How do you get ready for packing????

[susy]

I wonder if anyone has done this and will it work. We are leaving in 31 days for 3 nights. I have been putting things on a shelf in my linen closet and plan to keep adding to it as the day approaches. The week before I will put most of (or all) the clothes we are taking aside, so I'm not bombarded by laundry and just try to wear things we're not taking for the few days before. Does this make any sense? As I put things into their proper "suitcase" I will cross them off my packing list, even up to the minute we leave. I will probably start packing the clothes into the suitcases the day before. This will be a Saturday, so I should have plenty of time (all day). We leave Sunday morning (by car- 3 or 4 hour trip north)..Please share your tips!!!

 

[Kate-n-sam]

Susy-
We pretty much have the same system. I put things that will be going into a suitcase and check them off of my list, with my goal to have just about everything in that suitcase at least a few days before. On the eve before our trip, I organize everything into it's proper bag/suitcase while rechecking the list and crossing off items as they are packed. Then I'll circle or highlight the items that I have to add to the bags before we leave in the AM. The best time saving tip I can offer is to have doubles of all of your toiletries, then when you are getting ready to leave you don't have to spend an hour gathering up all of these items. This is very useful for weekend trips also, just grab and go. I have doubles of all of my makeup, contact supplies, lotions, haircare etc. The initial outlay can add up, but I've found in the long run it's very convenient. I have little ones, so some things just have to wait until it's time to leave, like special blankies and toys. Hope this helps!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

sounds like a good plan to me, too. My Dd (5, turning 6 while at WDW ) decorated a sign that says "Do Not Touch! For Disney" and taped it to a HUGE box...then we have started to use that as our "gathering place" for items that we are taking with us. I too have a rather extensive, detailed packing list that I check, double check, cross reference (you get the idea!!) and so far, the effort that I put into planning and packing has always paid off for us. Also, it helps me to pace myself so that I'm not running around like a crazy person at the last minute doing laundry, or buying things that I need....4 weeks from today and counting.....WE CAN'T WAIT!!

 

[susy]

Kate and sam,
I'm laughing about the highlighter, because I do the same thing! I'm just afraid I'll overlook something that hasn't been crossed out yet!

 

[bobcat]

I have a Rubbermaid tote that all my vacation stuff goes into. That way I can move it out of the way as needed. I just toos everything in as I buy/wash it and then check everything against my master packing list. Mine's printed from the computer and laminated so I can use it again. I just use a crayon to check off the items I have packed.

 

[Poohbear123]

Ummm......I have 19 days to go...and....I have been packed-ready-to-go since.....August! I am just waiting for the time to go sllloooowwwwllllyyy by.........