Traveling isn’t easy for anyone, but when you add small kids to the mix, it can quickly become a nightmare of forgotten items, meltdowns, messes, and public shaming. Luckily, one mom is here with a tip that’s going to be a game-changer this summer. The item she never leaves home without? Painter’s tape. And once you see her video explaining why, you’ll probably find yourself tossing a role in your weekend bag the next time you pack for a trip.
Mom Kelse, who goes by @Kelsewhatelse on Instagram, is went viral with her painter’s tape hacks.
“I never pack for a trip traveling with children without packing painter’s tape! And I have never been on a trip where I packed the painter’s tape where I haven’t used the painter’s tape!” she wrote in the caption. “It’s a miracle item that helps us sleep better, play better, and live safer while we’re on the go!”
In the video, she holds up a roll of tape and explains, “This is the miracle travel-with-kids item. Let me show you why.”
Kelse continues, “First, painter’s tape plus black trash bags? Reusable, cheap blackout curtains.”
For anyone who’s ever had littles wake up at the very crack of dawn due to practically transparent blinds in the Airbnb, this tip alone will be life-changing. But there’s more.
“Baby and plugs? Painter’s tape,” Kelse says, laying a strip of tape over an exposed outlet. “Sharp corners your toddler can’t see? Painter’s tape.” As she explains, she sticks a piece of bright blue tape on the sharp corner of a coffee table.
“Lost your luggage tag? Painter’s tape. Need to label something? Painter’s tape. Quick fix on a toy? Painter’s tape.”
Kelse even shows how tape can be an entertaining toy on a flight—she sticks a piece to the back of the seat in front of her and challenges her kids to pull it off using only certain fingers.
Is there anything this magical item can’t do? Apparently not.
Once Scotch got wind of her video, the company sent over a few more roles so she could work even more magic. And that’s where this follow-up comes in:
From tying up strangulation cords on your rental’s blinds and covering the toilet’s sensor flush (that terrifies your toddler) to a makeshift lint roller and chip clip, the possibilities are truly endless.
We hope you’re officially inspired. Happy travels this summer—with your painter’s tape in hand!
