Strategic Packing- Lists and Tips from a Neurotic Mom! Now organzing the thread!

[Wiloughby1]

That def makes sense. I'm going to work on using up those half bottles on our trip. I love all these organizing ideas! I also set up a pool kit for our arrival day. That clear bag idea is the best tip I've gotten since "rope drop"

Thanks! I have so many "favorite" tips!

I need DW to read this. . .she is the packer, and I got lost about 2 paragraphs in. . .

LOL...DH lives out of his clean laundry basket and used to pack toiletries straight from the shower into a grocery bag. I know there are men out there who are great packers, I just haven't met them!

This isn't really a packing tip, but I have a tip for saving trips back to the rooms when actually AT Disney. We take our pool kit-bathing suits for 7, sunscreen, cover-ups (some of us are very white too), sunglasses, goggles, etc...and our M&M tubes (specially DISigned of course) full of quarters with us in the morning before going to the parks. On our way to breakfast, we make a stop at the pool (haha, I almost wrote poop. Glad I caught THAT typo), and lock our pool kits into the lockers. That way, when we decide to come back to the resort, we don't have to walk all the way back to our rooms to get dressed. We just pull our stuff out of the lockers, change in the pool bathrooms, and chill. I don't know about you, but my feet kill after a day at the parks, and I can barely make it into the hot tub to rub my muscles. Anyway, I figured I would throw that out there for those who are excited about all these kits, just in case they didn't think of that!

hehehe...you still wrote POOP! Yeesh, I need to get out of the house! That's a great idea! My kids aren't old enough to not take a break first, but this is certainly going on my "when they're older" list!

Access to a Cricut AND a laminator at work? I'm jealous!

My job has it's perks, for sure! Plus I only work 28 hours, so I get a good break from the kids, without the double-full-time job lifestyle!

Almost finished composing the clothes list! Not as exciting as the last two, but the best will be the planes/trains/automobiles post. Hang in there for that one!

 

[Wiloughby1]

I dragged my feet with this one. It isn't as good as the others, but it had to be done! At least of what I ACTUALLY put in a suitcase. Keep in mind, this is my list when I am NOT flying. Flying means taking bigger suitcases, combining them, and including the mini-kits. These are packed for the car. Specifically, the car that I won't see for 19 hours on the auto-train.

Clothes are also my weakness. I am an indecisive dresser. I need OPTIONS. But this is what I'm really taking for my family.

The planes/trains/automobiles post will be more exciting, I promise! Here goes:

Clothes- A Philosophy

You can’t decide how to pack your clothes until you decide whether or not you are doing laundry. It seems that there are 3 camps when it comes to laundry on vacation (excluding the unexpected)
-Those who appreciate the break from laundry and do NONE while on vacation
-Those who prefer lighter bags and wash mid-trip
-Those (like myself) who wash at the end of the trip to skip the big wash-and-unpack chaos.
All are excellent and reasonable, but I am presenting my packing strategy using the third option. We typically stay in a condo and I wash on the last night. This trip we are spending the last 2 nights at POFQ, so I’ll wash the night before we change hotels, and have minimal wash when we get home. I have a pop-up hamper and all of our clothes get tossed in as they are worn, then I take the whole thing to wash.

DS, being a boy, was far less interesting for me to dress. He wore one piece outfits and sandals almost every day, and only a few things were Disney. Now that I know how the characters respond to the shirts, I want to dress the kids in more Disney gear. And I have a GIRL!! Plus, I did the previously unthinkable for my family: I got us the matching mother/daughter/father/son mickey/minnie shirts from the Disney Store. Just one day we’ll match. For the rest, the kids outfits reflect the park we are visiting and DH and I will dress the way we usually do. (if you are interested in my specific selections for the kids, let me know, and I'll do a kid outfit post)

I like cotton clothes generally, because I don’t like the feel or smell of synthetics in the heat, and I choose light colors when possible. I avoid dressing the kids in white though because it never keeps its brightness and I want to get lots of wear out of the shirts post- trip. I don’t iron, so all those cotton items are folded neatly and uniformly and fit tightly in the suitcases. If I can’t get a tight fit, I’ll sometimes add a towel (from the pool kit) folded flat over the top. I also hate socks once the temperature rises above 70f. My kids wear Keens and Crocs all summer, too. DH wears sneakers, because he's the family rebel.

So on to tips and lists...

