mousescrapper
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2007
- Messages
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When we went to WDW last month, I tried something new -- uber clothing planning ... and it worked for us!
I used 2 gallon bags and had one bag for AM and one bag for PM clothes. I put all of DD1 and DD5's clothes in it, plus my shirt and undies/socks and my DH's shirt for that time. (I kept separate bag for my bra and shorts). Each bag was labeled for date, AM and PM and any special accessories or details that didn't fit in the bag (i.e., costumes for girls).
So each day we just picked a bag and got dressed. I had planned out each of our 13 days (AM and PM) so had 26 total outfits (7 tops, 5 shorts each). We had a W/D in our room so could do laundry easily every other day.
Believe me -- in the months before the trip most folks thought I was crazy (even I questioned if I went overboard) but when we were on the trip, it was so nice to have everything organized in one bag, we wore all our clothes and our pictures look so much better since we are coordinated. I will continue to do this as long as I can -- I recognize my oldest girl won't let me do this much longer!!
It definitely takes coordination of clothes ahead of time (I looked far and wide for a hot pink t-shirt for my DH!). Thankfully, DH is cooperative, too!
Anyone else do this? Say I'm not the only clothes nut out there?!?
I recognize for November the weather will be more tricky than July, so I'll definitely have more back-up outfits (jacket, pants).
Like others said, we wear one outfit in the morning and then go back to the room for swim/nap/rest and then put another outfit on. Between the weather (rain means clothes are still wet and any type of sun means we are hot and sticky) and accidents (dripping food or more likely my kids' sticky hands on my top), we generally need a new set of clothes. I just feel better in fresh clothes which makes me more happy and more patient!
Now, if we stay in the park all day, then certainly we only need one outfit.
I also have a complete spare outfit for both girls with us in the stroller and an extra top for myself, too. For November, we will add a jacket, hat, small blanket and leggings in the stroller.
We went last November and found that shorts and t-shirts were perfect for the daytime (a jacket if we did RD). But at night we definitely needed a jacket and pants and a small blanket for the girls in the stroller was helpful, too.
And yes, I was washing undies, socks and bras every other day...I didn't pack (or have) enough for a new one each day.
As for weather, I pack 1-2 weeks in advance based on projections and keep checking each day until we leave. Then I'll make small changes to the bags, if needed, but more likely just add a new bag with additional "cold wear".
Remember my girls are only 1 and 5 years old, so this works pretty easily for us. Also, helps me remember what clothes they are wearing (if I forgot to take a pic that day), in case they get lost. I just look at myself and know -- oh, today they are wearing fuschia.
It's definitely not for everyone
oh, and if you don't pack your stuff in bags, I suggest you at least do this! You can get soooo much more in your suitcase (but watch for weight limits if you fly!)
love all the packing talk....
thanks for adding to the discussion Marsha w/ your uber packing thoughts...if we ever go in the summer again...I would for sure pack 2 outfits per day....I usally always have 2 spare for my youngest and 1 for each of my older 3...but that hot FL weather...was icky
I'm trying to pack lighter in sense of being able to do laundry much easier this time out being in a villa for the first time...I know DH will appreciate it, he did the laundry last time we were there one late night till 1 am...or later....
I love to plan the clothes per the parks or who we may be meeting...like I have matchy Tink shirts for myself and my girls...so we must wear those the day we schedule our Fairy meet and greet...
the last two trips we have worn green to AK...seemed fitting, this yr it will be semi matchy "green" Disney shirts (organic) ones I bought last fall from the Disney store on sale...
like I said before...while I can do it while the older ones are still semi young I better....
plus the more I can actually plan ahead of time the better for me....I'm not against "going by the seat of my pants"...but this is actually quite fun
packing in ziplock bags w/ the whole outfit or at least layered in the suticase w/ the socks, underware together makes getting ready a breeze. I always stack them in the suitcase and in the dresser drawers in the order of wearing...
we mostly repeat bottoms as I wouln't have enough to go around...
Nov travel will be a challange I say too....I know I'll be watching the weather sites a TON the weeks proceeding and bringing layers...I figure sweatshirts, and some layering long sleeve shirts for morning and evening...
being from Chicagoland...even if it's low 50's at night there...it will still feel warmer as it could already be in the 30's by late Nov up here...
I will for sure do the leggings/sweatpant thing plus a lightweight blanket that is a great idea...
my son has one pair of those zip off short/pant combo bottoms...I think I should look for another pair...that actually could be the best choice for him...
me I worry about shoes...I'm a crocs sandals kinda girl for touring...so I don't know if my feet will get cold?
going to add some stuff to my packing list
I mean, I think it is a good thing and a nice smile is awesome, but at the same time I find it hard to believe all these kids NEED braces. When I was in school (many, many years ago) braces were rare. 
3 MONTHS!!! 
