Packing?? When??

[Figgy1]

I'm a little crazy as my suitcases were out in December for my June trip. All I put in them then were things we got for Christmas for the trip. But now I've started actually started to pack, my overnight bag is packed and today I'm going to pack the backpack we're going to use in DTD. So when do you start packing and do you use a packing list?

 

[danpam1024]

I'm a little crazy as my suitcases were out in December for my June trip. All I put in them then were things we got for Christmas for the trip. But now I've started actually started to pack, my overnight bag is packed and today I'm going to pack the backpack we're going to use in DTD. So when do you start packing and do you use a packing list?

you make me laugh- how many days? Don't forget the sachets so you clothes smell pretty!
I start packing the weekend before (we usually arrive on a Monday to maximize our stay with non-weekend days). I usually forget one major thing like my camera or bathing suit though!

Oh and I bought 2 trip outfits this weekend!!!

 

[PhilharMagician]

No list here. We have done this so much that packing is automatic. We actually have a suitcase that stays packed about 1/2 full with items that are Disney use only so it is as simple as pull out and load in a few other items. The weekend before we leave we will pull out the bags and get the Disney specific stuff packed like pins, ponchos, Disney shirts, shorts and file folder with trip info and paperwork. The night before we will do the final pack and put the bags in front of the door so when we wake up we shower, dress, grab and go.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

I LOVE packing. I know it is corny but I think wow the next time we wear these cloths we will be in Disney!!! We go in August and I do the same thing as @littleroo I throw things in a suitcase as I buy them after sales we are packed and ready to go the weekend before and hubby loads the car the night before! And of course if have a spreadsheet listing what to bring

I do the same thing @Mrsdonaldduck !! As I pull out clothes from the laundry and as Im ironing, I tell myself the next time I'll be wearing this, is when Im at Disney, and get giddy LOL

 

[Jessica Meier]

Well, I usually start buying stuff the minute I book the vacay. Cute clothes for my DD get packed first, this year packing them in the ziploc bags in preplanned outfits. I have pins and lanyards already packed, have our toiletry organizer to hang in the bathroom and our snack organizer to hang in the closet already purchased and packed. I started buying stuff for the goody basket I am gonna give my daughter about 3 months ago. She gets in on the action too. She has already packed and re-packed her bag to take her toys in about 30 times. Says she can't forget anything! Passing the OCD on to future generations!

 

[WellFedDave]

Typically start packing about 2 weeks prior. At least that's when we start making lists of what we need to bring. Typically completely packed with about 2 days to go.

 

[Figgy1]

you make me laugh- how many days? Don't forget the sachets so you clothes smell pretty!
I start packing the weekend before (we usually arrive on a Monday to maximize our stay with non-weekend days). I usually forget one major thing like my camera or bathing suit though!

Oh and I bought 2 trip outfits this weekend!!!

24 days 21 hours and I never forget the sachets!! I make my own with lavender from my garden and a little lavender oil!

 

[KCheatle]

I use a packing list. There are just too many random things that I have to remember for Disney trips to risk not using a list. I create my list about 6 months in advance of the trip and then add things to it as I think of them.

 

[popcenturylover]

I usually start packing about a month out & yes, a packing list is a must!

 

[luv]

No list. I know what I need.

If leaving early, I pack the night before. If not, I pack just before I go. Less wrinkles.

 

[Violet]

We drive so I usually just do laundry a day or two before and throw everything into huge totes and go!

 

[GSP Guy]

A list is a must for me! My trip is in November but my business in October is so insanely busy that we pack in September so I can just rest for a few days after October ends before we take off to Disney! But November works perfect for us because my business in November is the exact opposite of what it is in October!

 

[Minthorne]

The night before I leave and I don't use a list. I'm only packing for myself though and generally the essentials are a wallet and clean underwear.

 

[SyracuseDisneyFan]

I also do some laundry the day before we go. I'll do that next year.

