Packing is a necessary evil it is one of those things I hate doing but love the after effect! It can be very time consuming and stressful if you don’t make a plan of attack. I like to break it up over 5 -7 days. First thing I do is print a my packing list. You can find it here. I normally start with the kids and work my way towards the other sections. Depending on when I am leaving is the deciding factor in how many days I need to pack. Since I am leaving on Friday and I have work all week. I knew it would be hard to pack during the week. That is why I started on Sunday.
Everyday I am going to check back in with you all on my process.
My plan for our Universal trip.
Sunday – Pack the bulk of the clothes for everyone. Use the packing lists as running list for each person. Make notes about what you still need. Add the packing lists into each person’s suitcase. This is always the most work for me. That is why I do it on a day off.
Monday – Finish up packing clothes.
Tuesday – Download some movies or shows onto electronic devices for each kid. Make sure every grown up has our airline and Universal apps downloaded. Pack each kid a bag to take in the car or on the plane. We use gallon Ziploc bags and write each child’s name on the front. Fill it with small toys, crayons, color sheets, stickers, snacks, and other small things that are cheap. More than likely they are going to loose at least half of these things. All of these bags go inside a backpack we bring that will double as the bag we take with us daily.
Wednesday – Charge anything that needs to be charged. Finish up anything left from the previous day. Start packing the MISC section.
Thursday – Finish the MISC. section, pack toiletries, medicine’s, and first aid kit items. Check each person’s packing lists inside their suitcase. Add any missing things. Order snacks and waters to have delivered to Universal.
Friday – 5 A.M. set my alarm to check in for the flight. Double check all the sections on the packing lists. Pack anything that is missing. Don’t forget phone, laptop, and tablet chargers. Pack the backpack that goes with us daily and will be a carry on item. Bring everything to the car.
Tip:
While packing I use the packing list to make notes of what is still needed. Then those packing lists go inside whichever suitcase is holding those items. This small step will save your sanity. There will be not second guessing what you have or haven’t packed. You also don’t have to worry about misplacing the packing lists.