Calling all EXPERT packers!

[PottersMom]

I know you are out there- However, I am a bad packer. I wait until the last minute, put everything in an unorganized way and get myself all worked up over something that should be easy. I will give credit where it is due and say that I very very rarely forget something I need though.
SO tell me the secret. I hear about people who "start packing" weeks before they leave. So do you take your toothpaste out of your SUITCASE? for two weeks until you go, or just buy two of everything? WHat do you WEAR for two weeks? Anyway... tell me all your secrets please because packing in advance absolutely mystifies me. But I am really excited about leaving for my trip on Tuesday(10/24) and I want to get crackin'

 

[Amyg]

I make a list a couple of months in advance adding to it when necessary. A couple of weeks in advance I check to make sure I have everything we will be needing; I buy what is needed.

I start the actual packing the day before; I roll all of my clothing. Any bottles go in a baggies. Bandages, mole skin, foot spray (helps prevent blisters), etc. go in another baggie. Shoes are packed in plastic grocery bags and we always bring extra bags just in case. Underwear go in Spacebags.

We went in July so we only packed shorts and shirts, 2 pair of shoes per person, rain ponchos, hats and swimsuits (and lots of sunscreen!)

Also, make sure if you are flying to pack extra set of clothes and necessities just in case your luggage gets lost.

I'm sure I'm forgetting something but someone else will add to my list.

 

[aubriee]

I agree with making a list so nothing is forgotten. I also match all my outfits and put them on hangers together in one part of my closet a few weeks before we leave ( to make sure they are clean and fit). I use travel size toiletries (toothpaste, smaller toothbrush, shower gel, lotion, body spray, deodorant, small brush and comb, etc). I also carry travel size Tylenol/Motrin, Antivert, Biofreeze, Pepto, nail file and clippers, etc). I put all of these in a little long flat roll up cosmetic bag (with alot of little zipped compartments) that I have. It has a little coat hanger on it, so I just keep it hanging in my closet and put stuff in it as I come across them. I carry a very small makeup bag that has just Bare Essentuals base, maybe one or two shadows, their brushes, lip balm, face blotters, and a mascara (my eyeliner and lips are permanently tattoed on, which helps). I have one zip lock bag with sunscreen, mole skin, Body glide, cream antipersperant, feet lotion, feet soak, and a blow up foot bath. I put all my panties in one zip lock, bras in another, and socks in another. Then I put a pair of pants/shorts with a blouse in individual zip locks rolling them smoothly as I go. A light windbreaker/fleece goes in its' own zip lock. I have an Eyeyore nightgown that I wear just to WDW, so I always pack it a couple of weeks before I go in its' own little zip lock in my carry on (for some reason a nightgown/PJs are the things I'll forget, if I forget anything) . My panties, bras, socks, small umbrella, ponchos, and little makeup bag goes in the lid/zipper section of my suitcase and the individual ziplock bags of clothes goes in the main section, along with a few snacks and the rolled up toiletry bag. I wear my heaviest shoes and pack 2-3 pairs along the outer edge of the bag. I also stuff a few extra gallon ziplocks into the front side pockets of my bag just in case I need some to pack to come home. I also put a small pair of child's scissors in the front pocket of my suitcase in case I need them down there.

I have small (4"x8") expandable file that I keep copies of my paperwork in (boarding passes, resort info, DME booklet, copies of AP, tip envelopes, etc). It goes in the big flat pocket on the back of my Baggalini bag that I carry to the airport. I have one of those little .99 billfold dividers that I also put in a little pocket in the baggalini that holds my annual pass, room key, driver license, credit cards, and insurance card. I type two copies of my ADRs in small pica, cut them in half, place the two halves back to back, and laminate them making two little cards 2"x3" with all my ADR #'s and times and placing one in a little pocket in my baggallini and the other in the expandable file. Once I get to my resort the expandable file comes out of the baggalini and goes into the room safe. The front pocket on the baggalini holds a travel size sunscreen, lip balm, a snack size ziplock with any pills I might need (Motrin, Antivert, Pepto, etc), gum, and face blotters. My sun glasses, cell phone, and camera go into the main center section of the baggalini.

