when to pack???

[angel703]

I have a full time job, 2 kids(3 & 6) and karate class 2 nights a week. Not to mention all of the other everyday things I have to do. We leave for a one week trip in just over 2 weeks. I would love any suggestions on when I should begin packing. Also any tips on saving time ( and space) would be great. I'm sure this question has been asked here before. Any advice would be a great help.

 

[Debi]

I start a few weeks before my trip to WDW. I pull my suitcase out of the attic 2-3 weeks before the trip, and as I remember things to pack (the often forgotten things, like sunscreen, bandaids, etc.), I put them in the suitcase. A day or two before the trip is when I pack clothings and other essentials.

 

[stauncie]

I am a list maker. I begin by making several lists of everything I want to take. ( 1 list for Disney basics (trading pins, autograph books, etc), 1 list for clothes, 1 list of food/snacks ) I take the number of days and divide by 2 and plan on doing laundry. (Some people don't want to do laundry on vacation, but a 2 week vacation for a family of 5, we couldn't carry THAT much luggage on the plane!) lol the week before, I merge all my lists into one , and make a DETAILED list of each persons clothes. I don't actually pack the suitecases until a few hours before leaving (because someone inevitably takes something out I don't know about and they never put it back, so its left behind) I make a hash mark beside each item as I pack it, and then take my list with me (inside a suitcase) I use the list again... when packing the suitcases for the trip home. Anything that only has a hash mark and not a plus (my return trip mark) is something that would have been left behind, and I go hunt down. Since using this method I have not forgotten anything.

 

[Pooh67_68]

I pack the day befor. Since you work though maybe you could do it the night befor. Maybe come home from work order a pizza for dinner(paper plates and cups clean up fast, no dishes to clean), and than have the kids watch say a Disney movie while you pack.
That is of course if watching a movie will keep the kids busy and not bothering you while you pack.

 

[Jynohn]

I guess I'm a little over-anxious, because my trip isn't until December and I've already started packing!

It makes sense though, with fall here now, I've just been going through the kids' summer clothes and putting them in the suitcase instead of away for the winter. Now if only the weather will be nice enough in December for us to WEAR those shorts, t-shirts and bathing suits!

 

[frannn]

so I've been packing for months. I used lists, bought new stuff when DS had their big sale, and use ziplocs and spacebags to organize. Unfortunately, even though the zip locks and spacebags are really great, it left so much room in the luggage that I was able to pack too much. I will have to reweigh my luggage & its contents the day before we leave. I have been making secondary lists for the things I need to throw in last minute, like undergarments that will first need to washed.
I also have kids (3 girls-14,10, and almost 1) and work FT from home, while watching my infant. So, I understand your dilemma. What I am trying to do is take advice from those who have taken young children in the past. That's how I learned about the luggage weight limits, spacebags, cooling bandanas, etc. The thing that has also worked well is too start throwing things into the luggage as I think of them & pile them. I can always go back and repack this stuff. I try to think of my kid's daily needs and what the "must haves" are, then I work into the fun stuff. Try to bring as much as is comfortably possible, to avoid having to purchase while there. My DD's 1st birthday party is a week before we go, so I will give her a few things she can play with on the plane, etc. I bought some souvie type stuff at DS (Princess fan, tshirts, stuffed dolls, light spinners) to avoid having to buy some ofthat stuff there. Also bringing some snacks and buying meal vouchers. Have fun!

 

[nyyankees5]

We leave next week and I am almost done packing. Started over the weekend. I have to pack for myself DH, DS, DD. Made my list last month and when i started to pack just checked things off.

Hope you have a magical trip.

 

[EthansMom]

Guess I'm kind of like Debi. I pull out the suitcases a couple weeks early and start throwing in things we'll need on the trip, but won't need at home for the next couple of weeks. Then, as I think of things I want to buy or add later, I might make a list. I usually put clothes in a couple days before we leave and then do a thorough look-through the day before.

