Packing in suitcases or tubs? Dumb idea?

[sherabby]

We traveled locally for a weekend two hours away to a beach and I put our stuff in a laundry basket! I did feel wierd checking out the day we left but people probably thought I was doingl laundry!

 

[Dismom55]

We will use a combination of both suitcase and tubs. First off I have been using tubs for years, my daughter used to be on a competitive dance team and we would check into a hotel not only with a tub or two, but a cooler.

Hint, I got the collaspable luggage carrier for lugging the tubs. They do not cost much and make life so easy. I have a very bad back and it was the only way to get the stuff to the room. I was not the only one and some of the hotels we stayed in were pretty ritzy. Not embarased at all to show just how intelligent I am.

 

[mommapea]

Thanks for the help! I'm packing a couple of different ways. One suitcase for the drive down and first day or two, just to take in and out of the first 2 hotels. Once we are at Wilderness Lodge, I plan to have things in laundry baskets/tubs. I guess this won't be as hard to pack for this trip as our last one, as I had to get everything into a few suitcases, and watch the weight limit.

Now, opaque or transparent?? probably whichever I have available.

 

[Dismom55]

I have a couple of thoughts on that, transparent for things you do not mind letting others see, like lets say shampoo, sun screen, toys for kids, swim gear, etc. But for thinks like cameras, video recorder, portable DVD player etc, opaque. I will go all opaque as I already have them, but if I had to buy new, then I would get some of each or carefully pack those expensive items so they can not be seen, especially if not packing in a trunk, but the back of a van. Unseen items are not at tempting as those easily seen. We also tend to put the items that are the most valuable in unlikely places.

Just overly cautious I guess.

 

[klacey1]

Use the tubs if you think they'll work! Sounds like a good plan to me!

 

[Normangirls]

Another reason we like to use tubs:

By the time we use up all the food and things we had packed, we have plenty of room in the tubs for our souvenirs. The tubs are better than luggage for this because the hard construction protects our breakables!

 

[reelmom]

I would use whatever you want and whatever is easier for you. My packing tip is to use Ziplock bags. I put the kids clothes in gallon ones and Dh and I use the 2 gallons. I put in shirt, shorts, socks and underwear and push out all the air as you close. You will have so much more room and an easier morning getting ready. Just grab a bag and go. I also label the bags for what day it is to be worn. The clothes were not wrinkled and everything was neat.

 

[GraysMom]

We use the tubs for camping and I like the idea of using them for Disney (if we ever decide to drive again). At least if your room was infested with bed bugs, the tubs would be easy to clean and disinfect.

 

[nicki.momof3]

To heavy - suitcases are on wheels and are much easier to move.

 

[lorac4disney]

We use both. I pack our clothes into suitcases and everything else such as food and snacks into tubs (we are staying in the cabins). While we are there, the tubs serve as laundry containers. For the trip home, they hold our souvenirs.

Now bringing stuff in trash bags might be a little tacky, but not neat and organized storage tubs.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

We do suitcases. Tubs are too difficult to get to the room. It would take 2 of us to carry which would mean several trips to the car.

With suitcases, we get all but the diet cokes in one trip so it's easier for us.

 

[MonkersMama]

Now why didn't I think of this? The tubs suggestion would work perfectly for us, we're driving (from Niagara Falls). And I love the idea of a dedicated tub for each "thing" - clothes, food, shoes etc.

Love it! We're the next rednecks added to the list!

 

[suzimar57]

tubs sound like a great idea - we'd do that if we ever drove to wdw!

 

[angiepangie]

My sister has been packing in tubs for years. I always thought she was crazy and a bit tacky. We drive to WDW from Texas and it never fails that we go through a rain storm or two. Even though our luggage is supposed to be waterproof and we have a waterproof luggage rack, it never fails that my clothes end up soaked by the time we arrive. So I made the switch to tubs, and haven't regretted it yet. They are a bit bulky and a bit of a pain to get from the car to the room, but definitely worth it.

 

[mommapea]

Well, our living room has turned into packing central, right now.

So far, I have a tub for food items, which are not going in the cooler, one for the girls clothes/stuff, and one for our clothes. I also have one for other misc. I am taking 1 suitcase, bc/ we need to get in and out of our hotel easily while on the road. This is so much easier than packing for air travel! (not that I wouldn't take some free tix, right now )

 

[DisTwix]

I've actually used a rolling plastic drawer unit for packing when travelling by car... I was visiting someone who has very limited furniture, and very small space, so my stuff needed to be VERY non-intrusive. It turned out to be great - they have wheels, so can be moved easily, I laid it on it's back in the car...

Also, whenever I travel by car, all my bathroom stuff goes in one of those college open bucket th ings with the handle in the middle. I have no idea what they are called, but I have the same one I used in college and back when I had roommates, and it works SO WELL for overnight hotel rooms, or just staying a little more organized when travelling. It has the two sides, my make up bag stands up in it, it's easy to clean if something spills and I can SEE everything. Also, what could be easier to pack?

 

[ThunderMTexpert]

do not even WORRY about being tacky or anything! i mean, it's YOUR trip!! whatever works best for YOU and YOUR family! :] once i heard about this idea, actually, i was incredibly intrigued!! HAHA! i was thinking it might work well for us in a few days!!

 

[rubato]

I've actually used a rolling plastic drawer unit for packing when travelling by car... I was visiting someone who has very limited furniture, and very small space, so my stuff needed to be VERY non-intrusive. It turned out to be great - they have wheels, so can be moved easily, I laid it on it's back in the car...

This was going to be my suggestion. I had all my son's clothes organized and he could go into his own drawers to get them out. We also had a second one that had one drawer for snacks, one for sunscreens and hats and things, and one drawer for little toys and treats for my son. Talk about redneck!!!! I have good luggage, but this made more sense in this instance!