Because I keep the roll up toiletry bag hanging in my closet and restock as needed and keep the zip lock with all my foot stuff sitting on a shelf just above it and keep ponchos and small umbrella always in the suitcase I can usually pack everything else in less than an hour. My carry on will only have an extra pair of contacts, contact lens solution, contact lens case, a nightgown, and maybe one or two extra outfits (including bras, panties, and socks (if needed), and my cell phone and battery chargers are added at the last minute.

 

[pezheadmeg]

I'm going in 13 days, and I'm packing a good chunk today. (In contrast, my parents who left this morning packed last night!)

I'm working most of the next 13 days (that's the retail world for you ) so today (a rare weekday off) I'm going to prep!

The pointers I can give are:

1. Toilitires: I travel enough that the bag is perpetually packed. If I come home and need to replace I do it immediately. As for make-up I time my purchases so I'm down to the end of it slightly before vacation, I buy the new stuff a few weeks in advance and pack the old stuff.
2. Clothing: I make a list ahead of time of possible outfits so I know exactly what will be packed. The big box of ziplock bags is sitting on my desk and the outfits that can be assembled today will. I'm spending my day off switching my closet from summer to winter so the shorts and capris will simply be packed into ziplocks instead of storage.
3. Park essentials: I gradually stock up. They're in a ziplock bag that will get tossed into the suitcase with everything else a few nights ahead of time.
4. Documents: All the reservation #'s and other pertinent info is already in the Blackberry. The Disney documents are in the same ziplock as the park essentials in the clear envelope they came in from dis reservations.

By doing it with time to spare, I know what still needs to be picked up without having to freak out about doing it last minute. Last year, I woke up sick the morning I was to leave. Before a 3 pm flight, I took a mid-term and stopped at CVS for the last minute DayQuil. I'm having nightmares about having to do the same this year, so the DayQuil is already in the medicine cabinet.

 

[Smileybug]

Hey, you both sound like you have it down to a science. I have just over a month and have started to make list. The suitcases are already in my room and waiting.

 

[loriandmatt]

a month out i make my list that has not only clothes (numbers of prs of socks and out fits for each person and such) but all the other things that i want to take along (sunglasses, ID, tickets, autograph books......that kind of stuff)

yes, i do have 2 of almost every toiletry item. we camp alot, so it is just easier that way. i have a large ziplock with all my moleskin, over the counter meds/treatments, fem products, toothbrushes and such. i go over it and that list to make sure i have one of everything that i need and if not, i gather up things on my shopping trips over the next month.

a week out i get the suitcases up from the basement and lay them open in our spare bedroom. i start filling them with things that i can live without for the next week. as i pack something i cross it off my list. (so i don't end up having to go thru each suitcase the night before we leave to see if i packed it yet or not.) The day before i pack the clothes and other items that we have not packed yet.

once we leave the house i reserve myself to the fact that if we forgot something, we won't be in Tibet, but in Orlando and if need something we can buy it. (we always either have a rental car or our own car with us there, so a evening trip out on I drive is appreciated.) DH can get his tobacco and a Dunkin Donuts coffee - the holy grail of coffee apparently - and we can stop at WalMart and pick up ponchos or an eye glass repair kit or batteries or what ever it was that we don't have in those suitcases.

- lori

 

[ZoZo]

I do a couple of things:

First, I update my packing list (which I have used on previous trips, and "tweak" as needed with changes after I return from a trip).

Then, a couple of months before my trip, I get out a big Rubbermaid plastic bin and start tossing things in there. I buy things that I need (like ponchos, batteries, sunscreen, etc.) and add them to the box. I check my toiletry bag and see what I need to add. (I always use travel-size items; no need to take up precious space with full-size toothpaste, shampoo bottles, etc. when small ones will do!).

Since I usually go in October, before I put away my summer clothes, I pull out the things on my list (shorts, swimsuit, tank tops, flip flops) and put them in the bin.

About a week ahead of time, I do a "test pack". That way, I can really see how much I can fit into the suitcase and can weed out things as needed. I am a compulsive over-packer, and took about twice as many clothes as needed last year. Next year, I will take half of the clothes I usually do and plan to do laundry mid-trip. that's my best suggestion!

