SO GLAD to read about all the other OCD packing types like me!! Makes me feel much more "normal"! We aren't leaving for 28 days. I was very tempted to get the suitcases out of the attic about two weeks ago when we got the Christmas decor down, but told myself to wait. I have promised myself I wouldn't get them down until I put the Christmas stuff away. BUT THAT WILL ONLY LEAVE ME ABOUT TWO WEEKS TO PACK! For someone like me that is not enough time!
I do keep a plastic tote in my closet full of stuff that we use only for Disney (ponchos, walkie/talkies, fanny packs) and I add to that as I buy stuff nearer to trip time. And since we go during our winter, the warm weather clothes should all be clean and ready to grab. But this time around DH is on Atkins (down 65 lbs) and I am on WW (down 39 lbs) so we are waiting until after the New Year to see if we need any new jeans or shorts. Hate to buy stuff now that will be too big in 4 weeks (HA, HA!)
I am also like the earlier poster who needs to leave behind a clean house! I can't stand coming home from vacation to a pig-sty!! And it makes it much easier and less stressful to pack in a clean house where all the laundry is clean and put away! No hunting through a pile of dirty stuff for just that one special shirt that DD MUST bring!!
Anyhow, we will be back from our extended family Christmas celebration on 1/4. I will take down the tree on 1/5 and have the suitcases in my hand that night!! Packing will commence immediately! I will keep a pad of paper and a pencil on my nighttable each night after that until we leave. It seems I only remember those "important" items at about 3am when I awake out of a sound sleep with a nightmare that we forgot something! (Think "Home Alone" movie!!)
DH is no help with packing. He had to leave for overnight on short notice yesterday for a work-related problem. As he was leaving I asked "do you have your medication?"...."ahh, noooo." was the answer! And this is a rather vital item!! And all he had to remember was one change of clothes for overnight for himself. NEVER MIND WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF HE HAD TO PACK FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR FOR EIGHT DAYS!!
Anyhow, thanks for listening!!......Happy Holidays to all!
