, at varying price points, which can be found everywhere from Macy's to Walmart.
