Packing...how soon is too soon?

[DaisyLynn]

We leave in just over a month, and I want to start packing now. Usually, I pack inside of 2 days before we leave...I'm just really excited to get it done this time around!:banana:

For those of you that have tried it both ways, which has worked best for you?

:confused3

[DWGal210]

Hi Daisy ~

I know how that feels...you are so excited and want to do something to get ready for your trip!

You could start packing now, and not pack clothes or things like that, but other items you are going to use on your vacation and won't use at home. I mean things like extra batteries, kleenex, Band-Aids, things like that...you can start packing those items and then get in the mood! :goodvibes

[TinkerbellsFriend]

I leave November 6th and have put things away already!

[Luckymomoftwo]

I've packed a month in advance and then panicked at the last minute that I hadn't packed everything I needed.

So, my suggestion is to just pack a few days in advance and use a checklist. As the items go into the suitcase, check them off the list.

I ended up taking so much time packing and then unpacking to make sure I had everything and then packing again.

Next time (November 2008) I will just wait until the weekend before to pack. I can't do it a day or two before because we are actually leaving the Friday after Thanksgiving, so I really can't spend Thanksgiving packing!!!

[The Lion King]

We leave in 3 weeks and I am practically finished packing for me and 3 kids. DH hasn't started packing yet.We are in OH so I can go ahead and pack since we will be wearing spring/summer clothes while we are there. The only thing that isn't packed are toilietries, undergarments/socks,shoes and the kids' backpacks.

We are driving so I have been buying snacks,juice for the road trip each week shopping.

[tzolkin]

we're not going until may and i already have most of my packing done.

i bought all new toiletries and things that we will need (extra memory card for the camera, etc.), so those could be easily packed, since we won't be using them until then. we also live in central new york (it was -15 on friday morning), so we really won't be using our summer clothes and bathing suits. i packed a suitcase for each of the kids, but nothing for DH or I yet. we have a guest room that i've been stashing all our stuff in for the trip and i have packing lists that i've checked off the things that are already packed.

i don't normally pack in advance like this, but i do try to be organized since it's easy to forget something when travelling with babies or toddlers. this is our first disney trip, so i have an excuse. :goodvibes

[disneygal922]

I leave Thursday April 17 and am already gathering things and making purchases to get ready! It is my first trip with the DF and am so excited. I'm in Chicago so I don't think I'll be wearing any of the clothes i'm bringing anytime soon! Hope you have a great trip!::MinnieMo

[Mickey'sfriend]

We'll be doing a 4 night Disney cruise and 4 nights in WDW this summer. We made reservations 18 months out for the cruise. I've been putting stuff away since!:lmao: New t-shirts, laundry detergent samples (from Target), baggies,.... stuff bought specifically for the trip that we won't be using until then. If you actually start packing now, I'd be sure you had a detailed list of what you have packed.

[dancin Disney style]

I'm glad to know that I'm not alone....

We go the end of June and booked it last November. Around Christmas I got out my pop-up hamper and started throwing things into it. If DH knew he'd think I had TOTALLY lost it.

[wezee]

We are not going till Sept.....but I already have items put back for our vacation. We set up a long table in the spare bedroom and layout our vacation clothes, etc, at least 1 month before. I will actually pack the luggage 2-3 days before lift-off. IMO, it's never to early to pack for Mickeyland!:cheer2: :thumbsup2

[karters*mom]

We leave in just over a month, and I want to start packing now. Usually, I pack inside of 2 days before we leave...I'm just really excited to get it done this time around!:banana:

For those of you that have tried it both ways, which has worked best for you?

:confused3

LOL! We are leaving just a bit after you and I want to pack now too...lol I figure I won't need any summer clothes before then ...but my husband thinks i'm crazy packing now...lol:earsgirl:

[rosiejo]

It's never too soon to pack for Disney... in fact our suitcase actually has our Disney only stuff in it all year round! I tend to start stacking stuff up on the guest bed about 6-8 weeks out and then pack a couple of weekends before - that gives me time to remember I've forgotten to pack stuff! :rotfl:

[Jakesmom504]

Not going til Aug 30...is 6 months too soon??? :lmao:

[Terk-1]

I usually start packing about a month prior to my trip. I'll lay everything out on the couch in my computer room, check it off my list, then pack it. Of course I've been going in late November or early December my last several trips, so being in New England, I'm not wearing shorts or short sleeved shirts that time of year anyway. I take enough for a few days, then do a load of laundry half way through the trip. Saves room in my suitcase and keeps me from overpacking. I also make a checklist of everything before I start packing and check things off as I put them in my suitcase. This way I know what is in the case and what I need to add.