 

[Tiggerfanatic]

I usually start gathering small things as soon as I book a trip. I have a tote bag in the spare room that I add to as time goes on and pick up things, packs of new socks and underwear, new sunglasses, the Disney trip wallet and drawstring bag. I get the suitcases out a about a month before, and as I wash or buy clothes they go straight into the case. I have to rememebr to close and zip them everytime or the cats will sleep in them on top of all my clean clothes!

 

[allgiggles]

I have a bin of "Disney Trip" items (power strips, collapsible fabric bins, over-the-door organizers, rain ponchos, etc.) that stays packed and is always in the storage room in the basement. As soon as I book a trip, I put a plastic bin in my walk-in closet and start throwing items in there for our upcoming trip (photopass+ CD, items for the gift bags for the kids that "Mickey" leaves in our resort room for them, fun things for the kids to use on the drive to Disney, etc.). About 2 or 3 days before we leave, I'll start assembling most of the items that need to be packed -- OTC meds, toiletries, and most of the clothing. Those things all get stacked in my bedroom. The day before we leave, I'll pack everything in to suitcases and pack the car the night before we leave. I also have to make sure we have an overnight bag with everyone's essentials for the hotel stop on the drive down. I have a Disney packing list that I tweak for each trip so I don't worry about forgetting anything.

 

[Disvillain63]

We usually start in earnest the week before leaving, but my wife pretty much maintains a permanent stash of disney paraphernalia for the "next trip" - even if we haven't planned it yet!

This is the way we do it too. I keep an area set aside for things that will be going on the trip with us that we only use at Disney. The suitcases come out the week before and I start my packing.

 

[SMS55]

We pack the night before. My wife will do any and all laundry that's necessary earlier in the week but the packing happens the night before. We go for 3-4 days so it doesn't require a whole lot of packing. I'll look at the weather forecast a day or two before departure and decide whether it's shorts or jeans weather and pack accordingly.

 

[disneygirl76]

I'm a little crazy as my suitcases were out in December for my June trip. All I put in them then were things we got for Christmas for the trip. But now I've started actually started to pack, my overnight bag is packed and today I'm going to pack the backpack we're going to use in DTD. So when do you start packing and do you use a packing list?

I officially pack when the trip is paid off. BUT...I have lists of everything down to every last detail that will be packed. There are things that I take into the park that ONLY go to Disney and are in my Disney bin and they are always packed.

 

[Maryssa*]

I keep a google doc of my master packing list, starting probably a month before the trip. This lets me have everything there and if I think of something during the days leading up to departure I can just add it in, and have plenty of time to go out and buy things we may need. I start physically packing the bags about a week out with the toiletries and things that won't wrinkle. Clothes (already pre-selected and placed together at the top of my drawers or in a specific section in my closet) go in the night before.

I also love packing so I get excited to start asap haha =p I don't know why but I love doing Travel Tetris in my suitcase. I use little packing organizer cases from Eagle Creek & E-bags that make everything super easy both to pack and find upon arrival.

 

[Kristamouse]

We leave in 10 days.... like many of you we keep a WDW tote with our ponchos, light up spinners, lanyard etc. I also keep our toiletries in there travel bag to store, which is huge but holds every single thing the 6 of us use, except my hair dryer. I did a once over and have replaced and packed what was needed at 12days out. We drive a Suburban and have the metal trial behind carrier that fits in our tow hitch, so we pack in Rubbermaid totes instead of suitcases. One for DH and I, one for kids and one for food/toiletries/WDW gear. Our stroller goes on top of bins and any valuables cameras/iPads/laptop and pillows blankets go in back of Suburban. I hate a cluttered car so I insist that area stay clear so the kids cr*p can go back there and out of the way. Anyway I am packing kids and myself this week along with sippy cups, medicines, 1st aide and the odds and ends like sissors/duct tape/tools for any car issues and camera with checking for memory cards,tape and batteries.
We do best packing the week before leaving the day before for house cleaning, car cleaning and last minute errands. This year am starting a little early because I have an insane 12 days ahead of me! Taking a trip at the end of the school year is not great timing, there is something every day/night! Oh well, will just make the trip sweeter