When do you start packing?

[NicInNC]

I can hardly contain my excitement that I want to start packing NOW! There's really not much that I need to do though. We stocked our pop up last year after we got back from a camping trip. I need to get in there and clean it and also make sure no rodents have decided to build a house in it (we live near a lot of farmland and mice are a common problem around barns...our pop up is near our barn).

I can't do too much because we're keeping this trip a secret. But I'm so ready to start packing! I've got serious Disney fever.

 

[CCIntrigue]

Hi, NicInNC! I'm in NC too! I'm the ultimate planner, have packing list and menus in the computer for all different length trips.

As soon as we return from a trip I restock all the staples. We leave toiletries, etc., in year round except when we're winterized. So basically we just have to pack clothes and food. Usually I start packing clothes 3-4 weeks before a trip. The food I collect in the freezer/fridge, separated from regular items, in plastic grocery bags. So at the last minute I can just grab the bags and go. But no matter how far in advance I start packing, the day before is always hectic!

Will you be at the fort the same time as us? January 11 - 17? If so, hope to meet you.

 

[mamaloya]

I started packing a long time ago. I finally have all of our matching shirts and they are packed in a box. I am going to put new batteries in their light up toys today. I spent Christmas at my moms in our camper, so I just cleaned it. I stayed the night in a KOA on the way home even though she lives only 5 hours away, just to clean it out. It is now parked in front of my house. I am washing the sheets and towels and will be putting them back in this afternoon. The beds will all be made. I do need to take it to the dealer tomorrow for a couple of things to be fixed. Then I will get all the dry goods and clothes in it next week before I park it until our trip.

It is not usually too hectic for us the day before now that we have a camper. I have my list and pack little by little way ahead of time. The only left to do the day of departure is to put in the cold stuff.

So, don't feel odd that you want to pack now. You are not alone. Oh, if the kids ask why the popup is up, just tell them that you need to make sure it is winterized before the next freeze comes and make sure there are no rodents moving in. It is mainly the truth. You can sneak in as much stuff as you can then. One tip though, especially with a popup. Make a list of everything you put in it now because in 2 weeks you will be driving yourself nuts wondering if you are sure that it is in there and it is a pain to pop it back up to check. Been there, done that.

Happy Packing!!! (and camping)

 

[clkelley]

With the camper I now just pack it the day before (or a couple of days). The camper is across town in my parents backyard, and except for food and clothes everything is already in there. I bring it home, transfer the EZ-Ups from the camper to the back of my truck, make the bed, and put some clothes and some food in there and I'm ready to go. For my Disney trip, I waited till I got to Disney to do my grocery run, but then I really don't cook much at Disney. I make it a point to really clean the camper before putting it to bed and pack all the linens in space bags.

We're going to try and take the camper out over MLK weekend here locally, and I did winterize it (not much to that in a T@B), but I will need to drain and clean out the antifreeze before I use it this trip, so will probably bring it home 2-3 days early for this trip.

 

[NicInNC]

Hi, NicInNC! I'm in NC too! I'm the ultimate planner, have packing list and menus in the computer for all different length trips.

As soon as we return from a trip I restock all the staples. We leave toiletries, etc., in year round except when we're winterized. So basically we just have to pack clothes and food. Usually I start packing clothes 3-4 weeks before a trip. The food I collect in the freezer/fridge, separated from regular items, in plastic grocery bags. So at the last minute I can just grab the bags and go. But no matter how far in advance I start packing, the day before is always hectic!

Will you be at the fort the same time as us? January 11 - 17? If so, hope to meet you.

We're actually not arriving until the 20th.

 

[NicInNC]

I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't crazy for wanting to pack now. LOL

 

[CNDKangaroo]

The kids bags are packed...all our camping gear is packed. Just need to pack up my husband's clothing and my clothing and we are ready to go! I started a few weeks ago getting everything together but it was necessary as the day we arrive home from our holiday is the day our moving truck arrives and we move to a new city! That was great planning. So not only have I been packing for our holiday I've been busy getting all our stuff into boxes (and sometimes wildly unpacking the boxes as I realize I've packed up essential items -- such as flashlights -- that we will need on our trip!)