Tip #9 Whenever possible, give each person her/his own suitcase. My kids have little Disney rolling carry-ons. DH and I each have small rolling carry-ons. If we were flying, I would do a medium regular case for the kids to share and one for DH and me. I have more flexibility with the car, for sure!I know some people mix every suitcase in case one gets lost. My thought is, I'm only going to FL, I can buy new, if I must.
Tip #10 Stack kids outfits in order with last-to-be-worn on the bottom, first on top. I put the whole outfit together. Undies and socks go in the pocket on the lid of the suitcase. This ties to my no-ziploc rule. Besides the fact that (even when you reuse them) they are an unnecessary cost, they slip all over the place and leave my suitcase feeling messy. I also get terribly annoyed trying to squash out the air. I use the same outfit stacking strategy for myself. With DH I stack shirts together and shorts together, because he doesn’t like a pre-assembled outfit.
Tip #11 The outfits take up one half of the case. The other half is a stack of pjs, sweatshirts, swimwear, and spare outfits. Shoes are tucked around the sides.
Tip #12 My rule of thumb for babies with an “only wash before we leave” philosophy is 1.5 outfits per day. So for every 4 days, pack 6 outfits. For preschoolers, 4 days, 5 outfits are fine, plus a couple extra undies and shorts. That also includes a dressier outfit in case we go somewhere nice. For spares that I use in the park, I prefer minimalist with a baby. Always a one-piece.
Tip #13 Pick your shoes first, then coordinate all of your clothes to match them. In Disney you need comfortable shoes for all the walking. My Keens are black so all of my selections will match black shoes, other than my dressy outfit that requires other sandals.

The Lists: (our trip includes an overnight train each way and 8 resort nights. We are planning 6 whole plus 3 half park days. I have left out outfits that we are taking on the train as those will be in another bag for another post) We’re also going in in May, when it’s drier, not brutally hot, and not crowded. Obviously you would need warmer clothes in January and possibly mid-day changes in August.

18 m/o DD
3 one-pieces
1 sun dress
8 outfits consisting of 1 t-shirt and 1 pair of shorts or skort
1 pr Keens
1 pr regular sandals
2 pr socks- she’ll wear crocs on the train, socks IF it’s cold going home
6 pr pjs- we bathe before bed, so unless her diaper wets through, we’ll reuse.
2 hooded sweatshirts
1 pr leggings in case there is a cool morning
3 bathing suits (one wet, one dry, one dirty always seems to be the case)
1 cover up
Sun Hat
1 Minnie Mouse costume

Notes about DD’s selections:
-DD is very sensitive to the sun. Nearly everything I packed will cover her shoulders.
-Her Minnie Costume is really a cotton polka dot dress that someone made for her and some ears. I don’t know if it will get used.

46 m/o DS
10 outfits consisting of 1 t-shirt and 1 pair of shorts
15 undies- DS forgets to go when having fun, so IDK what to expect at WDW
6 pjs
1 pr Keens
2 hooded sweatshirts
2 pr socks (if needed with crocs on train)
3 swim trunks + rash guards
1 big t shirt for pool
ear hat from last visit
Sun hat

Me
3 prs twill shorts
4 prs cotton shorts
1 pair nylon shorts (to ride Kali on AK day!)
2 pr capris
10 shirts, some tanks some t-shirts (one to match each pr shorts)
1 hooded sweatshirt
10 pr underwear
5 cotton bras (because that’s all I’ve got!)
1 sundress for date night
1 pr flip flops
1 pr Tevas (wear Keens on train)
1 pr nicer sandals
2 swim suits
1 cover up
1 sun hat
3 pr pjs
eye shade- i never know how dark the room will be!
accessories for date night

DH
10 t-shirts
5 shorts
1 pr jeans
4 swim trunks
10 pr socks
2 hooded sweatshirts
flip flops (wears sneakers on train and in parks)
2 prs sleepwear
10 pr underwear
1 baseball style cap

In our suitcases we add any surprises for the kids. DHs bag also holds the toiletry kit.

I hope this gives you a good idea of quantities for an 8-night trip. In my next post, I’ll cover baby gear (including my take on the stroller debate), toys, and other “stuff”. After that I’ll move onto packing for transportation!

Until next time...

 

[catinthehat35]

I am loving all of your tips! I am taking my nephews to Disney in May by myself!! Packing is one of the things I am really bad at! I constantly overpack and since we are flying this year I need to be cautious of what I pack! I look forward to reading more tips!

 

[Wiloughby1]

I am loving all of your tips! I am taking my nephews to Disney in May by myself!! Packing is one of the things I am really bad at! I constantly overpack and since we are flying this year I need to be cautious of what I pack! I look forward to reading more tips!

You are an awesome aunt to make that trip alone! How old are your nephews? I can try to tweak a list for their ages and for a plane ride. I definitely went through an over-packing phase, and with kids it can be even more tempting. Welcome! and ask any questions you may have. If I can't give you a precise answer, I'm sure someone else will!

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

hehehe...you still wrote POOP! Yeesh, I need to get out of the house! That's a great idea! My kids aren't old enough to not take a break first, but this is certainly going on my "when they're older" list!

