Packing Tips

[colleen costello]

I am slowly packing for our trip to OKW next Friday. It occurred to me that DVC'ers are probably full of great packing tips, since we travel a lot. Anybody have any great tips for making packing easier and more efficient?

I have begun to buy "doubles" of some things like antiperspirant and am planning to leave the stuff packed for my NEXT trip. I think this will make both unpacking and re-packing easier. Anyone else?

 

[Miss Park Avenue]

I'm headed to OKW in May and am starting to get excited!

One thing I noticed at OKW and other DVC resorts is that the closets don't have enough hangers. So I always pack a buch. Just slide em in somewhere where they will stay flat. That way when I get there I can just hang them up in the closet leaving more room in the drawers.

 

[tripletvan]

As far as food goes I usually will use an empty coffee can and put things like coffee filters,and small (snack) zip lock bags with spices, italian seasoning,garlic,cinammon etc. I can use the coffee can for bacon grease when we have breakfast and it keeps things from opening in our suitcase.
I used to use a shoebox but now we are sophisticated and moved to a plastic shoe box where I can fit in a ton of things like a few yards of aluminum foil, Tide tablets for the wash,Brillo pad, additional zip lock bags,tea bags, vanilla and the list goes on. I also save larger presciption bottles to use for things may spill.
My brother was flabbergasted by what I could get in that box! Sort of like a magicians hat.

 

[MdmMim]

In addition to a brush, comb, toothbrush, etc., I always have: a supply of coffee filters, coffee scoop, few placemats, 2 sets of cheap flatware (if I'm studio-bound), salt/pepper shaker, Swiss-Army knife w/scissors, duct tape (No--No plastic!), poncho, bandaids, and aspirin (checking the exp date before a trip). I keep these items packed and ready to go.

I use the duct tape to close up snack bags, bags of coffee-I take my own-and for reinforcing any shopping bags I may need to haul home.

The placemats don't take up much room, and they make my room feel homey. The flatware comes in handy, especially the knives (cutting bagels, oranges, etc.)

Have a great trip!

 

[sparkspeak]

And . . . sunscreen, prescriptions, Disney cards & coupons, adresses/phone numbers, stamps, batteries.

I have a pre-travel list too:
Alarms off, check email, check refrigerator, computer OFF, end online auctions, garbage out, lock patio door, pay bills, set up VHS, stop mail, stop newspaper, water plants.

 

[sgtdisney]

If you are flying make sure your suitcase is not too heavy. They are checking that pretty carefully at some airports lately. My MIL flew yesterday out of Chicago O'Hare. I told her repeatedly to make sure she packed lighter or spread it across 2 suitcases. (She was taking a bunch of gifts to BIL and his new triplets.) She didn't heed my advice and her suitcase was over 50 lbs. (Remember the 50lbs includes the suitcase weight.) They charged her $25.00 to bring the piece of luggage. She could have shipped the gifts for less probably.. Oh well, live and learn right

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

One thing I noticed at OKW and other DVC resorts is that the closets don't have enough hangers. So I always pack a buch. Just slide em in somewhere where they will stay flat. That way when I get there I can just hang them up in the closet leaving more room in the drawers

Save the room in your suitcase for more important stuff, like stuff you buy at Disney!!!! Mousekeeping will bring you all the hangers you want, just call and ask for them. There is no charge for this service, btw.

 

[Desperado]

Consider turning your water off. We used to shut off the water for the clothes washer and then we learned the same rubber hoses are used to hook up your dishwasher, and if they break while your away, it can be an expensive mess.

 

[llp479]

I have several large zip-loc bags packed and ready to go! One has toiltries, one has laundry supplies, first aid items, etc. When it's time to pack, I just pull them out, check expiration dates, and throw them in!

 

[maburke]

This is exactly what I love to hear about! I was thinking about asking the same question, and I am glad to hear other people's ideas. I like to keep a list to use each time, but I can't find it at the moment. One thing I like to bring is the night-time spinners and flashlights that we've bought on past trips. That way, I pull them out at the parks and my kids don't demand that I buy more.

Leaving tomorrow!!

Meghan