[meister08]

We leave 4/30 & I have been stashing stuff in a backpack since beginning of Feb. ----picking up little things like CVS has dispos. cameras BOGO ---so I picked some up for the kids ----so hopefully theres no last minute rush of trying to remember everything....

[BeckyScott]

I have a tote bag of stuff that is specific for the trip, that I've been adding to as I get things. It's mostly stuff I got off of the freebie board here, samples, and mister fans and rain ponchos and other stuff I've read to take along and I've been buying gradually.

What I do have is one heck of a packing list, itemized by suitcase, blah blah blah. :lmao: Along with a breakdown of what needs to be in the fanny packs. That's what I'm doing to keep myself from packing, because DH will surely think I've lost my mind. More.

[Lovin' Lorne]

I start making a list of what I'll need about a week before we go, and neither one of us packs until the night before or the day of the flight. I packed three weeks before a trip once, and ended up unpacking half of it because I still needed to use the stuff I'd packed. :rotfl: After that, no more early packing.

[JenSop]

I'm going in the middle of July and have been putting things in my "Disney Drawer" since December. Mostly toiletry samples and travel type things. I've been working on finding the perfect walking sandals since the beginning of January and have been compiling extra tips and made print-outs for my parents and grandmother (who are coming with us - they haven't been to WDW since the late 80's.)

I just love the whole planning and getting ready aspect to it all! Since we'll be going in July, I can't pack any clothes until we get closer to that time. July in PA is pretty much just as hot and humid as July in FL - so packing the clothes will have to wait until closer.

[turtlegirl1]

We're leaving 8/14 and I have already started "collecting" stuff in our spare bedroom closet.... rain ponchos, stroller cover, plane activities for the kids, etc. My philosophy is to spread everything out starting 180 days before the trip, then you don't get so overwhelmed AND the costs on all the stuff don't make you fall over! :scared1:

[Native NYer]

I usually start packing the week before. But I've already started buying stuff for my August trip.

[mousetravel]

I always keep a notepad and write things down AS I put them into the suitcase or totebag.

[WDWRocksMySocks]

I keep an ongoing packing list on my computer at work. That way, I'll just add things when I come across things on the boards. My DH teases me b/c I like packing weeks in advance. Although, somehow I always manage to forgot something. :confused3

[wdw71]

We leave in 6 weeks and I have been putting stuff in our bedroom closet for a couple of months. Toiletries, disposable cups for the kids and since we are driving activities for the kids in the car. It so fun to prepare plus it spreads the cost out over time. :grouphug:

[ZoZo]

I start putting things into my "Disney Box" a few months ahead of time. As I pick up things like batteries, sunscreen, moleskin, ponchos, etc. from the store, they go right in the box.

I don't start packing clothes until about a week before my trip. I do have a master packing list that I refine after each trip - that's how I make sure I'm not missing anything!

[junebug88]

We are leaving in just under 2 months and I have some of the kids stuff packed in their suitcases, like shorts and swimsuits because it's still winter here. I have some little things for them too ready, but I can't wait to start the big and better stuff.
:goodvibes :goodvibes

[Wit]

My trip is in early June and I have a "Disney Box" full with moleskin, bodyglide, mini misting fans, trading pins, disny dollars, travel sized toiletries. etc etc.

We also just bought the kids all new clothes especially for the trip. (Gotta love Old Navy 40% off all kids clothes) so those are in thier suitcases. DP and I have tshirts and tanks we bought esp. for the trip that are also in our suitcases. Keeps them out of the way.

[PEANUT1]

if it gets you excited about your trip, I say the sooner the better:) I usually start a week before a big trip.:flower3:

[dis75ney]

We will be leaving for the World on May 2. I've typed up our packing lists already, and I'm trying to stash things as I come upon them. I need to go through our summer clothes and start washing some of those things, as we are going in May and, with the weather the way it has been lately here in the frozen tundra that is the Chicagoland area, I doubt it'll get warm enough for shorts before we leave. Of course, considering how wacky the weather has been lately, I could very well need the shorts before May! :lmao:

DH thinks I'm nuts, but so what? Less packing I have to do the days before the trip, and working full time plus going to school full time doesn't leave me with much time to begin with. I'd feel better knowing I don't have to try and pack everything the night before we leave, especially since I have biology lab the night before we leave. I hope to have everything packed and ready to go the weekend before we leave...