I know! I could've let it go, but I'm that person that always points out her mistakes so everyone can laugh at them! Like when I'm at a restaurant and accidentally drool on my shirt or something, but no one sees. Instead of just letting it go, I'm like: "Ha,ha guys! I just drooled on my shirt!!!" Poop.

I just started using Ziplocs this year, and I love them, so I am in group #2 on the Ziploc subject, and group #1 on the laundry subject! However, I am an extreme couponer, so my Ziplocs were nearly free. I like free things. Since they were nearly free, I bought about 30 boxes! I love how small everything sits in my bags! But I am not one of those people that thinks their way is the only way, so I think your ideas are great. I am managing to fly 7 people down for 11 days with only carry-ons, so I think I'm doing ok though! I think we may be stuck with one checked bag b/c I don't have enough suitcases! Boo! We already bought a full set-well, it was almost free since I worked my magic deals. Then this weekend I bought another set that was brand new at a flea market, and the smaller suitcase is too big to be a carry-on! Boo. Last trip I borrowed my mom's, but with my brother and his two kids going...Guess I got off subject a little. Sorry, I was home all day alone, and I'm used to having 5 kids with me all day, every day! Poop.

 

[michaelandmarksmom]

Thanks for all your "hints and tips". We are leaving in three weeks and I am getting very nervous with the packing part of our trip because of all the new baggage fees. I don't want to pay for extra baggage only to find out that I overpacked (like I normally do!). These tips will hopefully help me organise better.

 

[Wiloughby1]

I know! I could've let it go, but I'm that person that always points out her mistakes so everyone can laugh at them! Like when I'm at a restaurant and accidentally drool on my shirt or something, but no one sees. Instead of just letting it go, I'm like: "Ha,ha guys! I just drooled on my shirt!!!" Poop.

I just started using Ziplocs this year, and I love them, so I am in group #2 on the Ziploc subject, and group #1 on the laundry subject! However, I am an extreme couponer, so my Ziplocs were nearly free. I like free things. Since they were nearly free, I bought about 30 boxes! I love how small everything sits in my bags! But I am not one of those people that thinks their way is the only way, so I think your ideas are great. I am managing to fly 7 people down for 11 days with only carry-ons, so I think I'm doing ok though! I think we may be stuck with one checked bag b/c I don't have enough suitcases! Boo! We already bought a full set-well, it was almost free since I worked my magic deals. Then this weekend I bought another set that was brand new at a flea market, and the smaller suitcase is too big to be a carry-on! Boo. Last trip I borrowed my mom's, but with my brother and his two kids going...Guess I got off subject a little. Sorry, I was home all day alone, and I'm used to having 5 kids with me all day, every day! Poop.

I am always impressed by extreme couponers. I lack follow-through generally, so I typically online use coupons online and shopping for clothes. I admire you though! Way to go on the carry-ons. I know you are reluctant with the single checked bag, but would it make your terminal experience better to check one full bag? I often debate: what is the dollar value of this hassle? Nine times out of ten I go with the savings. But some services are money well spent.

Thanks for all your "hints and tips". We are leaving in three weeks and I am getting very nervous with the packing part of our trip because of all the new baggage fees. I don't want to pay for extra baggage only to find out that I overpacked (like I normally do!). These tips will hopefully help me organise better.

Glad to be of service! There are a lot of "Ultimate Packing Lists" and ongoing uber-lists of everything anyone could possibly need, but it's hard to whittle down what a single family actually needs. That's what I tried to do here: take all the great ideas combed out of mega-list and put it into a realistic list, organized in manageable chunks, with insight into why I made each choice. You'll probably have to pare down my list to go from the train to a plane, but if your family is similar to mine, it should give you an easier formula to manage.

 

[Wiloughby1]

We’re taking the auto train this year. DH hates flying and I couldn’t fathom the thought of schlepping 2 full sized car seats through the airport, installing them in an unfamiliar rental and blah blah blah. Oh, and DS is obsessed with trains. He wears an engineer uniform Fri-Sun each week. It just made sense for us this year.

Oh, and did I mention it was cheaper to get family rooms each way then to fly the 4 of us and rent a car? Yeah, and we would have flown Southwest, further adding to DH’s anxiety.

So let’s talk trains. I traveled via overnight train while studying abroad and loved it. Of course, there was no DH or kids at the time. We’ll be leaving our luggage and gear safely in our car and taking only our necessities into our walk-in-closet sized home for 19 hours or so. Hopefully the kids will sleep through most of that time, but we are preparing for the worst.

We have a bag with supplies, each kid will have a bag of entertainment, we’ll have a technology bag, and a small cooler with a ton of whole milk. I'll have a tote with comfort items and my bag of really important stuff. That should do it.

