Packing questions

[kmb584]

We leave on Saturday for a 10-day trip and I haven't taken the suitcases out of the attic yet. I'll do that on Wednesday then pack on Thursday and Friday. Once upon a time I brought a ton of things, mainly clothes, with me for myself and my daughter, but I've learned over time that we don't need all that. My daughter lives in sundresses during the summer so I'm bringing 7 for her, and for me I have 3 pairs of capris and 7 tops. Our villa has laundry facilities and I do wash almost nightly when the temps and humidity are high so we'll be able to re-wear things. Must-haves are the blanket that my daughter sleeps with, sunscreen, flat iron, and makeup!

 

[mshanson3121]

I did up a packing list last night, and yes, honestly, our clothes will be the smallest amount of things we're bringing. The largest things will be all the extra stuff, cosmetics, first aid, medications, personal care items etc... things to entertain the kids on a 27 hour drive etc... stuff for the pool, cameras, chargers etc..

 

[ariane37]

I did up a packing list last night, and yes, honestly, our clothes will be the smallest amount of things we're bringing. The largest things will be all the extra stuff, cosmetics, first aid, medications, personal care items etc... things to entertain the kids on a 27 hour drive etc... stuff for the pool, cameras, chargers etc..

Those are the things I worry about forgetting the most, the "extras"-medications, personal care, etc. Clothes, eh, you can do laundry and buy some things down there even if they aren't the outfits you wanted. But so many medications, creams, etc. that many of us use are so specific (especially my WEN for my hair lol), I re-check the bag like 100x even after that stuff is marked off my list as packed!

 

[mshanson3121]

Okay, here is my list based off all the input I've gotten... if you are willing to look it over and see if I'm forgetting anything, that'd be great!

CLOTHES:
- nice shirt for DH & DS
- 6-7 t-shirts for DH & DS
- 4-5 pairs of shorts for DH & DS
- socks & underwear for everyone (6-7 pairs)
- 2 regular bras (aka... "give the girls a boost" bras) and 4 sports bras for me
- 7-8 sundresses for DD & I
- 2 swim suits for everyone (we have a pool so we'll be in multiple times a day)
- pjs for everyone (3-4 pair)
- Keens, Nike sandals, sneakers and water shoes for kids
- Nike & Clarks sandals, water shoes and sneakers for DH & I.
- hats for all of us
- sunglasses for all of us
- Dress & shoes for DD's trip to BBB

COSMETICS/FIRST AID/PERSONAL CARE:
- tweezers & fingernail clippers (totally forgot about these till I saw someone else's list!)
- razors and shaving cream
- sunscreen (3)
- bug repellant
- After Bite & anti-itch lotions
- All prescription medications
- Vitamins and supplements
- Benadryl, Advil, Tylenol, Gravol (both in children's form and adult's form)
- Tums
- Polysporin and bandaids
- facial cleanser & moisturizer
- body wash, shampoo, conditioner, anti-frizz serum
- make up
- hair brush & accessories (elastics, headbands, hair clips etc)
- blow dryer and flat iron
- deodorant & anti-chaffe lotion/sticks
- Dr. Scholls powder
- lip balm
- toothbrush, paste, mouthwash
- glasses (two pair for DD and I), cases, contacts (2 sets) & solution
- eye drops (anti-itch/lubricating)
- Pull Ups & wipes for DD
- Corn starch and cream for diaper rash


MISC:
- soccer ball (for breaks on our drive down)
- pool toys, goggles, life jackets
- books, games, dvds etc... to entertain kids
- Nintendo DS and games
- chargers for cell phones, DS, camera
- laptop (I still have to submit my columns while away)
- Frogg Toggs
- TICKETS & MAGIC BANDS!
- Print outs of house reservations, itineraries etc
- ID tag for stroller
- autograph books
- ponchos
- large ziploc bags for wet clothes, to protect my camera bag etc on Kali
- camera, case, lenses, filters, extra memory cards & battery
- cooler with ice packs and water jugs
- plastic cuttlery & ziploc baggies (we're bringing as many sandwhich supplies, snacks etc... with us for the drive there/back to save on costs)
- small wallet

 

[maarowak]

I usually make a list that I constantly check a month before, that I can add stuff if I remember something.

Then, a week before, I separate everything. One top per day + 2, a few bottoms that I can use with multiple tops. Shoes depends to where I'm going, but for Disney, since we weren't going on the rainy season, I only went with one.
If something is washing, or I need to use (I have very few clothes), I just put a note on top of the outfit pile to remind me of washing it and put it back before the trip.

Then, two days before the trip, I fold everything (so much suitcase space!), and pack. Toiletries and "jewelry" (the one necklace and two earrings I own lol) I pack one day before, remembering to pack my toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant before leaving.

I never missed anything. I thank my checklist for that. Making it way before the trip gives me time to remember everything I need.