[jenn-n-okla]

We aren't going until the end of May but I already have my list made and have started picking up travel size items. I will probally pack all the non-clothing items that I am not using in 2 weeks (spring break,no school...i am a teacher). I will then most likely pack all the clothing items the Memorial Day weekend before we leave.

[jetprincess]

I try not to pack too early for a trip. I usually end up having to dig through a 1/2 packed suitcase to pull something out that I need!! I end up having to pack twice!

I do start organizing early. I have an area where I start gathering our things that we will need such as ponchos, m&m tubes for penny press $, autograph books, sharpies, batteries, light up toys, neck coolers etc... That way I will have it all in one place to pack easily.

Have a great trip!

[jenn-n-okla]

Here is my list. Can anyone think of things not on there that need to be. I didn't put hats as we always buy one there. Yes I am neurotic about lists. :)
9 Day WDW Trip List
Clothes
1. 5 pair shorts (6 for the kids)
2. 12 t-shirts
3. 1 pair Capri pants (for the plane)
4. 12 pair socks
5.crocs shoes
6.tennis shoes
7. 12 pair underwear
8. 11 bras
9.rain jacket
10.extra large rain poncho to cover the rented stroller
11. 3 pairs pajamas
12. swimsuit & flip-flop shoes
13. zip up sweatshirt for the plane
Toiletry items
1.deodorant
2.shampoo & bath soap
3.razor & shaving cream
4.toothbrush, toothpaste, & dental floss
5.brush
6.tangle spray & styling products
7.toilet paper (3 rolls for a family of 4), hotel paper is rough
8.flushable wipes
9.make-up (base and powder only)
10.face cleaning products
11.tweezers and nail clippers
12.small sewing kit
13.cotton balls
14.Q-tips
15. band aides
16.moleskin (for blisters)
17.Daily medicines
18.feminine products
19.anti-histamine, anti-diarrhea, stool softener, anti-nausea, pain relievers (pack some in backpack each day too)

Carry-on items
1.Backpack for each kid with change of clothes, teddy bear, small pillow, coloring items
2.Ticket organizer
3.Airline tickets, park tickets, hotel reservation number
4.Driver’s license ( ID for kids)
5.Credit cards
6.cash
7.Insurance verification (copy of Health and Car)
8.emergency phone contact number
9.one change of clothes with 2 pair underwear
10.appropriately packed liquids in zip-lock bag
11.cameras

Backpack items (for the park)
1.fanny pack with tickets & credit card/cash
2.sunglasses
3.sunscreen
4.wet wipes
5.flushable wipes
6.straws
7.quart and gallon zip-lock bags (holds wet items or keeps them dry)
8.klennex tissues
9.MMs tubes of quarters and pennies
10.2 fat pens for autograph books
11.dinner reservation confirmation number cards
12.breath mints
13.medicines(see above)
14.change of underwear, socks, t-shirt & crocs for kids
15.personal misting fan
16. autograph books (bought at hotel 1st day)
17. penny press book (bought on Main street 1st day)

Extras
1.batteries
2.phone chargers
3.camera with extra memory chips, & charger
4.camcorder & charger
5.camcorder disks (2/day minimum)

[pepe of ohio]

Granted we've done 40 trips to WDW and our packing lists are dyed in the wool, only things that change are clothes depending on different lengths of stays. We will never do laundry on vacation so we take enough. what I wear in WDW, I don't wear while at home so for me its easy. I have my list and as my wife says, my "toys" exceed my necessities. I like going over my list a month before and pulling out my items and laying them in our spare room. We both compare lists so not to duplicate some items we can share and then hit the stores for resupplies. Once all layed out, I compare what I took last trip to what I brought back unused, I keep a list of what went and what returned unused, so I don't do it again and weed through my stuff and removed un-needed items. We only take 1 large suitcase each and one small carry-on and try to keep everything light.

Then a couple of weeks before we're to leave, once more I check my list and count what went in and pack it all up and take it downstairs to wait for arrival day to leave. This way I never have to second guess if I packed what I wanted, if its in the bag or not and can sit back very comfortable knowing I got it all bagged and ready to go. We tend to get alittle nervous before each trip and worrying about packing wouldn't help much, this way we're secure and know its good to go. Seems like a big deal and a pain but after all these trips, we've never missed or wanted anything like, binoculars, GPS unit, cards, books, cups etc, the little things you wished you would have thought of.