The “Supply” Bag- this is all in my Mr. B bag. They are apparently now defunct, but it’s pretty much the most awesome kid-travel bag I have ever owned.
1 half roll of paper towels*
1 tub of Wet Ones
1 ziploc of tissues
1 ziploc containing
-2 GAP shopping bags for trash (cinch top RULES!)
-Half roll of painter’s tape for toddler proofing
-4 ziplocs for “accidents”
1 Family Medical Kit
1 mini-toiletry kit (extra from my stash, plus toothbrushes from my Ever-Ready kit)
-toothbrushes and toothpaste
-lotion
-baby wash (no matter what happens, we can all use it!)
-2 washcloths (really just in case. Did I mention DD is a puker?)
-hand sanitizer
-pony tails
-hairbrush
-1 mini-febreze
1 nylon cinch backpack for each family member with the following
-pajamas
-slipper socks
-underwear (or nightime diaper)
-arrival outfit
1 potty seat, in it’s plastic sleeve, with soft packs of flushable wipes
19 diapers for DD*
4 pull-ups for DS
1 full wipes refill in a ziploc
1 roll of diaper disposal bags
1 plastic container of cornstarch (DD is allergic to diaper cream)
1 changing pad
1 pack of glow bracelets from the Target dollar section (I call it the “Hollah!” Section)
2 sippy cups
1 bottle
1 no-spill snack up
-DDs lovey dog and doll
-Bag of very exciting snacks
-Ikea bag for when no one wants to carry their own bag!

Notes:
-for a plane, you obviously have to pare down the quantities for time. Lose the glow bracelets, most of the toiletries, the paper towels (much faster to get a flight attendant’s help than a conductor) and trash bags.
Tip #14half roll of paper towels is much smaller than a whole. when your roll in the kitchen gets small enough, throw it in your handy “pack for Disney” rubbermaid and stick a new roll on the dispenser. Voila! appropriate number of paper towels for messy traveling kids. Use a whole roll if you’re driving the whole way.
Tip #15Over pack diapers. I'm bringing 19 diapers. Crazy, right? No. My cousin had a 6 hour flight alone with DD. It was delayed. They were stuck in the airport. moms were running out of diapers and had to count on each other. I budget 1 diaper for every travel hour. What doesn’t get used will cover me on the way back. If I don’t take that many, both of my kids will have diarrhea and the Auto Train will break down in rural Georgia for 4 hours. It’s a guarantee
Tip #16In the car, add one of those summer table cloths with plastic on one side and flannel on the other. Just in case you have to change a poop-splosion in the middle of a damp cornfield on the side of the road. Been there, done that.


In a reusable grocery bag-
-2 pillow pets
-fleece blankets for DD (she sleeps with one in each arm)

Notes:
-These just take up space, but make things feel familiar. If (dare I say it) there are bed bugs somewhere, I can toss them and replace them, too.

Electronics Backpack (My Vera Bradley that someone gave me as a diaper bag)
-Macbook (pre-loaded with movies)
-Flip
-Cameras
-ALL chargers and cords (cameras, cell phones, computer)
-Spare batteries (AAA, AA, camera) together with chargers in zipper pouch
-Leapster Explorer
-iPods
-travel speakers and headphones
-A real, printed, no-batteries-required novel for me
-book light
-GPS, suction mount, and charger in zippered pouch
-spare car keys

Notes:
-This is the “guard with your life” bag so it stays on my back, never sitting down. When DH can’t find a cord, it’s all there.
-can you imagine losing your car keys down there?

DS’s backpack (I got a lot of inspiration and tips from www.travelkiddy.com)
-High-5 Magazine
-Coloring Book
-Crayons
-new books about trains
-clipboard (Target, Hollah!)
-homemade eye-spy bottle (cute tutorial here)
-pipe cleaners and wiki stix
-post-its (hours of fun)
-toy train carrier, stocked with trains
-fold up mat for train play
-mini-flashlight
-a Pez dispenser
-a Tigger plush slap bracelet
-new Disney mini-plush toys
-Vinylmation Muppet Chef


DD’s bag pack
-Crayons
-Pooh coloring book
-new books
-new dress-up bracelets and purse
-magna-doodle
-light up toy
-new mini-plush
-disney and sesame street figurines (she loves these and Little People)
-noisy VTech pretend Blackberry with lots of buttons
-Snow White slap bracelet
-post its
-new ball
-plastic slinky
-plastic cups and a ziploc filled with different sized craft pom-poms

Notes on Entertainment Bags:
- There is no way this all will get used, but I like a lot of options. Pare down for a shorter trip.
Tip #17I don’t let the kids root around themselves. I tell them options and pull things out for them, lest we have a “dumping” situation


Mom’s Bag (Healthy Back Bag- Ugly but organized!!)
-Baggalini-as-wallet (I have this in Giraffe. I thought it was very AK!)
-ID
-CC
-Debit Card
-Disney Tix (copies stores in email, on both cells, and in DH’s wallet)
-Disney Rewards Card
-Auto Train receipt
-Cash for tolls, presorted with LOTS of ones and quarters
-general cash
-health insurance card
-ID bracelets for kids (My 411)
-iPhone
-chapstick
-sunglasses for me and DH (he WILL forget them otherwise)
-address labels and stamps for DS to start composing postcards
-feminine products, just in case
-hand sanitizer
-map to condo in case GPS can’t find signal
-car keys!