 

[busymommy2pink]

We pack light for a family of 4. We bring one large checked bag, we each have a carry on and personal items. This year we are checking two bags, getting rid of the carry on and keeping the personal items. I make detailed lists months in advance. My girls are picky and this allows me time to know which outfits they want packed. I pack about 2-3 weeks in advance. I pack the girls clothing in outfits in gallon ziplock bags (outfit, undies, bows if necessary). Makes grabbing and going very easy and also easy to pack a change of clothes on a busy day. Dirty clothes go back in the bag at end of day. We've never done laundry on vacation, but would if we ran out of clothes.

To save space, we order a Walmart order about a week before we leave with sunscreen, bubble bath, lip balm, bandaids, shampoo etc. it gets brought to our rook shortly after being checked in. I'm Canadian, so I also order from stores that cost too much to ship here lol.

Something's I will never leave without again:

-Anker Charger (check these out on Amazon!! Love it. Charges my phone portably in my bag in the parks. It's what we use for a camera so it's been a life saver)
-ziplock bags. From wet clothes to a kid throwing up. They have come in SO handy in many ways.
-kids cliff bars. Good snack without all the crap. The oatmeal ones are my kids fav.

Also another tip. We also pack plastic hangers (Carter's stores give these for free). We use them to hang more things in the closet. Their pant ones hVe no issues hanging my adult shorts. At the end we toss them. That extra space in the suitcase is for souvenirs.

 

[mshanson3121]

Great idea on hangers!

 

[GillianP1301]

Okay, here is my list based off all the input I've gotten... if you are willing to look it over and see if I'm forgetting anything, that'd be great!

CLOTHES:
- nice shirt for DH & DS
- 6-7 t-shirts for DH & DS
- 4-5 pairs of shorts for DH & DS
- socks & underwear for everyone (6-7 pairs)
- 2 regular bras (aka... "give the girls a boost" bras) and 4 sports bras for me
- 7-8 sundresses for DD & I
- 2 swim suits for everyone (we have a pool so we'll be in multiple times a day)
- pjs for everyone (3-4 pair)
- Keens, Nike sandals, sneakers and water shoes for kids
- Nike & Clarks sandals, water shoes and sneakers for DH & I.
- hats for all of us
- sunglasses for all of us
- Dress & shoes for DD's trip to BBB

COSMETICS/FIRST AID/PERSONAL CARE:
- tweezers & fingernail clippers (totally forgot about these till I saw someone else's list!)
- razors and shaving cream
- sunscreen (3)
- bug repellant
- After Bite & anti-itch lotions
- All prescription medications
- Vitamins and supplements
- Benadryl, Advil, Tylenol, Gravol (both in children's form and adult's form)
- Tums
- Polysporin and bandaids
- facial cleanser & moisturizer
- body wash, shampoo, conditioner, anti-frizz serum
- make up
- hair brush & accessories (elastics, headbands, hair clips etc)
- blow dryer and flat iron
- deodorant & anti-chaffe lotion/sticks
- Dr. Scholls powder
- lip balm
- toothbrush, paste, mouthwash
- glasses (two pair for DD and I), cases, contacts (2 sets) & solution
- eye drops (anti-itch/lubricating)
- Pull Ups & wipes for DD
- Corn starch and cream for diaper rash


MISC:
- soccer ball (for breaks on our drive down)
- pool toys, goggles, life jackets
- books, games, dvds etc... to entertain kids
- Nintendo DS and games
- chargers for cell phones, DS, camera
- laptop (I still have to submit my columns while away)
- Frogg Toggs
- TICKETS & MAGIC BANDS!
- Print outs of house reservations, itineraries etc
- ID tag for stroller
- autograph books
- ponchos
- large ziploc bags for wet clothes, to protect my camera bag etc on Kali
- camera, case, lenses, filters, extra memory cards & battery
- cooler with ice packs and water jugs
- plastic cuttlery & ziploc baggies (we're bringing as many sandwhich supplies, snacks etc... with us for the drive there/back to save on costs)
- small wallet

Great list! The only other thing I can think off from my own list is a little travel sewing kit. Never know when you may have a button pop, plus the little scissors in it can come in handy.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

We leave on Thursday night and I started packing yesterday (Sunday). I only packed this early out of necessity...I don't want the kids to dirty the clothes they want to wear at Disney, so I had to take them out of rotation!

For a 6 day trip, I'm packing 6 shirts and bottoms per person and plan to do laundry once or twice, but I'm not sure how that's going to work out for us. We usually stay in a 1 bedroom villa so I pop laundry in before we leave for a park and then switch it to the dryer when we come back for a break or at night. We're doing 3 nights at Disney, 3 at Universal, so the laundry is going to be a logistical challenge since I'd normally do it on the day we're switching resorts. Hmmm...

 

[dixiegirl]

I start putting things aside about a month out and then actually start packing about 2 weeks out. I'm a bit OCD with packing.

 

[tink9702]

Okay, here is my list based off all the input I've gotten... if you are willing to look it over and see if I'm forgetting anything, that'd be great!

