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If you’re anything like me, trying to get out of the house faster with kids can be an absolute struggle, especially when you have even one child who still needs your help getting ready. Between getting yourself dressed, getting them ready, and gathering everything you need, leaving the house can feel like an entire event. And just when you think you’re finally ready, somebody needs a diaper change, can’t find a shoe, or suddenly decides they’re hungry.
I’ve been making a few changes to how I prepare for outings, and they’ve made a noticeable difference. Here are four practical tips worth trying if getting everybody out the door has become a production in your house, too.
1. Keep a Backup Bag in Your Car
Keep a bag in your car stocked with essentials your child regularly needs away from home. For babies and toddlers, pack diapers, wipes, an extra outfit, and snacks suitable for storing in the car. Older children might need spare clothes, hygiene products, or other supplies specific to their needs.
Use a backpack, tote, or car organizer and separate smaller items into pouches. Nobody wants to empty an entire bag onto the back seat looking for a diaper.
The best part? If you forget something at home, there’s a good chance you didn’t really forget it because you already have a backup waiting in the car. Just make a habit of checking the bag after outings to replace what you’ve used, swap out clothes your child has outgrown, and remove expired items. Keeping your car organized can make outings with kids a lot easier, too.
2. Prepare as Much as Possible the Night Before
Getting everyone out the door starts with what you do the night before. Lay out clothes, including socks and shoes, and make sure everyone has what they need for the next day. Check for school paperwork, appointment documents, or anything else that needs your attention before morning.
Breakfast is another opportunity to save time. Keep a few ready-made options available, such as muffins, boiled eggs, or breakfast sandwiches you can prepare ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze as appropriate. That’s one less task to tackle when everyone wakes up.
This is also where that backup bag in your car comes in handy. With your extra supplies already taken care of, you can focus on preparing what your family needs for that particular day ahead of time.
3. Create a Getting-Out-the-Door Station
Pick a spot near your front door where everyone can keep the things they need when leaving home. A basket for shoes, a few hooks for jackets and backpacks, and a designated place for keys can eliminate a lot of searching.
If you have multiple children, give each child their own hook or basket. Encourage kids who are old enough to put their belongings away when they get home and collect what they need before leaving.
For children learning to manage their morning routines independently, a visual schedule can help them keep track of their responsibilities. The Torlam Kids Visual Schedule Chart uses picture-based tasks and a To Do/Done system so children can follow their progress. I’ve also been looking at the Cozyla Routie Kids Routine Clock for my daughter. It offers digital routines and reminders, which I think could help her become more independent and manage her daily responsibilities with less assistance from me. A handwritten checklist posted nearby works, too.
Once you’ve established your station, make returning things to their designated spots part of the household routine. You’ll know where everything is the next time you’re heading out.
4. Get Yourself Ready Before the Kids
The other morning, we were getting ready for a little road trip, and I knew we had to leave pretty early. I purposely woke up before my children so I could shower, get dressed, and take care of any last-minute details without interruptions. Our bags were already packed and in the car from the night before.
This worked out especially well because my nine-year-old can handle most of her morning routine independently. That left me with just my two-year-old son to get dressed before we could head out.
If your children still need assistance in the morning, try giving yourself a head start whenever your schedule allows. It made a noticeable difference for me.
So, How to Get Out of the House Faster With Kids?
Getting out of the house with kids will probably never go exactly as planned, but a little preparation can save you a lot of frustration. Try a few of these tips and see what works best for your family.
Here’s to fewer chaotic mornings and a little more peace before noon.
Thanks for doing life with me,
Lexi 🤍
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