Soft-sided Cooler
-2 Nalgenes filled with whole milk
-Bobbles with Water

Notes:
-DD drinks a ton of milk. I absolutely cannot run out.

Tip #18 Dress in layers, no matter how you travel. No one likes the same temperature, you can't predict trains and planes. Bring a sweatshirt and socks, at least.

What we’ll wear- late April in DC, for reference
Me-
-Capris
-Tshirt
-hooded sweatshirt
-keens

DH-
-jeans
-t-shirt
-hoodie
-sneakers/socks

DS-
-engineer’s overalls and hat (natch.)
-auto-train tshirt
-Thomas hoodie
-crocs

DD-
-Leggings
-t-shirt
-hoodie
-crocs

That’s how we roll. I may tweak as we get closer, especially the kids’ backpacks. I’m still trying to see how to lighten the load and welcome suggestions to cut anything extra.

Next time: All the other junk we take: Baby gear, stuff and things.

-Autumn

 

[ImaDVCwannabe]

This is an AWESOME thread thanks for all the wonderful tips. I'm excited for the rest of them. We are planning a trip for next summer and we will have our two DD's 7 and 3 (at time of trip) and our DS 22 mo (at time of trip) and I will be using some of your very helpful ideas

 

[TeaForTulips]

Love your posts! Thanks so much for sharing with everyone!

I noticed your family is outfitted with Keens.

What style do you have for everyone? Thinking of getting some for my family which includes toddlers to adults. Their website is overwhelming with options though! Crocs just don't seem to cut it anymore for me.

Thanks!

 

[Wiloughby1]

This is an AWESOME thread thanks for all the wonderful tips. I'm excited for the rest of them. We are planning a trip for next summer and we will have our two DD's 7 and 3 (at time of trip) and our DS 22 mo (at time of trip) and I will be using some of your very helpful ideas

Thanks! I'm glad you are finding it helpful. DS was 22 months on our last trip and it was a great age. Planning and resourcefulness made it pretty easy. He's almost 4 now and it will be so much different! I'm eager to see what he'll want to try, but worried that he'll discover his great disadvantage of being only 39 inches tall! Let me know if there are any topics or questions you want me to address directly. There's bound to be something you'll think of that I haven't yet!

Love your posts! Thanks so much for sharing with everyone!

I noticed your family is outfitted with Keens.

What style do you have for everyone? Thinking of getting some for my family which includes toddlers to adults. Their website is overwhelming with options though! Crocs just don't seem to cut it anymore for me.

Thanks!

We do love Keens! For the kids, I never thought twice. I always invest in their everyday shoes. They both have Newport H2s. DS is on his 2nd pair. After a wash through the machine, his old look brand new and are stashed away for DD in the future. I only get him gender neutral colors for that reason! They wash and wear so well and they are the only shoes he wore all summer. He wore them on the playground, on the rubberized gym floor, in mud, anywhere!

I just got myself a pair of Venices. I have always been a Teva girl, but I am touring Israel for work this summer and we'll be visiting Hezekiah's Tunnel, so closed toe was important. It made the investment finally worth it. I picked the Venice because I thought it looked more feminine, though I them in black to wear more neutrally.

The big differences among the sandal options are
1. is the heel cup closed or open? the kids versions are different than the adult with the same name in this area.
2. the amount of webbing between the ankle and the toe, whether the webbing is open, wide, etc.
3. Materials- some are water-tolerant leather, others are nylon. I think the nylon washes best and looks best over time. Those are typically called H2.

The footbeds are mostly the same. The toddler Newport H2 sizes have an easy open ankle.

Crocs are comfortable and I wore them when I was pregnant on our last trip when my feet were too swollen for my Teva's. They left my feet feeling sticky, though. I think they are useful for the kids for water play and travel because they are easy on and off, so they still get a fresh pair each year.

I hope that helps. I'm glad you're enjoying the thread! I'm enjoying writing it!