 

[kimis]

You have probably heard all of these suggestions already but here goes.
*make a list a head of time
*buy the small size tolietries
*roll your clothes--it saves time and wrinkles
*there are nice laundry rooms at WDW so if you will be staying for any long time
do laundry
*don't pack too many shoes you will end up wearing only two pair anyway
*enjoy

 

[BamaTigger]

I always start by making my own packing list. With no kids, I dont need as much stuff as the other packing lists have that I found, so its a waste of time. But if you have kids, this packing list is good: http://www.allears.net/pl/pack.htm

Now, as for toiletries, about 2 weeks before we leave, i start buying them. Shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc. You can always use them when you get back, so its not a waste of money. That way, you have no "last minute" packing. Easier.

When I do pack, about 3 days before, I start packing mine and my hubby's socks, underclothes, etc. I ALWAYS pack them in the gallon zipoc baggies. I go ahead and pack what clothes we are going to take. I just leave out what we are going to wear when we leave.

Some of my must packing DO's are:

USE BAGGIES FOR SMALL ITEMS/TOILETRIES
USE THE BIG BIG ZIPLOC BAGS FOR CLOTHES
USE DRYER SHEETS TO PUT IN SUITCASE AND OR BAGGIES TO KEEP CLOTHES SMELLING FRESH
HAVE FUN PACKING! ITS NOT A CHORE!
AFTER YOU PACK, DO A DOUBLE CHECK
YOU CAN NEVER PACK TO MUCH, IT DOESNT HURT TO BE PREPARED! YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN!

 

[PottersMom]

You are all amazing! My brain is about to explode with information. I never thought about planning my outfits for the whole trip- but its a great idea, because I am one of those people who changes my clothes 80x's. This way, at 7am i say- "oh, it's Weds. - MGM today. Look here are my WEds. clothes. Next stop Coffee". THat is a great tip.
Why do so many of you put your clothes in the zip lock baggies? Is it because your shoes are in the same suitcase? I can't quite figure this out. (I put my shoes in a sep. mini suitcase, or the shoes in plastic if they are in with clothes)
I like the downy wrinkle release spray too. I am a wrinkle nut, so usually, b/c I pack poorly I have to iron everything before I wear it. But this year I will be an expert packer! (and I will have the wrinkle release)
I have my own tip to add- its small but i think its a good one. I put fabric softener sheets in the suitcase, (or my gym bag)- keeps everything smelling like new laundry. I love that smell.
Thanks for the help!

 

[Desnik]

I think most people use the ziplock bags to pack because it saves room in the suitcase and you can fit more in it! You put the clothes in the ziplock bag, squeeze all the air out and zip it and throw it in the bag. We don't use this method for ourselves, but it works great for packing our kids clothing. Then, when it is time to get ready in the morning, DD(8yo) just grabs a bag and it will have a whole outfit in it for her! I also write on the outside which day to wear each outfit!

I always have a toiletry bag packed, all small sized. We go to WDW once or twice a year, and other places too. Every couple of months, between trips I check expiration dates and replenish as needed. I start packing the main stuff, like our clothing about a month before. But keep in mind I am able to do this because of the times we travel. For example, we always go to WDW in Nov. So, in Oct I can pack all our summer clothing because we live in NY and won't need them anymore! Same goes for our May trips. It is warm here in NY, but not warm enough to wear our summer clothing, so no problem packing them in April. I roll all our adult clothing and use the ziplocks like I mentioned for the kids.
I am packed already for our Nov trip and managed to only have 3 carryons for the 4 of us!!! That includes putting our toiletries in those quart size bags and then in the carryons. We will only be there for 6 days so it works out for us this time.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

We pack the night before it's part of our ritual.

But we are not big packers 2 extra pairs of shoes a few odds and ends .

We set our daily outfits together then throw in a couple of extra shorts or shirts.

If we forget something we are going to the store or Wal-mart anyhow so we can just pick it up there.

 

[jenelope]

I keep a planning document on a USB jump drive that has my complete packing list. I reuse the same packing list as often as possible, just making adjustments to the clothes list. I keep a toiletries kit that's always packed with travel size versions of all of my necesseties. I also have a plastic zipper bag that I can throw my hairspray, blow dryer, and make-up into on departure day.

I also do something that's a little obsessive, I suppose. I do a trial run of packing everything up weeks or even months before my trip. For one thing, I know in advance if my stuff is too big or too heavy for my luggage. For another, I don't have any surprises right before my trip (i.e., favorite white tee has a coffee stain on it, used up all of my travel toothpaste on a camping trip, sunblock expired two years ago). I don't like to shop for new stuff the day before a trip and I don't like to spend my vacation money replacing stuff that would have been cheaper at home.