CLOTHES:
- nice shirt for DH & DS
- 6-7 t-shirts for DH & DS
- 4-5 pairs of shorts for DH & DS
- socks & underwear for everyone (6-7 pairs)
- 2 regular bras (aka... "give the girls a boost" bras) and 4 sports bras for me
- 7-8 sundresses for DD & I
- 2 swim suits for everyone (we have a pool so we'll be in multiple times a day)
- pjs for everyone (3-4 pair)
- Keens, Nike sandals, sneakers and water shoes for kids
- Nike & Clarks sandals, water shoes and sneakers for DH & I.
- hats for all of us
- sunglasses for all of us
- Dress & shoes for DD's trip to BBB

COSMETICS/FIRST AID/PERSONAL CARE:
- tweezers & fingernail clippers (totally forgot about these till I saw someone else's list!)
- razors and shaving cream
- sunscreen (3)
- bug repellant
- After Bite & anti-itch lotions
- All prescription medications
- Vitamins and supplements
- Benadryl, Advil, Tylenol, Gravol (both in children's form and adult's form)
- Tums
- Polysporin and bandaids
- facial cleanser & moisturizer
- body wash, shampoo, conditioner, anti-frizz serum
- make up
- hair brush & accessories (elastics, headbands, hair clips etc)
- blow dryer and flat iron
- deodorant & anti-chaffe lotion/sticks
- Dr. Scholls powder
- lip balm
- toothbrush, paste, mouthwash
- glasses (two pair for DD and I), cases, contacts (2 sets) & solution
- eye drops (anti-itch/lubricating)
- Pull Ups & wipes for DD
- Corn starch and cream for diaper rash


MISC:
- soccer ball (for breaks on our drive down)
- pool toys, goggles, life jackets
- books, games, dvds etc... to entertain kids
- Nintendo DS and games
- chargers for cell phones, DS, camera
- laptop (I still have to submit my columns while away)
- Frogg Toggs
- TICKETS & MAGIC BANDS!
- Print outs of house reservations, itineraries etc
- ID tag for stroller
- autograph books
- ponchos
- large ziploc bags for wet clothes, to protect my camera bag etc on Kali
- camera, case, lenses, filters, extra memory cards & battery
- cooler with ice packs and water jugs
- plastic cuttlery & ziploc baggies (we're bringing as many sandwhich supplies, snacks etc... with us for the drive there/back to save on costs)
- small wallet

don't forget pen/marker to write in the autograph books with. Also what about swim diaper for the little one.

 

[kwdw]

LOL. Umm...... thanks. I just realized neither were mine!

I wonder, how much sunscreen will we need for 4 people, for 10 days. Will 1 bottle (Coppertone Baby spray) be enough?

Nope.

 

[kwdw]

When do you start packing? Especially those of you going on a long trip? What are some of the must haves that you can't forget? For those who are going to be gone 2+ weeks what does your packing list look like?

We'll have 11 nights in Florida with laundry facilities, then another 4-6 nights on the road. Two kids (5, 8), one still in diapers.

This is the longest trip we've ever taken so I'm at a loss on what to pack, how many clothes, shoes etc... We have laundry facilities but on the flip side it's vacation, I don't want to be doing laundry every other day.

With three kids and that long of a trip - IMO you are allowed to start packing a month in advance and nobody will laugh! That's alot to plan!

I'd plan laundry no more than twice unless the machines are right in your room - then it could be more often because it's easy to just pop a few things in each day. I'd struggle packing to do laundry just once for that long of a trip - but if you have a BIG car and can hold lots of stuff, maybe you can do laundry once. But my suitcase and ability to haul stuff would dictate twice for that long.

Must haves that I can't forget - my favorite shoes and socks (I'm a sock snob), favorite deodorant that is hard to find, my attachable water bottle carrier, cell phone and charger, and my favorite cargo shorts. Yes - that sounds simple - but its to make a point. Do remember that you aren't traveling to a remote area - and if you forget something - you can buy it.

 

[Disneymom1126]

I usually start looking for things on sale as soon as I book our trip and start a plastic bin with "stuff for Disney." My most recent "must haves" for our packing list that others might not mention:

- reusable water bottle and flavored drink mix (the kind you just squirt 2-3 drops into the water) - we refill the water bottle at drinking fountains and then just squirt some pink lemonade mix into the water and for about $4.00 we have lemonade all week for two of us (compared to like $4.00 to buy just one drink in the park).
- portable cell phone charger - running MDE on my cell phone kills the battery, but I can plug it into the portable charger midway through the day and then it will last me from morning till midnight!
- because we fly and liquids are a pain, I also cut up a kitchen sponge into like 8 pieces and soak it in dish soap then let it dry out and put the pieces in a ziplock bag. Once I wet it again in the hotel room, it's the perfect size to wash out water bottles, cups, etc. (also weighs less than carrying a bottle of dish soap)
- antibacterial wet wipes - I use these everywhere we go to wipe down tables, wipe off sticky hands after having a popsicle, etc.
- pop-up hamper (the kind that collapses on itself and is mesh material) - it was great to keep our dirty clothes in and if we had done laundry, many of them have a carrying strap so it would make it easy to take down to the washer/dryers

I make a list of all of the things I'm going to pack (clothes, toiletries, etc.) about a month before the trip, but don't actually start packing until a few days before.