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

I am always impressed by extreme couponers. I lack follow-through generally, so I typically online use coupons online and shopping for clothes. I admire you though! Way to go on the carry-ons. I know you are reluctant with the single checked bag, but would it make your terminal experience better to check one full bag? I often debate: what is the dollar value of this hassle? Nine times out of ten I go with the savings. But some services are money well spent.

Oh, thanx! My kids love it and are all involved! We've turned it into a small business! This is why we are able to afford such a great vacation this year!Yay! I really am not sure which way to go with the checked bag. I would prefer two smaller bags, but I would probably have to buy them, and I don't want to do that. I do have two Disney bags on wheels. I suppose I could try that out. At this point, it's the decision between spending $50 for a checked bag (that's $25 each way), or probably close to the same amount for 2 travel size suitcases. It goes against my nature to spend the money on the checked bag, and not have something I own to show for it. My general rule is to never go into a store and buy just one thing. I'll tell you why this makes sense...For instance...today I had to buy dog food. I could've gone into the store and just bought the dog food. It would've cost me $16.00. However, I went in and used some CATS (coupons from the Catalina printing machine at the register-good for a certain amount off your next order) to purchase some Dawn dish detergent, which in turn gave me another CAT good for $5.00 off my next order. I then had $7.00 in CATS to apply to my dog food, and a $3.00 coupon. My dog food only cost me $6.00 then, which was less than I would've spent on just the dog food if I had just walked in and bought only that. AND I walked out with 4 Dawn dish soaps, a free milk, and the dog food. Understand? I probably lost you. My point is, I realize I would be paying for a service with checking a bag, but if I used the money to buy two suitcases, I would be leaving with something in my hands that belonged to me. Plus I am guessing checking the bag would slow me down. Hmmm....what to do? Opinions?

 

[Wiloughby1]

Oh, thanx! My kids love it and are all involved! We've turned it into a small business! This is why we are able to afford such a great vacation this year!Yay! I really am not sure which way to go with the checked bag. I would prefer two smaller bags, but I would probably have to buy them, and I don't want to do that. I do have two Disney bags on wheels. I suppose I could try that out. At this point, it's the decision between spending $50 for a checked bag (that's $25 each way), or probably close to the same amount for 2 travel size suitcases. It goes against my nature to spend the money on the checked bag, and not have something I own to show for it. My general rule is to never go into a store and buy just one thing. I'll tell you why this makes sense...For instance...today I had to buy dog food. I could've gone into the store and just bought the dog food. It would've cost me $16.00. However, I went in and used some CATS (coupons from the Catalina printing machine at the register-good for a certain amount off your next order) to purchase some Dawn dish detergent, which in turn gave me another CAT good for $5.00 off my next order. I then had $7.00 in CATS to apply to my dog food, and a $3.00 coupon. My dog food only cost me $6.00 then, which was less than I would've spent on just the dog food if I had just walked in and bought only that. AND I walked out with 4 Dawn dish soaps, a free milk, and the dog food. Understand? I probably lost you. My point is, I realize I would be paying for a service with checking a bag, but if I used the money to buy two suitcases, I would be leaving with something in my hands that belonged to me. Plus I am guessing checking the bag would slow me down. Hmmm....what to do? Opinions?

It makes perfect sense to me! I'm not good at managing paper, so managing coupons is so far beyond my skill set. I only stay on top of my paperwork if it gets recycled, shredded, or immediately utilized when it comes into the house! My other question: how do you manage all the bulk products? I like a well stocked pantry, but I'd feel like I was managing a warehouse after a while, and probably forget what I have/need. How does that work? Do you have a blog so I can learn more?

Here's the question I would pose about the suitcases: Do you fly enough that they are worth the investment? If you fly often with the whole family or you start working with them on packing their own things (I've seen some great homeschool projects where the kids plan and pack for African safaris, etc), then it's an investment.

If you often take beach trips or other vacations where you put the bigger suitcases in the car and only use the carry-on size once every other year, and they take up valuable space in your home, plus your younger ones don't want to pull their own gear or need your help, etc, then it's a loss.

 

[minnie mum]

If only use the carry-on size once every other year, and they take up valuable space in your home, plus your younger ones don't want to pull their own gear or need your help, etc, then it's a loss.

Just IMHO, but I think its an investment even if it's only used occasionally. It was always a great size for the kids when they were little, even if they didn't haul it themselves. And they much preferred having their own vs. sharing a large suitcase. They don't have to take up extra room. We store small bags inside the carry ons, then store the carry ons inside the larger suitcases.

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

It makes perfect sense to me! I'm not good at managing paper, so managing coupons is so far beyond my skill set. I only stay on top of my paperwork if it gets recycled, shredded, or immediately utilized when it comes into the house! My other question: how do you manage all the bulk products? I like a well stocked pantry, but I'd feel like I was managing a warehouse after a while, and probably forget what I have/need. How does that work? Do you have a blog so I can learn more?

