Help! Packing Panic!

[WeLuvBuzz]

Okay, I've been planning for 8 months and now here we are, just 5 days away from our trip to Disney and I'm having a packing crisis!

We're a family of four, dh, me, and two boys, 5 and 3. What things can I get rid of so we won't have to take so many cases? Do you think we'll need shorts at all? Or should we just pack pants and short sleeved shirts, with a few long sleeved and jacket/coat? I had no idea going during such an uncertain weather time would cause over packing! Any suggestions?

 

[safetymom]

I would add shorts to your list. There are many warm days in FL. Think layers. Evenings may be cool, days can be warm.

 

[jaysue]

Do you have "travel type" clothes that can be washed in a sink and hung overnight to dry?

I know many people do not like to do laundry while on vacation but packing for 1/2 of the trip might work if you are willing to do a laundry stop - in that case make sure the family overloads on lights or darks together so you have one laundry load to deal with.

thanks
jaysue

 

[goofy4tink]

We're flying out of Boston in 10 days and have the same concern. I'm planning on only carry-on bags, so....we'll be wearing jeans, heavy socks, turtleneck, sweatshirt and jacket on the plane! Then we can pack lighter wear (shorts, tees, long-sleeve tees) in the carry-on. And using those zip-loc bags to reduce the bulk. It's only for 5 nights but who can tell how the weather will be!!! And don't forget ponchos if you have them!!!

 

[WhispyPixie]

We just got back.......i packed the following for each person...

2 pairs of jeans
2 pairs of shorts
2 long sleeve shirts
4 short sleeve shirts
1 long sleeve hooded sweatshirt
1 light weight windbreaker type jacket
1 bathing suit
and the required socks and underwear.

We wash clothes and layer them as needed according to the day's weather! Good Luck~

Layer is the key!!!!

Pixie

 

[kilee]

WOW, you guys are GOOD!!! For our last trip it was Me, Dh & DS (10) for 8 nights. I packed 3 carry-ons (filled to the brim). My purse (filled to the brim) and 4 suitcases and 2 large duffel bags !!! To boot we also were staying in a rental villa which had a washer and dryer. I can never make up my mind and bring 1/2 my wardrobe, not to mention 3-4 different pair of shoes. I have this obsessive thing, where I don't want 200 pictures with everyone in the same clothes. Oh well, the sky caps love me--- I always need help and I tip well !!

 

[Princess Michelle]

Don't feel bad Kilee, I'm the same way. I'm leaving today and I only have one suitcase and a duffel so I didn't have a choice but to narrow it down. I had to re-pack 3 times. I'm sure I won't need some of the clothes/shoes I packed but I'd rather not need them than need them and not have them.

As far as what to pack, you will definitely want to have shorts as well as warmer clothes. The weather forecast for this week is mid 70's in the day time and low 50's at night. Mid 70's in Florida is not unbearably hot but it's definitely shorts weather. There is only a 20% chance of rain on Wednesday and Thursday which means if it does rain it will be sparse and not last long. Weather down here changes quickly but it's not likely that next week will be much different.

 

[chirsty'smom]

To bring shorts or not???? Maybe 1 or 2 pairs BUT living down here in Fl. I've become accustomed to warmer weather so when it hits 70's I can comfortably manage in jeans. We are going 25-28 and probably won't pack but 1 pair of shorts. The evenings do get cold - in fact 2 years ago we went over XMas and it was 45degress!!! , that's a tad chilly no matter where you're from and it only warmed up into the 60's ,still NOT short weather for us.

Happy Packing and say hi to Mickey for me!

 

[TimeWarp]

We just returned and DH and two DSs wore shorts and T's the entire time. One night DSs wore a light jacket. I did pack athletic pants for them in my backpack just in case so they could put them on over their shorts. I bought a lot of Christmas gifts and wish I would have taken an empty suitcase. I shipped from the resort but it was expensive. Have a great time!

 

[WeLuvBuzz]

Wow! Thanks for all the great advice!!!! Ok, so the shorts stay packed. We're in IL, so we'll wear warm clothes (i.e. sweats and coats) there plus take jackets and an extra sweatshirt each. Do you think we'll need long sleeved shirts? Or are short sleeved plus a jacket (and sweatshirt if needed) enough? I'm just trying to get rid of a few things here and there to cut down on any little bit of space. Thanks for your help!!!

 

[TimeWarp]

I would forget the long sleeve shirts and go with a T-shirt with jacket. You can always do T, sheatshirt, jacket if needed but I feel like from our trip that you'll be good with a T-shirt for the hot part of the day. I didn't even wear the capris I took. I just wore shorts and my jean jacket. I was surprised that my legs didn't get cold. I did wear sneakers though and that helps when you know your feet are warm. The late nights I needed my jacket. Check the 10 day forecast on the Weather Channel. We may have had a warm week. I think it has cooled off a bit now. Still my 60 degrees in WNC in the winter is much much cooler than Florida's 60. Have fun.

 

[WeLuvBuzz]

Thanks, Time Warp!! Let me ask you one other question....Were you able to swim at all on your trip? Anyone else there this week that has been able to swim?

 

[clkelley]

One thing that will amaze you is that if it is warm enough to wear shorts during the day and cools off at night, if you just put on a sweatshirt or a jacket even with the shorts you will still be comfortable.

My wardrobe for my trip coming up this week is shorts, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. I also have two pairs of zip-off cargo pants.

I am also bringing a pair of gloves and something for my ears, but will still probably be able to wear the shorts.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Originally posted by WeLuvBuzz
Thanks, Time Warp!! Let me ask you one other question....Were you able to swim at all on your trip? Anyone else there this week that has been able to swim?

I was wondering that myself

 

[Deb & Bill]

We've gone swimming at Christmas time. The pools are all heated. So staying in the water isn't too bad. It's getting out that is tough. Have plenty of towels handy to wrap up in. We've even gone to BB during the winter months.