We use the ziploc bags for my daughter's stuff and it is a great way to give kids some independence with packing and dressing while still keep them organized.

Got some great ideas reading this thread. I only unpack if staying more than 3 nights so for my next short trip I'll try the vertical packing/book stack method mentioned up thread. For our next family trip I will use the cross pack idea so if one bag goes lost we will still each have some clothes.