Here's the question I would pose about the suitcases: Do you fly enough that they are worth the investment? If you fly often with the whole family or you start working with them on packing their own things (I've seen some great homeschool projects where the kids plan and pack for African safaris, etc), then it's an investment.

If you often take beach trips or other vacations where you put the bigger suitcases in the car and only use the carry-on size once every other year, and they take up valuable space in your home, plus your younger ones don't want to pull their own gear or need your help, etc, then it's a loss.

I'm sure with your organizing prowess you'd be a great couponer. I honestly thought I never would be. Now I get asked to speak at engagements on it. I have yet to take them up on their offers though! I deal with bulk in several ways. First of all, I live in a 90 year old farmhouse with ten foot ceilings and a pantry with built-ins. The pantry was also converted into a laundry room before we moved in, so I am often seen standing on top of my dryer or scaling the shelves to place things on the very highest shelves. I love organization, even though my family does everything they can to ruin that for me, so my pantry is my happy place. No one messes with my neat rows in there. I sometimes go there just for the serenity of the room. I only keep what my family can use before it goes bad. I watched several stockpile videos on Utube as I was just starting out, and never wanted to be one of those people who has to move this stack and that stack to get to what I need. Everything is very accessible. Some things I keep in the bathroom cabinet which was built by my hubby and is fairly large. Again, we only keep what we can use. So...though I have about 300 toothpastes, I only keep about 6-10 for my family and sell the rest. I keep all my stock on shelves until it's time to sell, then pack it into boxes. When we get back from a day at the flea market, everything goes back on the shelves so I am able to see what kind of stock I have. Well-everything but the toothpaste cuz that's like a million pounds. Living this way has saved my family roughly $20,000.00 this year. My Giant Eagle receipt says this year's savings is over $15,000.00, so that first number may be low when you add in my savings at other stores. We never pay full price for anything, which is why we will keep 7 of one item on our shelves. Disney is our one thing we splurge on! I don't do a blog, but I am on facebook. If you are interested, PM me and I will give you my info to look me up. I do post a lot of my deals, but I never talk about selling. It got to where a lot of my friends were bragging about me in stores, and it's best to keep it on the DL. Just this week I posted a shopping trip where I came home with 139 items (including a Tangled Blue Ray), and each item had an average cost of 30 cents. I will often post a picture and tell how I did it. Anyway, now that we are WAY off subject!

My kids do help me pack b/c everything done in our home is a team effort. I just have the final say in what stays and goes, and I do the organizing. Argh. I am so torn! I wouldn't know if we fly a lot. Our first vacation in 13 years was to Disney in October 2010! Now we are flying again! We realized what we were missing, and don't want to miss it anymore! My hit is that we will probably travel at least once a year, mostly flying.

Just IMHO, but I think its an investment even if it's only used occasionally. It was always a great size for the kids when they were little, even if they didn't haul it themselves. And they much preferred having their own vs. sharing a large suitcase. They don't have to take up extra room. We store small bags inside the carry ons, then store the carry ons inside the larger suitcases.

Good points all around. I like everyone having their own suitcases, and they all do. It's my husband and I that were sharing a large one and then pulling two carry-ons so we could take more. I am more nervous about the extra time it will take getting the bag checked while my family (my parents tend to be impatient) gets irritated waiting for us. The space issue is a non-issue with us as we have 4 attic spaces (one of the bonuses of an old house). I am thinking it will probably be carry-ons for us. I spent a half an hour squeezing stupid sunscreen into a travel size container Sunday b/c I had couponed the huge ones and needed to condense just in case we take only carry-ons! That was annoying! Thanx for all the help guys! I am still undecided, but totally leaning toward not checking a bag.

 

[ImaDVCwannabe]

Thanks! I'm glad you are finding it helpful. DS was 22 months on our last trip and it was a great age. Planning and resourcefulness made it pretty easy. He's almost 4 now and it will be so much different! I'm eager to see what he'll want to try, but worried that he'll discover his great disadvantage of being only 39 inches tall! Let me know if there are any topics or questions you want me to address directly. There's bound to be something you'll think of that I haven't yet!

I actually do have a question for you or anyone willing to answer. Our Disney trip will be my kids first airplane ride and since we live in Spokane WA, its about an 8 hour flight for us with only one stop. What are some of the best things we can take for them on the plane? And I'm worried about their ears. Being an adult I know how to get mine to pop but how do you explain that to a toddler and an infant is there anything we can take with us to help in that department?

Thanks in advance

 

[Wiloughby1]

Blackbeltdisneygirl- I'll PM you soon! $20,000 in one year is AMAZING! I don't know that I'll be able to go into full on stockpiling, but if I can save a few hundred it would be a great start.

