How Much Do You Pack?

[DAWGPOUNDAJ]

Just for fun, how much do you pack? I've seen packing lists floating around here before, but when you get around to packing everything, how many suitcases are you lugging around? I've been accused of being a notrious underpacker several times so for a 2 week vacation, one medium to large sized suitcase is usually enough for me. But by the time you add our "toys" like the DVD player, were walking into the resorts with 2 suitcases, 2 pillows, and a duffel bag full of movies and a DVD player, all for 2 people! lol We probably look insane!

 

[Vivianne]

I probably overpack for 2 weeks for 2 people. Good thing DH is in good shape. We usually carry a 3 bag luggage set because I don't like doing laundry on vacation. I do wind up doing laundry twice. 1 - after a week goes by and 2 - at the end of our vacation. I'm going to try to downsize this time. But I wind up doing the same thing every year. I always carry just-in-case clothes. Bad habits are hard to break.

My husband has to have his computer, GPS gadget battery charger, etc. If there's others out there like us, it's a wonder the plane can take off.

 

[LucyStorm]

For a 7 day trip, I bring one carry on. Space bags are a wonderful thing.....

 

[Forevryoung]

For a 7 day trip, I bring one carry on. Space bags are a wonderful thing.....

How do you reseal the space bags on the way home?

 

[debbiedoo]

The one think I dis like most---everything but the kitchen sink!!! I have to get onto everyone for packing way too much!!! For three people---4 suitcases nopt to mention the pillow and the blanket!! This is for 2 weeks!! I am going to try to cut back by one suitcase this year------

 

[Rattat]

I start packing a couple of weeks before the trip. I have a list and go over it several times to make sure I have everything I need. I even pack band-aids,motrin and anything else I could possibly need in case my children would get sick on our trip. I iron all of our outfits prior to our trip so I won't have to mess with ironing when we're there.

 

[ducklite]

It depends on if we are staying in a DVC villa with a W/D. In that case, about four days of mix and match clothes for a ten day trip.

The last time I stayed at a WDW hotel, DH and I were at the CR for one night before the marathon.

We had one small suitcase with PJ's and clothes for the next day (wore what we were wearing to dinner at the CG that night when we checked in--it was SUCH a long drive from our house LOL!) and DH had a gym bag with his running gear--no WAY that stuff gets packed in with "regular clothes" LOL!

Anne

 

[hihohihoitsofftowork]

I always pack very lightly and have only one carryon wherever I travel to.

I find that it is so much easier to travel that way. I also had my checked luggage completely lost once. They did not pay me a 1/4 of what was lost.

 

[jonestavern]

For 8 nights, 9 days DH, DS & I do carry on. DH & DS take gym bags I take a roller carry on & a large pocketbook. We all wear fanny packs. Since we stay on site we can depend on w/d. LucyStorm is right on the money with the space bags. Get the type you can also simply roll & squeeze the air out of, a real great tip! Pour moi, I pack:
1 pr slacks, 1 sweater, 1 dressier top & skirt (top also goes w/slacks); 2 'camp' shirts; 2 knit tanks; nightgown;cotton robe; pareo; swimsuit; 3 sets undergarments; slippers; dressier sandals, walking shoes. I wear a turtleneck, sweater, slacks, sneaks, all weather coat with removeable lining--we are traveling from a cold New Hampshire--.
DS, 16, packs:
2 pr shorts, 1 pr Dockers; 1 polo shirt; swimsuit; 3 sets undergarments; deck shoes; sleep pants, slippers; cotton robe; 2 tees (Boston RED SOX!) CD player. He'll wear a heavy sweatshirt (GO SOX!), jeans, sneaks & tee shirt.
About ditto for DH--but no shorts!
Cameras, credit cards, cell phones; checkbook,ID & cash, meds,water bottles are all in our fannypacks.
I have a wonderful smallish carryon that unzips on three sides & contains a multitude of clear pockets (& 2 or 3 opaque pockets). The clear pockets can zip out & be hung up in the bath. I pack cosmetics & toiletries, bandaids, coffee (in a sealed pouch), Splenda; juice mixes; cell phone chargers, nightlite; etc. They carry something similiar in the LLBean catalog( & are guaranteed forever!). I got mine as a TSV on QVC for under $35., inc S&H.
We do mail most souvenirs back to ourselves, using the US Mail. We have used the Epcot (China)option to mail out souvenirs & found it satisfactory.
Why not post the dirty clothing out, if you'd like.

