Another Packing spin off

[sk!mom]

As I'm reading, it seems that some/maybe many are packing for their big kids and even spouses. In some cases it seems to be so that the packer can be sure everyone has everything they need.

Do you do this? If so, why? No judgement just curious as it was something I was so happy to give up when my kids were old enough to take over. I never have for DH.

Do you care what others pack or wear on vacation?

I do not do this but I also don't care what others wear on vacation. When my kids were first packing by themselves (and my DS on into his teens,) I would make sure that they knew of any activity that might require specific clothes. As in, "don't forget, we're going to a wedding so bring slacks and a nicer shirt." Otherwise they can all wear what they want.

 

[luvnwdwgal]

I usually have to pack for my husband cause he doesn’t have a clue what to wear. It always annoys me that I have to do everything involved with going on vacation from where, when, how, packing, planning, unpacking, laundry, you name it. He just wakes up and goes.

 

[mrodgers]

No, I did not pack for the others. When I got home from work I'd find 5 suitcases half full with a beaming wife, "Got all the packing done!" Then I'd "load the car" repacking everything out in the driveway and have 3 empty suitcases to sneak into the basement.

 

[mmbrad02]

When DH and I were first married I packed for us both. I think mainly cause I had grown up seeing my mom pack for my dad maybe.

When DD came along (now 10), DH took over his own clothes picking, but I would put it all in the suitcase because I am more efficient at that than he is. Also when he travels for work, he has always packed himself (and the suitcase too).

I still pack for DD10. Mainly because yes I do care what she looks like when we travel and she would not care in the least. I am *that* mom I suppose

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

LOL my coworker is about to go to WDW and I asked him if he was packed yet. He said his wife takes care of all that because "she likes it." This is a 40-something guy. Who think his wife "likes packing" for 4 people including 2 teens apparently. Peak delusion.

 

[ronandannette]

I always pack for my husband if we are travelling together. We share the luggage space and it's just more efficient for me to run the project. I certainly don't mind doing it for him; he does lots of things for me.
DS is grown and rarely ever travels with us now so he would pack his own bag. When he was a kid/teen I'd always give it the once-over to be sure he had all the appropriate stuff.

 

[ronandannette]

LOL my coworker is about to go to WDW and I asked him if he was packed yet. He said his wife takes care of all that because "she likes it." This is a 40-something guy. Who think his wife "likes packing" for 4 people including 2 teens apparently. Peak delusion.

Not necessarily. Every household has it's own rhythm.

 

[AuntieMe3]

No, everyone does their own. I've never packed for DH and DD has always helped me pack her stuff even when she was younger, I would tell her what to bring me for the suitcase and she would pick what she wanted to bring.

 

[ronandannette]

No, I did not pack for the others. When I got home from work I'd find 5 suitcases half full with a beaming wife, "Got all the packing done!" Then I'd "load the car" repacking everything out in the driveway and have 3 empty suitcases to sneak into the basement.

Wouldn't it have been easier for you to just pack for everyone? Or at least instruct your children how to do theirs properly?

 

[PollyannaMom]

We each pack our own clothes and toiletries. I pack what I call "household" items for all of us, though (planning notebook, snacks, nightlight for the bathroom...)

 

[sk!mom]

No, everyone does their own. I've never packed for DH and DD has always helped me pack her stuff even when she was younger, I would tell her what to bring me for the suitcase and she would pick what she wanted to bring.

Very relatable. That was exactly how I'd do it when my kids were little. "You're going to need 7 shorts and & shirts- they'd choose and bring." I never remember an issue with them wanting to bring something that I wouldn't want them to take. Maybe because it was pretty much an ongoing thing for us to remove things from their wardrobes when they were too shabby or too small.

 

[bella_and_the_beast]

I do the physical packing for the most part, but that's because I'm better at getting everything in the luggage neatly while saving space. But I don't pick out the clothes - I tell my husband what night I plan to pack and he takes out the clothes he wants to bring and leaves them in a basket. I pack the toiletries too, but that's because if something doesn't make it's way into the toiletry bag, it's probably something I wanted to bring. I definitely spend a lot more time on the packing than my husband, but at the same time he's running around the house making sure the sink is clear/laundry's done/the cat's stuff is all set up for the sitter, so I actually think I have the easy part lol

 

[Welsh_Dragon]

My daughter and I are light, sensible packers and we pack alone. My adult son would take his whole wardrobe if the airline weight limit allowed. We always need to ‘negotiate’ with him and weigh his case. I thought a year of back packing in South America would improve his packing skills, but there is no noticeable change.

 

[CynBeth]

No kids DH and I pack our own suitcases.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

If we are going to Disney, my wife packs because it's super easy. Enough t-shirts, pants, socks, undies, etc. Toiletries are already in my bathroom "kit" for traveling and get replenished as soon as we get home. I usually pack up the day bags with stuff we bring in the parks. My wife packs for the kiddos as well as they are still toddlers and I'm gonna screw it up. Once they are older they'll be packing their own.

If I'm going somewhere where a nice dinner night out is to be had, I'll help pack clothes as that get a lot more involved so to speak.

 

[LoveSpringsteen]

I don't pack for my husband or teens, but I do have a list of things they should bring or consider. I also quiz them ("did you pack your bathing suit"; "did you pack your dress clothes", "did you pack your medicine" etc.). It may be too much, but I would be the one dealing with the issues if they forget something.

 

[easyas123]

I always pack for my husband if we are travelling together. We share the luggage space and it's just more efficient for me to run the project. I certainly don't mind doing it for him; he does lots of things for me.

That's usually how it is for us as well. Mostly because we often split the last minute things that need done before traveling, so if he's taking the dogs to the kennel or mowing one more time so the yard isn't overgrown when we get home, then sure - I'm happy to pack for him. And sometimes he'll pack and I'll mow.

Not necessarily. Every household has it's own rhythm.

Exactly.

 

[mumto3girls]

DH travels frequently for work and has packing down to a science so he does his own. “Kids” are now 21, 17 and 14 and so also do their own. 14 will sometimes ask for a “packing list” because she worries about missing something. 17 is the one who misses stuff. Twice at volleyball tournaments she’s had to borrow required clothing that she forgot and once going to her sister’s tournament she left her entire suitcase sitting in the kitchen.

I do pack the “community” items like sunscreen, bug spray, any kitchen items if we are going to a condo etc. DH loads the car. He thinks he is better at that.

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

My wife packs for the kiddos as well as they are still toddlers and I'm gonna screw it up.

How? You're the father.

 

[ronandannette]

That's usually how it is for us as well. Mostly because we often split the last minute things that need done before traveling, so if he's taking the dogs to the kennel or mowing one more time so the yard isn't overgrown when we get home, then sure - I'm happy to pack for him. And sometimes he'll pack and I'll mow.



Exactly.

Having been married for about 1,000 years, we're not devil-may-care like that anymore. I ain't mowin' and he ain't packin'. It's too late for either of us to learn a new skill.