Packing? Are you an over packer?

[phisigprincess]

I am the quintessential over packer. I can't help it!! No matter where I go I over pack. People have just come to expect it from me. Actually, when I was in high school I went to Europe and I won the award on the trip for the heaviest suitcase. That wasn't the greatest thing to lug around Europe, but I managed!!

 

[jenjersnap]

Hello, my name is Jennifer and ...

I am in desperate need of a 12 step program!

My only excuse is that packing for December is hard and my youngest is still in diapers, needs his "special items", etc. Gotta have layers cos you never know what to expect from the weather. I was hoping not to do laundry last year but we were freezing and ran out of long-sleeved clothes.

Last year, we sent a huge box, ordered from wegoshop.com AND brought 6 bags (plus a double stroller and two car seats!). Going through the airport, it was like we were heading out to stake out some pioneer homestead claim ... with mom and dad as pack mules!

(I am trying to do better this year. I am way too pregnant to be lugging too much luggage around.)

 

[CAD3655]

I vowed for our last trip to DL that I wouldn't over pack, BUT we ended up taking 2 32" suitcases and a rolling duffel ad ended up carrying bags home. 3/4 of the stuff we didn't wear or need.

We are going back in 20 days, but I have made my DH SWEAR he will not let me leave the house with more than 1 suitcase and the rolling duffel for both of us....we'll see how that turns out.

 

[tanmar]

What are you packing? I'm worried about the choices I've made and therefore need to "repack" (sad, huh? but I imagine I'm not alone - not here anyway

I don't know what to pack for clothes - capris, jeans, pants, shorts, t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, coats???????

 

[mamacatnv]

Did you ever feel like a post was speaking to you directly?

I too need to attend overpackers anounamous! This trip I am determined to not look like the Griswalds Family Vacation.

Our trip is the end of December, beginning of January (8 days). Here is my game plan: I purchased duffle bags - 1 for ea. member of the family. These are not the huge w/wheels type but a more reasonable size w/shoulder straps. I also purchased the same zip flat at Wal-Mart($9.99) duffles that "Debbie in Seattle" mentioned, 1 will go empty for souvenirs and the other is bathroom/toiletries, Princess costume for CRT Brkfst & shoes. Shoes consist of 1 pair athletic and 1 pair flipflop per person since the athletics will be on our feet for travel only the flipflops will be in the bags. The zip flat duffles are actually larger than the family member duffles I bought. I pack 1.5 x's socks for all and 1.5x's shirts for DD(7) per day. I am only taking her 1 pair of Jeans and 1 denim capris, then shirts and shorts. Myself, I am taking all capri's (either black or denim so they can be worn 2x's) and 1 pair of shorts along with tank or short sleeve shirts 1 per day. DH and DS(16) are taking 1/2 shorts and 1/2 warm-up type pants, dark colors for 2 wearings, t-shirts 1 per day and we all bring 1 extra t-shirt to sleep in and bathing suits for all. I have some of those collapsible clothes hampers that fold/curl up to nothing, these fit in the duffles and make great dirty laundry holders, upon our return the duffles will be repacked with the dirty clothes. Sweatshirts/Jackets will be purchased at WDW upon our arrival.

My bigger issue is the carry-on. 2 cameras, 1 video camera (Backpack-1), 1 lap top to watch movies on the plane, 1 soft sided cooler with food for the plane and a bag (backpack-2)full of, gameboys, books, crayons and assorted goodies to keep the kids entertained on the Southwest no frills 5+ hours each way flight. My "wallet bag" with all the tickets, id's etc......

AAHHHHHH - we are still going to look like the Griswalds!

 

[ECurto]

Ok people I dont think we are over packers. I think we are people who like to be prepared, and realize that we dont want our picture taken in the same outfit everyday. I would rather over pack, and know I have everything, then get there and have to buy stuff. True i always pack way more then we need but I have gotten better. This being a december trip, and the weather being so flip floppy, I think its going to be a definete over pack. Although, our october trip this year, we actualy had to buy a suitcase b/c we had so much stuff to bring back with us. lol

 

[tanmar]

AAHHHHHH - we are still going to look like the Griswalds!

Funny!

Yeah.... 7 days..... don't want to have to do laundry.....

I was actually going to bring MAYBE two pairs of comf shoes for me - perhaps even one.... and then capris & t's with a sweatshirt to throw over BUT I'm thinking that maybe jeans and long sleeve with sweatshirt might be better..... 1/2 and 1/2? But then what about when I run out of the t's or long sleeves?! My capris are mostly white or beige - I am in so much trouble! and that's just my packing - nevermind the kids - husband's always easy with his stuff - it's just me!!

 

[tanmar]

Ok people I dont think we are over packers. I think we are people who like to be prepared, and realize that we dont want our picture taken in the same outfit everyday. I would rather over pack, and know I have everything, then get there and have to buy stuff.

Totally agree

I would rather have a little too much than not enough BUT I am stuck with such baggage limitations that I am up the creek! I have to do 4 people in 132 lbs... that's only a little over 30 lbs each? For a week? and then there are the purchases?

I am not having a happy packing time.

 

[goodeats]

I feel no shame in being an 'overpacker'. It's not like you are tied to your luggage for a week straight. All you have to do is get it to the airport and check it in. From there ME will get it to my room, and then when I check out I can call the front desk to bring it down. I like to be prepared, and I refuse to do laundry on vacation!

I'm bringing a very large duffel bag to check in, a smaller rolling bag to carry on, a messenger bag on my person as my purse, and maybe a grocery bag with some waters and sodas.

 

[mamacatnv]

(I can't figure out how to make the quote little box)

Quoted: But then what about when I run out of the t's or long sleeves?! My capris are mostly white or beige - I am in so much trouble! and that's just my packing -





Just ask yourself this question, When will I ever see these people again!

 

[tanmar]

Just ask yourself this question, When will I ever see these people again!

I know ....... I know..... not too worried about that part - keep telling myself that to the point that I have decided I will wear really limited make up when I'm there! Just might put a little eyeliner so that we can see that I do have eyes.... Yup, just going to look really pale (our cold weather will do that to you!) Figured I'd even go so far as to wear a baseball cap so that I don't have to do my hair Rather out of character for me!!!!

BUT - I don't want to have to wear dirty clothes!

 

[Lancer]

I definitley over pack because I always want to be prepared for any contingency or weather (jeans, jackets, sweatshirts,khakis, etc.) but end up using just 5 t-shirts , 5 pair of socks and a couple pairs of shorts. Maybe a sweatshirt at night.

 

[joanjett1976]

I take just what i need: quality not quantity!

I travel a lot, business and leisure and have my packing down to an artform! Being alone, running for a connected flight with bags hanging off every apendage: NEVER AGAIN!

Sturdy 20' rollie (that can fit in cabin) + small carry on Adidas or Fred perry messenger bag type of thing.

For one week, whether it be in Paris for a business trip, Los Angeles for a sunny escape or WDW, I bring:

-one pair of jeans
-one dress skirt
-one casual denim short skirt
-one pair of shorts
-one casual jacket
-one hoodie
-one clean sweater (lacoste v neck or similar)
-2 polos
-whatever my five favorite tee shirts are at the moment
-one pair sneakers
-one pair flip flops
-one pair dress shoe
-underwear & socks
-very, very small size essential toiletries (comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, perfume, eyeliner, lipstick, mascara & lotion)
-wallet
-sunglasses
-ipod
-digital camera
-one book

I am an admitted fashion freak and never wear the same thing in pics and hate to lug bags around. Takes about 15 minutes to pack. The twist is also in the packing; rolling pants and shirts actually prevents them from wrinkling!