I completely forgot about the liquids issue with carry-ons. For me that might be a dealbreaker! But I do love my individual suitcases....

I actually do have a question for you or anyone willing to answer. Our Disney trip will be my kids first airplane ride and since we live in Spokane WA, its about an 8 hour flight for us with only one stop. What are some of the best things we can take for them on the plane? And I'm worried about their ears. Being an adult I know how to get mine to pop but how do you explain that to a toddler and an infant is there anything we can take with us to help in that department?
Thanks in advance

The key to success on planes is to avoid anything noisy, messy, or big, which can be difficult. We drive from MD to VT several times each winter, so I have a bin of travel toys that only come out on trips. I also stash toys that become popular a few weeks before trips to make them exciting en route.

For DS3, he likes
-sticker books
-Crayola Color Wonder books and paper
-Books/magazines about trains
-High-5 magazines (Highlights for Preschool)
-small trains and cars
-Leapster Explorer (get headphones for the plane, but NOT earbuds)
-wikistix/bendaroos, pipe cleaners
-jacob's ladder/fidget toys
-colorforms
-homemade eye-spy bottles

DD1 is harder, but manageable.
-new books
-triangular crayons (won't roll) and coloring book
-little people figurines
-craft pom poms and stacking cups= endless fill and dump fun
-appropriate sized cars
-links
-I-Spy books. I have no idea what she is describing, but she finds lots of stuff!

for ears, there are EarPlanes that relieve pressure, but DS won't let anything near his ears. You can try an appropriate sized lollipop for your older child (ie- too big to swallow). Give the baby a bottle or nurse. The key is to keep them swallowing.

One tip I was going to add in another Tip post- plan for restock on the way home!

 

[ImaDVCwannabe]

Those are great ideas thanks!!!! I never would have thought about the triangle crayons awesome

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

Blackbeltdisneygirl- I'll PM you soon! $20,000 in one year is AMAZING! I don't know that I'll be able to go into full on stockpiling, but if I can save a few hundred it would be a great start.

I completely forgot about the liquids issue with carry-ons. For me that might be a dealbreaker! But I do love my individual suitcases....

Awesome! You don't need to be a full on stockpiler to really see a large savings. Just having even four of one item on a shelf will save you tons of money, and by the time you run out there will be another coupon and another sale usually. The real key is having at least a couple of the same item on your shelves so you don't ever have to run to the store b/c you are out of something that you could get free or really cheap in a couple weeks.

Drum roll please....... I made my decision! Since we picked up that brand new set of suitcases at the flea market last weekend (and by the way, I made a trade for them...I gave her $10.00 in products and $10.00 cash, and her hubby gave me $10.00 off their asking price, so they were a great deal), I decided I could take back my other set I had bought from Target. I had them put the whole $85.00 on a gift card, and I bought one carry-on (which is really cute, and I should be able to pack a lot in), 48 batteries, 9 packs of razors (to sell), and one other small item (ok, it was feminine hygiene products to sell-I had a hysterectomy right after Disney in October, praise the Lord...so they aren't for me! Maybe that was TMI, but that's sort of my personality, so sorry!). I still have money left on the gift card, and my decision was made, so I feel good. I decided to use the two Disney bags on wheels from our October trip. My mom and I talked it out, and I realized my hubby doesn't own 11 days worth of summer clothes, so we may have to do laundry mid-week for him, and maybe my DS (Argh. Maybe I will trick him or my mom into doing it so I don't have to break my no laundry on vacation rule!) Anyway, thanks for the help with my decision guys!

 

[DisGirl819]

I actually do have a question for you or anyone willing to answer. Our Disney trip will be my kids first airplane ride and since we live in Spokane WA, its about an 8 hour flight for us with only one stop. What are some of the best things we can take for them on the plane? And I'm worried about their ears. Being an adult I know how to get mine to pop but how do you explain that to a toddler and an infant is there anything we can take with us to help in that department?

Thanks in advance

We've flown numerous times with our kids, starting out at 7 weeks old. We're flying to Orlando from Seattle so I hear you on the long flight. In October we flew to Maui, so it was about a 6 hour flight (same as to Orlando, just a different direction). For DD (then 2) we took the portable DVD player, her favorite toys, some books and some snacks. She was good with all that. Plan to bring food on the plane, kids get hungry...a lot, when sitting still. DS was 8 months then so he didn't have many toys, but we brought his favorites. We've never done anything to help their ears, DD mentioned her ears this past flight for the first time ever. She never cried or anything, just said they felt funny. I would bring something they can drink during take off/landing, maybe a lollipop or other candy like that. For babies bring something they can suck on as the sucking motion will help pop their ears if need be. Gum for older kids as long as its not a choking hazard.