Pack Your Own Suitcase for a Trip
Lesson preview: the Mini Lesson and Vocabulary are open to everyone. Guided practice, exercises, the parent checklist and the printable PDF worksheet come with full access (free 7-day trial or membership).
What you will learn
- 1Make a packing list from the trip length and the weather
- 2Count how many of each item to pack
- 3Pack a suitcase with heavy things at the bottom and clothes rolled
- 4Keep a journey bag with the things you need on the way
- 5Leave room in the suitcase to bring things back
Mini Lesson
Going on a trip is exciting, and packing your own suitcase is a big step toward looking after yourself. Good packing starts before you open the case - with a list. Think about how many days you will be away and what the weather will be like, then pack neatly so everything fits and nothing gets squashed. Keep a small bag with you for the journey, and let your grown-up check your case before you close it.
🏠 The Life Skills Way (step by step)
- LIST first: write down what you need, based on how many days the trip is and what the weather will be.
- COUNT it: one top and one pair of underwear for each day, and socks for each day plus one spare pair.
- HEAVY at the bottom: put shoes and heavy things at the bottom, near the wheels, so the case stands up and rolls well.
- ROLL your clothes: rolled clothes take less space and wrinkle less than folded ones.
- BAG and POUCH: put shoes in a bag to keep clothes clean, and small things like a toothbrush and hairbrush in pouches.
- LEAVE room: do not over-pack - leave a little space to bring things back from the trip.
🎒 Your Journey Bag
- WATER and a SNACK: you can get thirsty and hungry on a long journey.
- SOMETHING to do: a book, a puzzle, or a notebook and pencil for the waiting time.
- A WARM layer: a sweater or light jacket, because buses, trains, and planes can feel cold.
- IMPORTANT things: tickets, travel papers, and money go to your grown-up to keep safe.
Different kinds of travel have different rules about what you can pack and carry, like liquids, sharp things, or how heavy a bag can be. Always check the travel rules with your grown-up before you pack, and let them check your bag before it is closed. Stay close to your grown-up and your bags on the journey.
Words to know
packing list
A written list of everything you plan to take on a trip.
suitcase
A big case with a handle, and often wheels, for carrying clothes on a trip.
journey bag
A small bag you keep with you on the way, with water, a snack, and something to do.
pouch
A small bag inside the case that keeps little things together.
over-pack
To pack too much, so the case is too full or too heavy.
luggage tag
A label on your bag with your name on it.
💡 Handy Tip: check each item off your list as it goes into the case, and keep the list inside the case. At the end of the trip, use the same list to check you have packed everything to come home. Put a luggage tag with your name on your bag so it is easy to spot.
Unlock the full HSEA system for 7 days.
Add your first kid profile and your 7 days start: every lesson in every grade, saved progress for each child. Nothing to set up, no card required, nothing to cancel.
- ✓ All 1,880 lessons, Grades 1–6, every subject
- ✓ Profiles + saved progress for every kid
- ✓ Printable lessons with answer key