[kileybeth]

I am to busy reading on the Disboards to pack anything ahead! :rotfl:

However, we are visiting in the Spring (leave in 19 days!) for the first time (usually go in fall/winter) and I am having to clean out each of the kids (that would be 4 of them!) closets and see what still fits from last year. Then I have to shop for what they need.

But more than packing, I spend a lot of pretrip time deep cleaning and organizing my home as I get ready to go. Pulling out travel stuff from storage, figuring out what extras to take, and shopping for snacks to take along.

We have flown last two trips so this time with driving I am having to rethink it all again!

I really want to lay out the suitcases this week end but am afriad my DH would think I've lost it as well. He thinks you just toss it in the night before and if you forgot it, find it at Walmart later. Can you tell he doesn't launder his own clothes?

ooohh! I just remembered I have to remember our old park hoppers which we are finally going to use up instead of having a package. Yikes. How am I going to remember them???

good thing I read this thread! off to find more good information to cram into my brain!

[JulieNMM]

We are going in 3 months. I haven't actually started packing, but I have made a list of things I want to bring that are outside of the obvious (such as pool toys, PS2 games for the Nick Hotel, etc). So it's kind of like I'm "virtually" packing! :lmao:

JULIE

[KathleenlovesMickey]

I started bringing everything out to my guest bed a few weeks ago. I was just to excited to wait any longer. Not many things are in the suitcase but I the bed is full and I know what few things I still need to pick up. We are going on a 7 day cruise and spending another 12 days in WDW so I am packing lots. I do think I will have to break down and do laundry once I HATE to think about that on a vacation tho.
I am looking for a bright color, tropical dress or skirt/top set with short sleeves I cant find any! Everything is either sleevless or dark in color. Bright colors don't seem to be "in" Any ideas??
Back to packing and planning!

[dopey67]

I went on the cruise and 6 days in Disney in October. I started when I got home keep the passes and a few other items that only use when I travel in the suitcase. Since I only travel to Disney the passes just stay there I always know where they are. I am going back in July 15days OKW...

[TotalSnowWhite]

We'll be there a day before you! Next week is OU/NormanPS Spring Break. I thought I'd use the time to finish up the kids' activity books/journals and their personalized shirts. I guess I could start working on our packing list, too. I just don't want to have it all done and twiddle my thumbs for the three weeks between my graduation and take off!! Haha!!

[mello]

Well, for weekend hockey trips we do them so often, we've got the routine down well enough to pack us all in about an hour flat lol.

For normal vacation trips I usually start packing about a week or two ahead. I have a family of 5 to pack for, so the laundry, trying things on, etc. takes awhile, and I usually find that I'm up 'til the wee hours of the morning we leave packing my own stuff after I've spent all week getting everyone else ready!

So this time I'm doing it differently. This trip is a whopper - 17 people for 18 days, and the logistics are mind boggling. We're leaving in a little less than 2 months. I do not want to be stressed right at the end, so I've been collecting things in my basement for months already. I keep a packing list in my computer, and a couple weeks ago I printed out copies for everyone.

Last weekend I laid out all my dd's clothes, did try-ons and laundry. Then over the course of the week during the evenings I put her outfits in ziplock bags, complete with hair pretties, undies, etc, and labeled the ones that are for specific events (that way anyone can help her get dressed on the trip - not just me!) Then they went into her suitcase along with a note of the things I still need to purchase, find, etc.

This weekend we're starting in on one of the older boys, try-ons & laundry, etc. They grow faster, so I know I'll have some items I'll need to buy for them still, so I'll be able to do it at my leisure and watch for sales on stuff they need over the coming weeks. I hope to finish them in 3 or 4 weeks. Then we'll begin the process for dh and I. I'm also boxing up stuff to send down for our owners locker, so that's a whole other ball of wax! I want to be all packed and ready to go a week before we leave, so that I can just enjoy the week and be well-rested for the trip.

My extended family is all teasing me about starting so early, but I told them to have fun at 2am the night before we leave while I'm sound asleep! Hopefully it will actually work that way... but probably not, I never sleep well before a Disney trip, I'm too excited :yay:

But anyway, I'm glad I'm not alone. Happy Packing everyone!!!

[semo233]

I will leaving April 10th and have been putting little things aside for two months! The Ultimate Packing list from mousesavers.com is great and I've added some ideas I've read on Disboards. I simply put them in a box. When we pack closer to our departure date, I'll check them off the list as I put them in the suitcase.