Hope this helps!
Jean, of Tavern fame

 

[wicket2005]

Two large suitcases between 4. I pack the bear minimum because we always end up buying things there and we need the space to get them home.

 

[shamrock30]

We use two 22" carry-on suitcases and a tote bag for two people. However, we often check the carry-ons just because it's easier.

 

[oogieboogie]

I'm the chief packer for 2 adults and 2 kids. For a 9 day trip to WDW with one night sleepover before flying, I pack:

1 large (27" or 28") suitcase
1 large duffle bag
1 21" carryon
1 laptop bag

that's it. I pack enough clothes for 5 days, then on the fifth day we're in WDW, I always do laundry and I have enough clothes for the rest of the stay.

One way I find that saves a lot of room is getting a cd case/wallet that holds 12 cds. I take the DVDs I want to watch out of their cases and put it in the cd wallet. Saves so much space because I can just put that in the laptop bag.

 

[amwhitaker]

My husband always packs more than me! He loves to take all his clothes- just in case!

 

[cocowum]

Way too much!!! and I start packing way too early.

 

[HenDuck]

My general packing strategy (assuming we have laundry facilities):

Luggage:
One suitcase per person (3)
One foldable duffle bag
3 carry-on bags - usually backpacks
Accessories:
1 jacket
1 pair walking/running shoes
1 pair sandals
1 pair slippers (flip flops to some of you)
1 belt
1 vest
Clothing:
2-3 long pants
2-3 shorts (can include one capris)
4 short sleeve shirts
1 Disney t-shirt which matches the rest of the family
2 long sleeve shirts (maybe more, if it's cold weather)
1 sweatshirt or sweater
PJs (which may double for one long pant and one long sleeve shirt)
1 camisole (t-shirt tank)
1 long underwear shirt (regardless of season)
4-6 undies
4-6 pairs of socks
2 bras (wear one, pack one)
swim wear
I try to keep DH to the same general packing list of clothes. For DS (4 1/2), I'll add a few sweat outfits to sleep in and maybe a couple of extra tops, socks and undies.

I usually pack one full set of clothes for DS in our carry-on. I pack one extra top and undies for myself in the same. I have no idea what DH does with his carry-on. I'll wear my jeans, running shoes, long sleeve top and jacket on the plane. That much less to pack, even though not a fashion statement.

I won't bore you with the list of toiletries which is personal to the user, but I do go out and buy "fancy" toiletries which I only use for special occasions or when I'm splurging (Aveda, Origins, etc. )

We almost always do laundry while on vacation, so I'm continually trimming down the list to see how little I can bring.

Good thread!

 

[HenDuck]

I also wanted to note that when we go to WDW next year, we will be staying at a rental home, so we will have daily access (no waiting) to a washer and dryer. So I'm carefully looking at my packing list to see where we can cut back even more.

I'd like to go with one (of my 3) empty suitcase and bring it back full of souvies!

I love a challenge!

 

[Nora94]

well, one big suitcase, one medium suitcase - I COULD have shoved it all in there, EXCEPT - need a booster seat for the 5 yr old in the rental car (little sister 2 1/2 will have her carseat on the plane) so added a BIG duffle bag. Each suitcase/bag has extra room in it and diapers and snacks will also disappear so we should be fine for suvies on the way back. Oh, and each girl will have a small back pack on the plane and we will have a carry on bag too.

Honestly for 10 days, each day having a complete set of clothes and one additional set as a spare, that is pretty good. Good thing it's warm weather and not winter stuff!!

Nora
2 more sleeps... than we FLY!!

 

[newholidayx2]

Im hoping this Aug DS13 & I can get away with packing only:
(2) large rolling suitcases, (1) med suitcase, his backpack and my carrybag
We're going for 2wks, Ive never done laundry on vacation but Im planning on it this time - staying in the villas

 

[Forevryoung]

For a week of vacation my family packs one large rolling duffle per person. When us children were younger, we used to share one duffle and bring a second smaller bad for overflow. We would never do laundry on vacation because you arent on vacation if you are doing laundry (my mothers motto).

For this trip it will be different- I would love to only bring my rolling carryon (7 nights but 9 full days) and a "small" bag of gifts for my younger sisters although I may ship them down ahead of time to the rest of my family who are driving. I dont know if I could trust them not to forget them though

 

[lauran cameron]

1 day = 3 days

5 days = 10 days

1 week = 3 weeks

I feel like the longer you stay the more variety you'll need.
Also the loner you stay the more you'll begin to miss what is not pack and with you in WDW.
Overpacking saves..."Oh shoot! I wish I packed that *insert oops!* oo well."