My tips -- I pretty much pack half as many shorts as tops since you can usually get away with wearing shorts two days. I try to take shorts and tops that can mix and match so I can get several different looks.

I do take the soap to do laundry if necessary -- with a toddler, it usually is. For WDW, I don't pack any formal or semiformal clothes -- outfits that will only get worn once take up a lot of room, so I avoid them. With a toddler son, I've grown very fond of using large ziploc bags to pack smaller items -- gives nice separation and I can always use the bag later to store a dirty diaper, if necessary.

I try not to let DH do any packing -- he would take everything he owns even though it will never get worn. I pay attention to the weather forcast and pack accordingly -- shorts and hardly any pants when it's warm, pants and sweatshirts and no shorts when weather is cooler.

I never pack anything of great value in my checked luggage. My vacation is for relaxation, not to worry about whether or not my camcorder will be stolen from my suitcase.

I hope this helps!

EthansMom

 

[DianaPrincessofWales]

I'm not an obsesive packer but...........we are leaving in 8 weeks and I have a box put away in our closet with little things I don't want to forget. In the box so far is....disposible cameras for the kids, rain ponchos, fruit snacks, Mr. Potato Head (I'm getting the accesories at WD), tickets, coupons, maps and info., crown (my 6 yr old daughters), small toys for trip. I'd also like to put together a surprise goody bag for each of my 3 kids to keep them active on the plane trip (their 1st and they're a little nervous). I should be adding more stuff, but I'm too busy with school and lessons, etc. etc.. you know Mom stuff!!

 

[january]

I never totally unpack I refill all my bottles shampoo conditioner etc when I return home. Takes a few extra mins sure but I'm always ready to go.

I keep a bag in easy reach inside my closet for adding stuff to that I need for trip all the time. Seems I'm always getting samples of toothpaste etc that I will pack.

My park tote bag hangs on hanger in back of my closet with the rain ponchos my hat and few other things I only use at disney in it. Usually all I have to add is camera.

Our extra shoes stays in the bags when I unpack flipflops and water shoes as well.

Clothing I usually pack 2 days before leaving or at least one full day before. Van is usually loaded almost 24 hours before we leave home.

 

[gillis95]

Not sure where I found this (on the net) and I apologize for the format but I don't know of another way to post it from Document form. See if you can 'copy' the text and 'paste' on your own document application then re-tool it! This is the 'Ultimate List' but I am opting not to bring my frying pan - lol- as listed!!!

Disney Vacation
ULTIMATE PACKING LIST

Pack For Suitcase:

Shirts Tennis Shoes Toothbrush Kids Shampoo
Shorts Dress Shoes Toothpaste Kids Bath Wash
Pants Flip Flops Shampoo Kids Toothbrushes
Underwear Pool Shoes Cream Rinse Kids Combs
Bra Sandals Hair Spray Hair Bands/Clips/Bows
Belts Socks Deodorant Hair Brush
Hats Sweat Band Q-Tips Hair Gel/Mouse
Panty Hose Makeup Face Wash Face Lotion
Pajamas Blow Dryer Body Spray Body Lotion
Suit/Evening Outfits Shaving Cream Make-up remover Nail Polish
Foot Spray Foot Powder Feminine Items Cornstarch Baby Powder
Nail Clippers Nail File Jewelry Bar Soap
Toilet Paper Watches Sunblock & Face Stick Kleenex
Perfume/Purse Spray Razors Tweezers _____________________

Pack for Miscellaneous:

Address Book Batteries Film (400sp at Night) Emergency/Doctor #’s from home
E-Mail Addresses Cameras Cameras Batteries Camcorder/Charger
Stationary High Lighter Pens Pen Flash Lights Camcorder Batteries/Tapes
Stamps Magic Marker Note Pad/Pens Sharpie Markers
Address Labels Rubber Bands Umbrella Plane Tickets (make copies)
Cash/Credit Cards Sunscreen Drivers License/ID’s Travelers Checks (make copies)
Fanny Packs Sweat Band Sunglasses w/Strap Kids Sunglasses w/straps
Sewing Kit Insect Repellent Chap Stick Waterproof Watch
Safety Pins Earplugs First Aid Kit Envelops for Maid Tips
Baby Wipes Guide Books Travel Information Maps/Directions
Blanket Anti-Bac Gel Plug in Night Light Room Key Necklace
Pillows Nail File Beach Bag Disposable Camera for Kids
Bed Toys/Animals Camera Bag Discount Coupons Spill Proof Kids Cups
Credit Cards Disney Club Card AAA Card Theme Park Annual Passes
Health Ins Card Florida Driver’s Lic Discount Coupons Deck of Playing Cards
Confirmation #’s Hotel Phone # Water proof Carry Case Roll Pennies/Quarters
Cell Phones Music/CD’s Work out Stuff CD/Headphones
Car Cell Charger Check Book Bandannas Kids ID Cards
Wall Cell Charger Laptop Computer Hand Held Games Labels w/Name & Cell #
Walkie Talkies Cribbage Board Yatzee Game Kids Board Games
Frisbees Car Window Screens Back Pack Disposable Bibs
Contacts/Glasses _________________ ___________________ _____________________


Pack for Kitchen:

Seasonings Dish Soap Mini Waters Premeasured Coffee
Paper Plates SOS Pads Microwave Popcorn Laundry Soap Tablets
Juice Boxes Stain remover Plastic Utensils Dryer Sheets
Granola Bars Chips (Pringles) Fruit Snacks Small Cereal Boxes
Peanut Butter Cheese Its Crackers Tea Bags
Instant Soup Mix Zip Lock Baggies Trash Bags Powder Drink Mix Crystal Light
Tuna Pouches Pop Tarts Collapsible Cooler Brita Water Filtering Pitcher
Straws Coffee Creamer 4 cup Coffee Maker Dixie Cups
Sugar/Equal Corkscrew Wine Stopper Chips in Tube Containers
Plastic Grocery Bag Paper Towels Shout Stain Wipes/Stick Pop Up Laundry Bag
Water Sports Bottle Scrubber Sponge Disposable Bibs Plastic Pool Cups w/Top & Straw
Electric Skillet Toaster Non-Stick Fry Pan Citronella Candles (For Patio/Balc) Portable High Chair Room Intercom Crackers Travel Salt & Pepper
_______________ _______________ _____________________ ______________________


Pack for Emergency:

Moleskin Band-Aids Neosporin Aloe Vera Gel
Foot Powder Antacids Kids Headache Med Dramamine
Health Ins Cards Tweezers Adult Headache Med Tylenol PM
Doctor Phone #’s Prescription Meds Sinus Medicine Back Pain Medicine
Eye Drops Vitamins Cough Drops Sea Bands (Motion Sickness)
Midol Anti-Itch Gel Bengay Pepto Bismal
_______________ _______________ _____________________ ______________________

Pack For Car Ride:

Pillows Blankets Movies Music - CD’s
Handheld Games Drawing Boards Books Maps/Directions
Head Phones AAA Batteries Flash Light Proof of Auto Insurance
Driver’s License Cell Phones Cell Phone Car Charger Playing Cards/Travel Games
Directions to Hotel Sunglasses Headache Medicine Kids Headache Medicine
Spill Proof Kids Cups Paper Towels Collapsible Cooler Plastic Grocery Bags for Trash
Guide Books Itinerary Coupons for Road Meals Baby Wipes
Umbrella Snacks Drinks Disposable Bibs
New Surprise Toys Breath Mints _____________________ ______________________

Pack for Theme Parks:

Autograph Book Fat Pen - Autographs Back Pack Waterbottle w/Strap
Cash/Credit Cards Waterproof Camera Camcorder Glow Sticks/Necklace
Disney Club Card AAA Card/Offers Extra Camcorder Battery Stroller w/Storage Basket or Rental
Driver’s License Cell Phones (2) Confirmation #’s for PS Pennies/Quarters for Pressers
Walkie Talkies Moleskin Headache Medicine Kids Headache Medicine
Sunblock Sweat Band/Bandana Swim Diapers Plastic Trash Bags for Rain Poncho
Guide Books Park Maps Disposable Camera for Kids Chips in Tube Containers
Umbrella Snacks Frozen Juice Boxes Disposable Bibs
Water Shoes Fanny Packs Frozen Water Bottles Comfortable Walk Shoes (X- Pair)
Hats/Visors Room Key Necklace Face Sunblock Stick Kids Sunglasses w/Straps
Camera Lots of Film (400Sp) Sm Flashlight Cheap Sunglasses w/Straps
Mister Fan Mister Fan Batteries Chap Stick Theme Park Passes/Tickets
Kids ID w/Photo Rain Pancho Rubber Bands/Hair Type Dixie Cups for Sharing Drinks
Waterproof Watch Ziplock Baggies Pins for Trading at WDW Insect Repellant
Kleenex Anti-Bac Hand Gel Waterproof Case Pen Flashlight
Tag Kids w/ID Info Extra Dry Clothes Grocery Bag - Wet Clothes Kids Clothing Report (If get Lost)
Autograph T-Shirt Baby Wipes Collapsible Cooler ______________________

Pack for Pool/Water Parks:

Floatation Toys Beach Towels Back Pack Bathing Suits
Cash/Credit Cards Waterproof Camera Camcorder Plastic Pool Cups w/Top & Straw
Disney Club Card AAA Card/Offers Extra Camcorder Battery Stroller w/Storage Basket or Rental
Driver’s License Cell Phones (2) Beach Bag Water Toys
Walkie Talkies Playing Cards Headache Medicine Kids Headache Medicine
Sunblock Cribbage Board Collapsible Cooler Anti-Bac Hand Gel
Books/Magazines Park Maps Ear Plugs Chips in Tube Containers
Spray Water Bottle Snacks Frozen Juice Boxes Disposable Bibs
Water Shoes Fanny Packs Frozen Water Bottles Tag Kid’s w/Id Info (note in pocket)
Hats/Visors Room Key Necklace Face Sunblock Stick Kids Sunglasses w/Straps
Camera Goggles Chap Stick Cheap Sunglasses w/Straps
Film Ziploc Baggies Waterproof Carry Case Theme Park Passes/Tickets
Kids ID w/Photo Extra Dry Clothes Rubber Bands/Hair Type Dixie Cups for Sharing Drinks
Waterproof Watch Kleenex Grocery Bag – Wet Clothes Kids Clothing Report (If Get Lost)
Baby Wipes Swim Diapers _____________________ ______________________


Before You Go To Do List:

Give neighbors your travel Information:
Your Name, Address, Telephone Number
Vacation Dates
Itinerary during trip
Vacation Phone Numbers
Cell Phone Numbers
Local Emergency Call Numbers
Information About House:
Which lights will be left on
Which Cars will be left out
Names of anyone checking/entering the house while you’re away
Alarm Information (if necessary)
Make Arrangements for Pet Care
Check All Doors and Windows are Locked
Reduce Heating and A/C settings
Secure all outdoor items
Water Plants
Unplug Appliances:
TV
Coffee Maker
Toaster
Microwave
Washer
Dryer
Turn off Computer
Set Light Timers
Stop Newspaper Delivery
Stop Mail Delivery
Set Alarm

 

[gillis95]

I forgot to add....call U-Haul for this junk!!!

 

[mikayla'sMom]

I am a planner, but it seems packing is not my strong point. I leave in 4 weeks and I have started a box with things I may forget. I started this back from last vacation in August. I just found this link for a packing list a little while ago. Try it see if this helps.

http://members.cox.net/krisborden/ultimate.html[/URL]