Early cruise preparation: What do you buy early? (OCD Planning Anon)

[Scooby3x1y]

As I have been buying little things for our Dec. WC, I sometimes get a little smug at how "smart" I am to be buying things early.

Then I got to thinking, I wonder if I'm missing something that other Dis'ers have thought about in preparation for their cruise. We've all gathered great tips through the years, so I would like everyone's input what has helped them to buy early, save money, and be organized.....Welcome to OCD Planning Anon!

All of the little necessities (ie, Tide to go, gifts, Downey Wrinkle Release, etc) I put in a shoe box in the top of my closet. This way I have it all in one place, it can stay organized, then I just drop the box in my suitcase.

[truck1]

Something I learned form our last trip, was a short power strip or 2. This way you have something to plug multiple chargers in. I had a digital camera charger, laptop, external hard drive (I backed up all my pics and videos daily.The couple we had dinner with ran out of room on their camera card and accidently erased all of their pictures from Disney to the Cruise to improtant pics of their house. Lesson learned.) and a digital camcorder that I charged on a regular basis and was running out of outlets. Another reason would be for haircare products, as some people bring there own hair dryers, curlers etc.

[cakesnjammom]

sunscreen and meds like pain reliever, nausea, band-aids
room spray (lysol works as a freshener and sanitizer)
print cruise documents and take with you
sunglasses, sun hat, camera & charger
call your credit card company and let them know you are traveling
suction cup hooks for wet suits, lanyard, etc

[Scooby3x1y]

Originally Posted by cakesnjammom

call your credit card company and let them know you are traveling

This is a good one. Also, I copy my credit cards front and back, keep a copy with me, leave one at home with a trusted friend or in my house where someone can get to it if I need them to, and sometimes a copy with someone I travel with, in case my copy is stolen.

This has come in handy more than once when my dad's cards were stolen in the Barcelona airport. 9 hours later when we landed in JFK, he had thousands of dollars charged. It really was a lifesaver to get those canceled right away.

Also to get them replaced if it happens at the begining of a trip.

[kcashner]

I'm so bad that when I put my summer clothes away, I put them in my suitcase. That way, when it's time to prepare for the cruise, most of my "stuff" is right there!

I also collect fish extender gifts if something catches my eye....after Halloween is a great time to get pirate and princess stuff really cheap.

[Scooby3x1y]

Originally Posted by kcashner

I'm so bad that when I put my summer clothes away, I put them in my suitcase. That way, when it's time to prepare for the cruise, most of my "stuff" is right there!

Great idea! As it is I'm usually packed at least 1 week prior to departure so I'm not washing everything right before we go. I make us all wear the clothes that aren't needed for the trip. I've never thought of putting summer right into the suitcase!