Bag Packing tips...

[amynorth]

I know this sounds weird but I have not been on an extended vacation like this by myself or with little ones. I am looking for packing tips. I am thinking about packing jammies in one bag and their day clothes in another bag. I am not a very good packer even for weekend trips so any tips would be appreciated! Is there a right way to pack? If so fill me in...

 

[PixiePlanner]

Due to our flight times, I am packing pjs in my carryon along w/ clothes for the next day.

In our checked bags, complete outfits for each day are in ziploc bags w/ all the air pressed out. Each is labled: DS:Animal Kingdom, DD: Epcot... This will make it very easy for them to find what clothes to wear when and save on space. Dirty clothes can be put in these bags too to save space on our flight home.

 

[HGD24]

Do not place all of one person's or all of one type of clothing in one bag. If that bag gets lost, you'll have no access to that person's or that type of clothing. Instead, mix your belongings into each bag that you are taking.

Start out by making a list of everything you'll need. Find some quiet time and run through the day in your head and write down everything you use during the day/night. Of those things on the list, are there travel-sized containers of some items that you can buy rather than bringing a full-sized container (ie: shampoo, soap, medicines, etc). Depending on how long you're going to be gone, you could pack just a couple of days worth of clothes and do some laundry while the kids go swimming at the resort. Good luck!

 

[natnelliesmom]

Packing with kids is a whole new adventure!

Spread your items around in your bags. If one bag gets lost, it won't be all of one person's things!

I usually pack each kid's outfit in a separate ziplock bag. Socks, underwear, shorts and tee. Then label the bag with the child's name. Makes it easy in the morning, and forces you to have it all together while packing.

I bring lightweight packable rain coats, and a sweatshirt for each of us.

I order pullups and diapers and wipes from Garden Grocer, they arrive the day we do and I don't have to pack these.

Bring a pop-up hamper for keeping the room clean, and bring extra ziplock bags for wet toiletries or wet bathing suits on the way home.

-Sarah

 

[kc10family]

I like to lay everything out and then pack it. It can take a week to "pack" if I take my time and doodle. I use ziplock type bags as well.

I do (whn we fly) pack for the night and next day in the event our bags get lost.

Once on here I found the ultimate packing list and it was great. It had way more than I would need, but also had things I would have not brought had I not looked over the list. I would send you the list, but I lost it. maybe someone still has it.

 

[CyndiLooWho]

The first item on the following link is to the Ultimate Disney Packing List (must download to Word)
http://www.mousesavers.com/searchre...rinm&cof=FORID:9&q=packing+list&sa=Search#847

The other ideas are right on - mix the possessions so a lost bag doesn't mean all the park gear or all of Jo-Jo's clothes are missing for 2 days.

If you are flying or staying overnight one night, have a bag with everyone's jammy's, toiletries and next day's clothes in it.

Make sure to have a bag of fun things to do in the car/plane for each kid. I pack 1 special stuffed animal, a couple of books, a couple of toys, and some snacks for each kid. We have a portable dvd player and books on cd to listen to. I have a little pillow in the car for each boy, so they can nap more comfortably.

 

[amynorth]

I forgot to mention that we are driving so I hope nothing gets lost

thanks for the tips those are great.

 

[dezimber]

We have a local travel/luggage store that is a wonderful resource for just this kind of information. They offer free packing demos. I love them, I have gone to 2 and will go again before my trip. Anyway, some things they seggest are:
1. Place a copy of your destination(s) lodging hotel info. and/or cell phone number so that if your luggage gets lost the airline can get in touch with you instead of the answering machine at home.
2. Pick a color scheme and plan to mix 'n match so 4 garments can make 5 or 6 outfits and need only one pair of shoes. Women - use scarves to assessorize outfits, and as a wrap/travel blanket.
3. To make packing easier, iron, button all buttons, zip zippers, and fasten hooks before you start to pack.
4. Pack more tops than bottoms.
5. Clothes should be tightly packed without over-stuffing a suitcase. Rolling clothes avoids wrinkles and keeps clothes from moving around.
More infomation can be found on thier website.
http://www.hillmerstravelcenter.com/Pages/frameset.html

 

[themousetrap]

Great tips. The one thing we did (not my idea, but I read on it by researching awesome sites like this) was even though we drive all the time, we packed a small emergency duffel bag using one of those vacuum space-saving bags for the clothes. We packed three outfits for everyone (2 adults and a kid) including underwear, socks, the whole nine. Then packed all the toiletries on top of that.

If our suitcasese were lost (even in a car, freak accidents happen), then we'd have enough stuff to last two days AND the clothes were waterproofed. The clothes would be wrinkled as all getup, but it's better than wearing the same clothes or going out and having to buy new ones, right?

We also used the space saver bags in our carry-on in the parks just in case the kid got really wet, spilled something on himself, or had an "accident". We squeezed three full outfits in a single diaper bag.