How soon do you start packing? Any Strategies Suggestions

[djm99]

I'm just curious, because my DH thinks I'm nuts. Yesterday I literally washed, ironed, folded, hung up, and/or put away every piece of clothing we owned. It is such a liberating feeling to have an entire wardrobe of clean clothes. Anyway, since we are not living in baskets, I thought today would be a great day to start packing. Now I know I will not leave until next Sunday, but I still thought it would be a great idea. At the very least I could pack all the new stuff I've been buying over the last few months. I was actually surprised to 'learn' how much stuff I bought. You can't imagine how many Disney T-shirts, and monograms Polo's I bought from either my local Disney store or the Disney online shopping store. I have more shirts for each of us, than I have more days planned in Disney. Anywho, how soon do you guys start packing?

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

More often than not, I put the suitcases out about a month prior and then as I think of things, I toss them in the suitcases. (I keep them in the dining or living room). As for packing clothes...it depends. We have our Disney gear (since we all coordinate clothes) and that is usually put in well in advance of our trip. However, the regular stuff gets put in only days (or sometimes hours) before we leave.

I agree...it is a WONDERFUL feeling when all the clothes are clean and put away! I don't seem to win that laundry battle very often! And we manage to accumulate a lot of stuff to bring along too. I think that is part of the Disney addiction. More outfits means you just have to change more often!

 

[deedeetoo]

Well I'm probably in the minority but I started packing for our trip last month the afternoon before the plane went out. I do make a list about a week before and then add to it as I remember things, but packing is simply getting stuff together and putting it neatly in suitcases. It takes me a couple hours to pack for myself and 2 kids. DH does his own packing.

We don't have a big enough house to get the suitcases out ahead of time. We'd be tripping over them all the time (we don't have a spare bedroom or den). As it is I usually stub my toe on my suitcases at least once the night before we leave. I can't imagine them being out for more than one night.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Well I'm probably in the minority but I started packing for our trip last month the afternoon before the plane went out. I do make a list about a week before and then add to it as I remember things, but packing is simply getting stuff together and putting it neatly in suitcases. It takes me a couple hours to pack for myself and 2 kids. DH does his own packing.

We don't have a big enough house to get the suitcases out ahead of time. We'd be tripping over them all the time (we don't have a spare bedroom or den). As it is I usually stub my toe on my suitcases at least once the night before we leave. I can't imagine them being out for more than one night.

Bless you...I wish I could do that! Somehow it is never that simple in our house though. Thankfully, we are blessed with way too much space. I am just not so organized!

 

[misshilda1]

We usually start packing a month to a month in half before our trip..I love the idea of just getting up grabbing the bags and going to the airport. I have toothbrushes and all the essential just for Disney travel.Besides it gives me time to make sure I have not forgotten anything.It'snever too early to get ready for a trip to Disney..have fun...

 

[CEDmom]

I start several weeks before we go. I use the guest room as my staging area. We usually go in the off season so aren't wearing most of the clothes we'll need there - that makes it much easier. I tend to initially bring too much so by starting early I can rethink what we really need.

Have a great trip . We have about 4 months before ours.

 

[writersblock42]

I usually only start packing a couple of days or so before I leave because I need to wear the clothes that I would be packing. However, I have a typed detailed list that I started about a month ago-we leave in less than two weeks. I always start with the clothes first. I make sure that I have matching outfits for the entire week and then I throw in a couple more t-shirts. Next I make sure that I have plenty of socks and tons of underwear. Then I go down the list and make sure that I pack everything on my list. Instead of folding the clothes, I do roll them to make more room. I also have travel size containers that I fill up with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (this is easier to carry then soap).
Even though we will be driving we have a "carry on" bag with books, cds, dvds, portable dvd player, gameboy, and snacks. We also pack a cooler full of drinks.

 

[PEANUT1]

i do it about a week ahead....and my hubby still thinks I am nuts....he is more of a day before kind of guy. i don't pack his stuff, just me and the kids.

 

[4 mickey]

hi DJM99
I get you last winter I packed 3 weeks before going it did help that it was winter and that I didnt need those shorts , capris .........
I read in your post that you bought customized disney polos online can you help me does those disney polos are made normal size are they made bigger than usual lets say a medium shall i realy buy medium or downsize to small .
thanks for responding and have a nice trip .

 

[djm99]

hi DJM99
I read in your post that you bought customized disney polos online can you help me does those disney polos are made normal size are they made bigger than usual lets say a medium shall i realy buy medium or downsize to small .
thanks for responding and have a nice trip .

IMO, the womens polos are cut small and short, the mens polos are cut large. I purchased only two for myself, but 4 for DH (how'd that happen?) The womens shirt is cut smaller. Here is a picture. The blue is my DH size XL and the purple is mine - also a XL. See how much bigger his is? The first one I purchased was a Large and more snug than I usually like.

 

[4 mickey]

Thanks !
This will help me alot
Thank you for posting pics as busy you might be in leaving in a few days again have a nice trip .

 

[Amirah95]

I start out my packing two weeks before we leave. I sit out 1 suit case (medium/small) each for each of us (3) and two small backpacks for road travel (2 - 1 for DD and 1 for myself and I hold DH's stuff too) in the dining room (it's got enough room for the cases and nobody goes in there but me so nothing will walk out of there).

The above is for clothing only. I also have other things for the villa I need to take as well so I lay out my Mickey carpet bags for that stuff.

I keep adding stuff to them throughout the week. I have an old list setup of the count of each piece of clothing I pack for each person, I keep a list throughout the year of articles that I definitely want to take with us so that helps too and I work it from there.

I also have stickies on each so I can write my reminders on it so I never forget anything.

Yes, I may seem nuts but I never let my family down because I never forget anything. Packing seems to be more intense with us becuase we drive and we stay offsite most of the time in a villa so I try to bring as much from home as possible w/o having to buy in Orlando. I hope to take advantage of the Owner's Locker next trip.

 

[mickey2minnie1]

We do not leave until the end of October and I am talking about packing...

My DH thinks I am a Disney nut, but well, I guess I am.

 

[Doc CW]

For our last trip I packed about 2 months in advanced I was so excited and I didnt know when it was b/c my dad planned the trip and he wouldnt tell me when we were going so I packed way early but it is still fun to pack no matter how early or late.

 

[pooksma]

Started packing today. Went through all my Disney Store stuff, cut off all tags and got the new clothes ready to put into the suitcase. I wish I could fast forward.

 

[rwrocksme]

I pack the night before. This is bad. Bad, Ella, bad! Definantly not reccomended.

However, I do start a list 2-3 months prior. Do that. It helps.

 

[NJtoATL]

I am notorious for packing. I just finalized my Disney trip for Christmas. I already started packing. I have my pajamas, sweats, socks, underwear, and my toiletries in my suitcase. I buy two or three of everyting for that reason.
Next week I'll start buying the Christmas gifts I need to take on that trip.
Beleive it or not I also have the Christmas decorations ready that will also go on that trip.

Basically, to answer your question about packing, no you are not crazy just organized.