When do you start to pack

[stopher1]

Our family simply doesn't own "enough" clothing to be packed weeks or months in advance. DW usually works with the kids about 1-2 days prior to the trip to get the clothes ready, and I do mine usually the night before. Before DVC we used to have to make sure we had enough clothing for a full week since neither of us wanted to spend $ on doing laundry there, but ultimately would have to from time to time (man those dryers take forever, and cost about as much!!!) - but with DVC it's no big deal to start a load in the room. With that said, we now pack about 1/2 of what we used to. And with our OL, we bring a lot less "stuff" too.

 

[mel&me]

I have to tell you that this is just crazy to me!

I packed for my 6 month exchange student stay in England in a 1/2 hour about 3 hours before my plane took off, and I now pack for our 2+ week stays at WDW in about the same time. We do not have an Owner's Locker and we fly all the way across country with a bag or two each and one carry-on each. I understand the ritualistic nature of it for some of you, but it still seems nuts to begin more than a few hours early. I use most of the stuff I pack regularly so how could I pack it months early? And your clothes must look like hell after being packed for months!

I just don't get it!?!

Blahnde

I agree completely. Don't get it. I can picture people packing stuff weeks or months ahead, then having to unpack it because they need it. Wash it, repack it. Then do it all over again.

 

[ExecChef]

I think that a Disney looker would be great for us, the things that we have packed now are things that we could leave in a locker. I personally could pack the day before but when you live with a professional planner (travel agent) that is the way it has to be for her sanity.

 

[moredisneyplease]

I usually make a packing list about 6 weeks prior to the trip and then put a laundry basket in my closet w/ that list and a pen. Each day or two I'll grab a few items (of course less used items this far out), put them in the basket, and cross them off the list. I keep doing this until I'm down to the essentials. Since I usually find all kinds of fun Disney items/stuff at the Fullerton Disney Warehouse i have all kinds of surprises and presents for the kiddos so I'll start packing those up. By 3 weeks out I'll have one luggage (non essentials and Disney goodies) packed. After this I'll start working on the dry good groceries and as the days go buy and the vacation gets closer I'll grab more items if I feel they wont be needed in the next week. during the last week I'll pack up the airplane bags and all of my and boys' clothes (we have plenty more to get us through 5 days) and be pretty much done packing 4 days out from the trip. That last day is final stuff and then we're off!

 

[Josh125]

We leave in 24 hours and haven't even gotten the suite cases down yet It's just me and the wife though, so we can thow it all together very quickly. I did charge the camera batteries this weekend

 

[jfelcie]

I have to hide my suitcases from the dogs too! They get depressed when they see me packing. I usually start a week or two before. I keep the suitcases open on the pooltable in the basement. The washer and drier are there too. I'm with RLTDA. The weather is getting cooler in Connecticut too. When I wash it I either put it away or pack it. I hope we pass each other on the Boardwalk the first week in October . . . . I can't wait! This is my grandson's first trip to WDW and I am sooo excited! Here's to beautiful weather and short lines.

 

[wildernessDad]

We TRY to pack about 2 weeks before we leave. That way, we determine stuff that we need to buy and buy that at the 1 week point.

 

[disfanforlife]

We are going for our first trip as DVC members in 56 days! I am VERY excited, but still do not plan to start packing until about a week before. That seems like enough time for me. Plus, I am hoping to bring fewer clothes and take advantage of the washing machine halfway through the trip. If it was up to my girls though they would be packed already!

 

[mvc1997]

We have a 10am flight Wed. Started packing everything but the clothes today.
If we open the suitcases, we must put what we want in them and close them right away. Otherwise we would have a cat stowaway!!

Tomorrow, mow the lawn, clean the house, then pack the clothes. WED morning pack the toiletries and off in the limo we go!! Wishing everyone a safe, magical trip!

 

[Conan the Librarian]

We have six more sleeps until we leave. My wife wanted to start packing last month, but, as I keep pointing out, I have to have clothes to wear to work.

She'll have all packed in the next day or two.

 

[mel&me]

We leave in 24 hours and haven't even gotten the suite cases down yet It's just me and the wife though, so we can thow it all together very quickly. I did charge the camera batteries this weekend

You got me there, I pack the night before but I did get the suite cases down a couple days ago. They where buried it the corner of the upstairs of the garage. took me a while to get them out.

 

[Josh125]

You got me there, I pack the night before but I did get the suite cases down a couple days ago. They where buried it the corner of the upstairs of the garage. took me a while to get them out.

annnnd, we are packed Can't wait, wishing for short lines and good weather but most of all good times

Record time - just under 30 minutes for the both of us and got the pup's stuff together for his "trip" to our friend's house.

 

[Halle]

Ohhhh Love this thread... now I know for sure that I'm normal!!!!! I make lists clothing, grocery store and what to do at home before we leave.....probably 4-6 months out. The lists fuel my excitement!!! Happy planning!

 

[Disneypirate85]

we start a month or so before time to go. We lay out a few things and ALWAYS buy an outfit or 2 for our trip, We usually forget items at Disney but don't think I have forgotten anything at home...

 

[bwvBound]

We start packing about 5 hours before the van picks us up for the airport. More specifically, we start near 11PM for a 4:30AM pickup.

Of course, some of our stuff is already there thanks to Owner's Locker and we are packing experts. I rarely live 5 days straight w/out having a suitcase in hand.

 

[Blahnde]

We start packing about 5 hours before the van picks us up for the airport. More specifically, we start near 11PM for a 4:30AM pickup.

You are so on the same schedule as we are! People are always amazed when I tell them that we pull an all-nighter before our WDW trips. But what is the point in going to bed when you have to be up just 2-3 hours later? And the best part is that by the time it is "bed time" in Orlando we are so exhausted that we get a great night sleep and wake up on Eastern Standard Time ... no jet lag!

Blahnde

 

[ExecChef]

It's official my DW is crazy I have been trying to tell her that we can do this the week before. I think that I'm going to loose this battle.

 

[ransom]

We start packing the week before.

Well, technically we never "unpack" some things -- plastic baggies and the like.

 

[bbluvsdis]

Oh my gosh! Now I am really panicked. I am packing tomorrow and we leave on Thursday. I do have a lot of stuff set aside but not in the suitcase yet. I guess I better get to work, I'll be in the MK in less than 48 hours!

 

[mickeydonalgoofyyyy]

This is so funny because I secretly started to pack today. My husband asked me if I really went into the attic last week for the fall clothes or was it an excuse to grab a suitcase . I've been dying to do it for weeks! Seriously, it does help with small children always changing sizes to get an idea of what you need to buy. But I admit I am obsessed!