How to Pack in Five Minutes (or with Kids, Add One Hour)

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Dear Missionaryish Family,

If there’s one thing that comes with the territory of ministry—and life—it’s travel.
As the holiday season approaches, I thought it’d be fun to share a few of our favorite packing principles that have saved us more than once on the road.

Whether you’re heading out solo or taking the whole family, here’s how to simplify, stay sane, and actually enjoy the journey.

For the Solo Traveler

Packing light is an act of freedom. Here are my five go-to tips for keeping travel simple and stress-free:

1. Invest in a Solid Carry-On
A reliable carry-on with smooth wheels and compression straps can make every airport connection smoother.

2. Keep a “Ready-To-Go” Toiletry Kit
Pre-pack travel-sized duplicates of your essentials so you can grab and go without thinking.

3. Count Socks and Undergarments First
They’re the easiest to forget and the hardest to replace mid-trip.

4. Keep Liquids Near the Top
If TSA needs to inspect your bag, you won’t have to dig through neatly packed clothes.

5. Think “Tetris” When You Pack
Roll clothes, fill small gaps, and compress as you go. It saves space and helps prevent wrinkles.

Checked bag fees and delays can easily steal your joy before the trip even starts.

For the Family Traveler

Wherever you’re going, remember: children live there too. Diapers, wipes, and bottles are sold almost everywhere, so you don’t need to bring the entire nursery.

Here’s how to keep family packing manageable:

Pack a Capsule Wardrobe (per child)
Stick to one color scheme so everything mixes and matches:

• 5 bottoms

• 10 tops

• 10 pairs of underwear

• 5 pairs of socks

• 1 sweater

• 1 hat

• 2 pajamas

• 1 pair of shoes

For Warm Weather
Sun hat, sunscreen, bug spray, a lightweight long sleeve and pants, and refillable water bottles.

For Cold Weather
Layers are key—long sleeve, sweater, and a shell. Bring hand warmers and sunscreen (yes, even in the snow).

Diaper Bag Must-Haves
Water bottle, wipes, diapers (double your daily need), snacks, comfort items, extra outfits, and any medications.

Snack Strategy
When in doubt, bring more.
Our go-tos are oatmeal bars, fruit pouches, Z Bars, Goldfish, raisins, and a small “reward” snack like fruit gummies.

Load Up Devices Before You Go
Download shows and games while you still have Wi-Fi, and bring kid-friendly headphones and a portable charger.

And don’t stress—most things you forget can be bought where you’re going. The goal isn’t to pack perfectly; it’s to go joyfully.

Wherever your journey takes you this season—solo or with family—I hope these tips help you travel with peace and purpose.

Are you heading anywhere soon? I’d love to hear your best travel hack or where you’re off to next. Just hit reply and let me know.

Much Love In Christ,

David & Reagan

Prayer Requests:

• Seminary Schedule: I’ve started school again this past 2 weeks. This time I’m loading up on the credits. Taking 2 classes with Genesis-Deuteronomy OT5200-G4 and Hebrews-Revelation NT5350-G4.

• Fundraising Efforts: Pray for continued progress in our fundraising initiatives to sustain and grow our ministry.

• Family Balance: Ask for strength and wisdom as we juggle family, school, and ministry responsibilities. Boys are enjoying school!

• Nonprofit Operations: We’re working on some new format updates—things we’ve never done before. In the spirit of transparency, we’re preparing a year-end review and casting vision for the year ahead. Stay tuned.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to share more about the heart of Missionaryish and some potential new initiatives that would help as we continue to work towards working with RUF-International at UCI.

If you’d like to support us directly, click here: www.missionaryish.org/give

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