This year, my trip is in early December so some of my vacation stuff will be staying in the luggage after the trial run. I don't need my shorts or bathing suit in Michigan right now. It snowed last week!

 

[K9pal]

I consider myself an 'expert packer' too! I am constantly on the lookout for small or travel size toiletries for our next trip, even sample size mascara and makeup. I find it takes up less room to pack 2 travel size toothpastes than one of the next size up. I use all available space - I even put stuff down inside shoes! Another thing about travel size stuff- it's so cheap you can just toss what's left over before your flight home, and have a bit more room for souvenirs. We have travel toothbrushes that we got at Walmart that fold in half, so we don't have to worry about forgetting those. I use one quart size ziplock for 'first aid' stuff - bandaids, Maalox, Benadryl, etc.

Now that you can't use locks anymore, I was concerned on this trip that our luggage zipper might start to come open with handling. So I used a twist tie on the zipper tags of each bag to keep them from coming unzipped. And I'm a huge fan of big ziplocks too. SO easy to unpack - one bag has all DH's shirts, another his shorts, one has mine, etc. And when we arrived home this time, we had the TSA note in one bag that said it had been picked for inspection. Since everything was in clear ziplocks, we couldn't even tell it had been opened, except that the twist tie was missing!!

One piece of advice though - I have packed so well sometimes that I have a hard time finding stuff once I arrive!

 

[pezheadmeg]

I use the Ziplock bags everytime I fly! My own mother does not see my rationale, but there is a reasoning. Every single flight I've flown since JANUARY 2000 (yes that is January 2000, not September 2001!) my bags have been chosen for some sort of further security screening. By using the Ziplocks I know not every little item is going to be touched, handled, or tossed about. Also I don't squeeze out the air, so I know I have leeway to add things into the suitcase coming back.

 

[Fintastic]

I make lists like crazy, but I don't start actual packing until the night before.

 

[beck0321]

Well I'm from Louisiana and we go to WDW in the winter. Some people have told me that they can start early because they pack their summer clothes. I can't do that, as I will be wearing what I'm wearing to Disney until the day we leave off. But I make sure to plan my outfits and pack some extra clothes so I can change my mind about it later. I'll wash all the clothes three days before (i have to hang dry some stuff) and just wear old funky clothes for the next couple of days. I just pack the night before though and have my list handy. I make sure to buy everything that I need like toothpaste, soap and other items before I start packing. Also, when we go for weeklong vacations I do buy a new tube of toothpaste/toothbrushes, bar of soap and contact solution for the vacation.
Sometimes I'll start gathering non-cothing items and getting them together. This year will be a different experience because we can't pack liquids, which I usually pack all of mine in the carryon. Oh well . We'll make due somehow.

 

[Poohbear123]

So my suitcase STAYS Packed! When I go in Feb, I pack more pants and a heavy jacket, in May-less pants add shorts 2 and no jacket. In Nov. add a light jacket, take out 1 short and wear pants that I might need, on plane. All my travel sized stuff stays in the suitcase, including the Make-up and lotions.

 

[sskem96]

I don't use the ziploc baggies for clothes, but I do pack them sandwich style, shorts on bottom, shirt on top, socks, underwear,socks, and bra in the middle. That way I can grab the entire outfit at once. I buy empty travel size containers so we can fill them with our regular toiletries. We always have a list of anything we need to pack that day, like toothbrushes, included in all of our other last minute things we need to check, like shut of water, etc. I start my list MONTHS ahead of time. Actually, it's about time to start the list for Feb! I usually pack my clothes about 5 days ahead of time, and just deal with wearing whatever else is left in the closet until we leave. We put all our toiletries in a carry-on size bag (that we check), so I don't worry about putting them in baggies because there's nothing that will be hurt if they leak.

 

[Chrisypoo]

This year will be a different experience because we can't pack liquids, which I usually pack all of mine in the carryon. Oh well . We'll make due somehow.

They're allowing liquids/gels on carryon luggage now. The container has to be less than 3 oz (it can't be a 6 oz bottle that's half full) and all containers must fit in one quart size ziplock. The ziplock bag has to be removed from the carryon and xray'd separately. I know I'm happy about this! We're landing at 9am so I wanted to make sure to have sunscreen so we can hit the pool early