Also, my daughter (11) has never been to WDW!!! We've been watching every show on the travel channel dealing with Disney, we've reviewed every Park on line and made our itinerary, we even made luggage tags with the Mickey Heads from Home Depot (peel and stick laminating sheets are the best!).

I made a gift bag to be sent to the hotel ahead of time and held for our check in....my daughter has no idea! With Disney pajamas, pressed penny book, etc.

We will be making a list this week of what clothes she has to bring and will be going to the outlet mall to buy summer clothes (she's grown out of most of what she had) for our trip!

We've also been spending a lot of time on Disboards and TourGuideMike...too much time actually.

Anything dealing with our trip adds to the excitement. I've also been buying Disney stuff for Easter baskets!

This year EVERYTHING is Disney!!!:yay:

[karters*mom]

I will leaving April 10th and have been putting little things aside for two months! The Ultimate Packing list from mousesavers.com is great and I've added some ideas I've read on Disboards. I simply put them in a box. When we pack closer to our departure date, I'll check them off the list as I put them in the suitcase.

Also, my daughter (11) has never been to WDW!!! We've been watching every show on the travel channel dealing with Disney, we've reviewed every Park on line and made our itinerary, we even made luggage tags with the Mickey Heads from Home Depot (peel and stick laminating sheets are the best!).

I made a gift bag to be sent to the hotel ahead of time and held for our check in....my daughter has no idea! With Disney pajamas, pressed penny book, etc.

We will be making a list this week of what clothes she has to bring and will be going to the outlet mall to buy summer clothes (she's grown out of most of what she had) for our trip!

We've also been spending a lot of time on Disboards and TourGuideMike...too much time actually.

Anything dealing with our trip adds to the excitement. I've also been buying Disney stuff for Easter baskets!

This year EVERYTHING is Disney!!!:yay:

whats a pressed penny book??

[PEANUT1]

whats a pressed penny book??

I'm wondering that too. I didn't know there was a book for them.

[Hockeytchr]

I'll begin on Thursday night the 20th, since we plan to leave around 7 or 8 p.m. on Friday the 21st. Due to arrive sometime in the early afternoon on the 22nd.
I have to work until Thursday and still finish getting the bathroom here at home ready for the contractor to start the remodel while we are at WDW.

[MickeyMonstersMom]

LOL, we usually go in April - I pack our suitcases while putting away our summer clothes in October! When the wind is howling and the snow is coming down, it's so nice to think of those packed suitcases sitting under the bed...

[kileybeth]

sorry double post

[kileybeth]

pressed penny books hold all the pennies you can "press" from various machines around the "World" Disney World that is. Or other vacations as well. (We started at Disney but have books with pennies from road trips out west, etc.) All the resorts have machines, all the parks, DTD, water parks. . .not sure where else. It just cost fifty cents plus your penny altho some machines have pressed quarters for $1 plus your quarter I think. most are pennies. way cheap souvie and kids love it.

There is a list of each and every penny machine and what penny press they offer but I don't remember it off hand. just google WDW pressed pennies and it should pop up.

DD is already in bed for night but I think each book holds 64 pressed pennies. Hers is full. She's getting another this trip. She just focused on the countries in Epcot last time.

oh and those mini M&M tubes? they hold quarters and pennies great. stack 2 quarters and then 1 penny and then 2 quarters and 1 penny. . .

[Sparkie]

I must really need a vacation!!!

I'm not going to Disney until June and I want to start packing now.

[debsters41]

:rotfl: We'll be doing a 4 night Disney cruise and 4 nights in WDW this summer. We made reservations 18 months out for the cruise. I've been putting stuff away since!:lmao: New t-shirts, laundry detergent samples (from Target), baggies,.... stuff bought specifically for the trip that we won't be using until then. If you actually start packing now, I'd be sure you had a detailed list of what you have packed.

Me Too! 19 months out I started collecting Pirate gear, bag for the parks... never too early!:lmao: :dance3:

[IHEARTNY]

Maybe I'm wacky, obsessive or plain bored... I recently became a stay at home mom and so I have a ton of time on my hands it seems like. I find myself going to the store going... 'Oh, I could use this when I go to Disney' I've placed all these things in a box and basically I'd only need my clothes and passport and I'd be good to go!

My trip is in late September, lol... I'm crazy!

[KingdomHearts]

Well, I normally start the month before and I gradually add things to the suitcase. I have a really detailed check list that my DH made to ensure I dont forget anything. But I still get soooo excited I start early!