Time to start packing, UGH! What a mess!!

[smkiya]

So, we're within a month of our trip and its really time to get organized. I've read numerous threads about what to pack, and I'm starting to feel overwhelmed. I don't even think everything will fit in the car. It's dd 5th birthday trip, and our first family vacation. I already have a trunkload of souvies and gifts, a stroller, supplies and food for the house we're staying in, not to mention the ponchos, umbrellas, fanny packs, diaper bag, fans, emergency kit (tylenol, bandaids, etc), pool suppies (floaties, towels, etc.), on top of the clothes, shoes, toiletries, costumes, diapers... Do you see what I mean?

We don't even have real luggage, as we rarely travel... a suitcase here, a few unmatching duffle bags there. I really don't want to spend MORE money on a luggage set either. I don't even know where to begin!

 

[Bastiansmom]

I would start by eliminating items you don't need off of the list you are working with. The packing lists on this board are great, but they often include items that aren't needed for every family. Having a smaller list might make things less overwhelming. Also, I wouldn't spend money on a luggage set unless you want to have one for future travel. I would by plastic bins/ totes and pack in those. You could even label them. Just make sure they will fit in the trunk of the car. Packing in plastic ziploc bags also saves lots of space. Just push all the excess air out of the bag before you close it.
You still have a month to go, that is plenty of time to get packed and organized. Good Luck!

 

[Leleluvsdis]

When we go on vacation in the car, we alot of times pack in the luggage that we have (which is not much at all) and then 2 or 3 laundry baskets which come in handy with sorting and doing laundry. I pack food and entertainment stuff in crates. We also take a cooler that we can put drinks and food i for the ride down and also for the week. I don't know what kind of vehicle you have, so that makes a big difference, but another thing I've seen people doing is packing in trash bags.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

We got to Disney every year and we keep a list of musts/needs items. PM me your email address and I can email it to you. It might help! We pack outfits (including shoes, hair accessories, undergarments) in Ziplock bags and it's labeled for when it's getting worn. Shrinks the items down in the suitcase and makes life easier when we are at WDW. If you are staying in a house and driving down...I would definitely pack in Rubbermaid containers that are labeled.

 

[homedad]

I find that when we pack for a driving trip we pack everything and the kitchen sink, when we fly we have to make some choices. I cannot ever remembering getting somewhere after flying and thinking I forgot something. FWIW.....

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

As my DH always points out...WDW is NOT a 3rd world country. You don't need to pack like you are going to one!!!

If you forget something, you can always buy it down there. Especially if you have the luxury of a car to get offsite to a Walmart/Target.

 

[I_believe_in_pixies]

Rubbermaid containers make travel so much easier! We are renting a townhouse for our next trip so we don't need luggage. Everything is packed in rubbermaid containers - one for clothes/shoes, one for toiletries, one for "stuff", one for the very small amout of food we'll bring down with us. The stroller goes on top.

Since we are driving and staying in a townhouse, item 1 once we arrive and unload the car is grocery shopping. We'll get our food and other items we need for the house then. No need to pack them down with us. When we were in the diaper stage I would travel with just what we needed for the trip plus a couple of emergency extras. Once we were at our destination I would buy for the week.

Orlando has Target, Walmart, Publix, etc. Travel light and fill in what you need when you get there.

Nick

 

[smkiya]

Thanks for the great responses. What type/size Rubbermaid containers. They would would be difficult to squish to fit, like duffle bags, but willing to give it a try.

 

[I_believe_in_pixies]

I pack our clothes in one of the long flat under the bed boxes. I put that on the bottom and pack everything else on top. I have smallish ones for toiletries and food and a med one for towels/floaties.

The nice thing about Rubbermaids is that everything is organized and you don't have to squish. Measure your trunk space and find boxes to fit. Once the boxes are full, you are done packing

When you are about to place something in the box think "Can I buy this in Orlando?" If the answer is YES, don't pack it.

Nick

 

[dyna]

Try traveling to disney for 2 week stay on a harley ya find out real quick what is important an what isn't haha

We leave in like 10 days for disney not even thought bout starting to pack yet other than I know I need some laundry soap for the trip not found my travel size detergent yet in any store. NO biggie I'll buy some down there if I have to know I'll have ro go to store anyway....

OP sounds like you trying to pack way more than you need sounds like you prolly gonna have a washer an dryer so 4 or 5 changes of clothes at the most gonna carry you thru just fine.

I agree with the laundry basket idea you can use it for a hamper while down there too

I would start by organizing the 1st aid kit then put it in car where you can get to it on the road if needed then take it in house once there. Then do pool stuff not something you likely to need at home within the next month. Then tolitries.

If you already have duffle bags use them I would not go out an buy tote boxes for trip.

If you need luggage or duffle bags the GoodWill an other 2nd hand shops a good place to shop for them. NO they might not all match an it might tkemore than 1 visit to the store but you can find good luggage there cheap. Yard sales sometimes too....

 

[la79al]

We have several sets of suitcases and when we are taking all of the kids on a trip, we end up using duffle bags anyhow. They squish up better and can fit into wierd spaces in the car. Maybe consider leaving some of the food at home and doing a grocery run when you get down there.

 

[Disneyliscious]

I 2nd the motion for Rubbrmaid containers........thats what we're using.

And OP...... feel your pain (or joy...lol)....we're only a few weeks away too!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Have you made a list yet? I started making a list and then double checked it with the ultimate packing list. I saved the ultimate packing list to my computer and then deleted the stuff that didn't apply to my family. It really did help. Then I started putting things I knew I needed to take in rubbermaid tubs and set them aside. That way when it was time to lay it all out, I had everything I needed and then could see what I could pull out.

When you pack your clothes, lay all of them out on your bed (by each person going) and then see if you can mix and match outfits and eliminate some pieces of clothing. Remember, you can always do laundry down there (pick up some travel laundry supplies and put them in a baggie for just in case - they have those combo detergent-dryer sheet things now).

Does everyone need their own shampoo and body wash (I packed a non-girly one)? DH just used mine on our trip. We packed the sample toothpaste from the dentist office. What about sample-sized deodorant or the small sticks?

Try to minimize your diaper bag too. Do you have the travel sized wipe packs? Take 1 of those and 1 full regular sized wipes, you can refill.

Best of luck with your packing adventure. I get to help my parents pack for themselves and my nephew and son in 2 days! Both of the boys are 3, flying (neither have flown before), and will be in the World for 6 days. Lord help us all!