When do you start packing?

[jacksgirl]

I'm having planning withdrawals. All reservations are made (FP+, package, ADRs, special events). I've done online check-in. I have 54 days to go. Is it too soon to start packing?

 

[BudgieMama]

I've got a pile (and have had for 2/3 weeks!)- we fly 11 months today!!

 

[nilla]

We used to start packing several weeks in advance, then realized that meant the kids had nothing to wear to school

We now start getting things staged about a week before, so we don't forget anything, but don't actually pack anything until the day before we leave.

 

[NYCANC]

Actually packing in suitcases? A day before.
Making piles of little things needed- a few weeks before.

 

[2Gma]

54 days? I'd say yes, it too early! It's hard to contain the excitement though, isn't it?! Unless you have extra room to store the materials I'd wait until 1-2 weeks before. They would just create extra clutter in my small house. And won't you be needing those clothes before the trip? How about make a detailed packing list? or make personalized t-shirt, autograph book, etc.? research new activities to try?

 

[goNsoon2WDW]

We have a standard packing list that is in our vacation tub with all of our travel items (luggage locks, collapsible containers for organizing things at the hotel, etc) that I pull out a couple of months before any vacation so I can start pulling things together and purchase anything that we need. Then we use our guest room bed to start laying things out. I separate them into sections (clothes for each person, toiletries, airplane items, etc.) Then I use sticky notes on the piles to identify things that we would need to grab closer to the day we leave. Yes, I have been known to reorganize things a couple of times before we go, but I think it's a bonus that anytime I want a little boost to my mood, I just peek in the guest room, sort through what we are taking, and it makes me happy.

 

[dixiegirl]

I pull out our suitcases 4 weeks prior - which it will be this coming Friday! I give them a thorough wipe down to freshen them up and then start putting aside items for our trip. It's kind of perfect for us being in PA cause the weather is starting to change so we don't need our shorts, etc to wear between now and then. I'm a total OCD packer/list maker/checker and it calms me to have it started.

 

[jacksgirl]

I was thinking maybe packing things we won't need. We've closed our pool for the summer here, so swim clothes won't be needed again until WDW. And soon we'll be exchanging shorts and tanks for jeans and boots, but we will need those shorts and tanks for WDW. IDK, it probably is too early. I'm just excited and want to do something lol!

 

[Hootch]

We start gathering items for Disney about three weeks prior to our departure. Tickets are no longer an issue, but ponchos, mister fans, maps (we drive), any movies for the trip, make sure we have cases of water and snacks, etc.

It takes me about 20 minutes to get my clothes together. My wife takes a few days to get clothes together for her and the kids.

 

[judyt0915]

All of you prepared guys have me worried now.... We leave in 2 days and I haven't started doing anything yet.

 

[bookgirl]

I tend to pack the night before...but I have a box of items that are Disney/Travel specific (ponchos, water bottle sleeve, window items, magicbands, travel stuff) that I keep handy and a few days before I actually pack I'll have those in the 'staging' area (spare bedroom) along with any items specific for the trip (MNSSHP costume/theme shirts, food items, travel docs).

I used to pack early but lately I've found that I tend to be more paranoid when packing early because I'm afraid I'll forget something or assume I put that in weeks ago. If I am doing a planned pack the day before I'm kind of in that brain mode and it works out better for me.

Plus after this many Disney Trips I kind of have it down to rote memory of what I'll want or need and have figured out the minimalist list of what I can get by with. Makes the process a lot more streamline and takes way less time both in the planning and the actual packing.

 

[Spork24]

We don't pack clothes until a day or two before. However I have a suitcase I take for snacks supplies, etc. which I pack a could weeks out. Plus I have a couple of glad ware containers with stuff I only use a disney. I keep them packed and ready to go in the suitcase at all times

 

[jesse8931]

I pack the night before.

 

[kimbe21]

I'm glad I'm not the only crazy one! I have a spot in an extra closet that I put stuff in months prior to the trip the I have a "staging area" in the living room (it's an extra room that is gated off so no one goes in) about a month before we leave. Suitcases come out about 10 days prior. I would get them out sooner but the dog starts going crazy as soon as they come out so I feel badly and try to hold off
Planning and packing is half the fun!

 

[bookgirl]

I was thinking maybe packing things we won't need. We've closed our pool for the summer here, so swim clothes won't be needed again until WDW. And soon we'll be exchanging shorts and tanks for jeans and boots, but we will need those shorts and tanks for WDW. IDK, it probably is too early. I'm just excited and want to do something lol!

I'd just get you a tote and put in the items that you have and will need and have them stored with your luggage. You don't have to actually pack them, just have them near. Also make a list of those items you are putting aside and tape it to the tote that way you can avoid pulling everything out to 'check' it and then figure out what you need to add. That will help you make a list of what you will need to get.

Making Disney lists might help the urge to pack too early.

 

[MasterGracey84]

Well, I have a small wardrobe and wear most of my clothes I will be wearing on vacation the week before. I stay up late the night before the trip to wash, iron, fold, and pack. Just my method here

 

[BlueStarryHat]

I actually pack the night before, but I have a large bag that I throw stuff in as it occurs to me, or stuff my sister and I buy in advance, like first aid supplies and such. I start with the bag around six months before.

 

[SaintsManiac]

I didn't read all replies, so pardon me if I am repeating anyone

I'm 82 days out and started my packing list and began buying what I need for the parks from Amazon about a month ago. Pulled all the luggage out to make sure it was enough. I won't actually pack our suitcases until the weekend we leave, but I definitely think it helps to have your list made so you don't forget anything. It helped me a lot by be able to stagger my purchases, too.

 

[ThemeQueen]

I started shopping months in advance and slowing making piles of stuff. I start my official packing list about 2 months out to make sure I have time to buy all the misc stuff I need. I started packing for the kids about 3 weeks in advance and will officially pack 8 days before.

 

[MataHari22]

I get everything together in one spot about a month before. Then I pack it a couple days before I leave.