Early Packers?
May 31, 2016, 5:18 pm
#46
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May 31, 2016, 5:23 pm
#47
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If there's a lot to pack, like for a long haul or taking bulky or awkward stuff with me, and it's an early start for the airport, I might consider packing the day before...
Although actually that's not quite true. If I know I'm travelling, I'll fold clothes when I iron them that week, and sort them into plastic bags as the trip's length requires, so I do have a headstart. Plus I already have a travel toilet bag (and sandwich bags) plus travel wallet ready.
Although actually that's not quite true. If I know I'm travelling, I'll fold clothes when I iron them that week, and sort them into plastic bags as the trip's length requires, so I do have a headstart. Plus I already have a travel toilet bag (and sandwich bags) plus travel wallet ready.
May 31, 2016, 11:50 pm
#48
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Typical business trip is pre-packed (as before: packing cubes, extra toiletry bag only for travel etc) and finalized day before or same day if the flight goes late.
For holidays the check+plan maybe a week before and packing day before.
Not very often that I've unused items returned home - or excessive shopping at 'Boots'.
For holidays the check+plan maybe a week before and packing day before.
Not very often that I've unused items returned home - or excessive shopping at 'Boots'.
Jun 5, 2016, 7:54 am
#50
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I plan a couple of weeks in advance and make a list but only pack the day before leaving. It doesn't take long as the stuff I take is pretty much the same each time and I have separate toiletries for travel. This is basically a compromise between the methods of my parents, dad starts packing about an hour before leaving, mum starts a week in advance.
Jun 5, 2016, 12:24 pm
#51
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Boise, ID
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Items unique to the trip (likes gifts, etc) I will start setting out up to a month in advance as I gather them. The rest I do the night before. I always spread everything out on my bed and stack it in like piles so I can try to pack the least amount possible.
Jun 5, 2016, 2:00 pm
#52
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Jun 25, 2016, 3:53 pm
#53
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I plan my packing the week of travel by making a list and then if anything needs to be added that's out of the ordinary I usually remember it ahead of time. The day before the trip I pack the items one by one which helps me assess space concerns and gives me a last chance to think "do I really need this?"
Jun 25, 2016, 4:07 pm
#54
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I plan my packing the week of travel by making a list and then if anything needs to be added that's out of the ordinary I usually remember it ahead of time. The day before the trip I pack the items one by one which helps me assess space concerns and gives me a last chance to think "do I really need this?"
Plan carefully: make a list early, make sure everything is dry-cleaned and laundered, nothing is missing buttons, zippers are in good repair. Pack judiciously, making sure everything is useful and will work with everything else. And see if there is anything you can remove before you zip that suitcase up.
Jun 26, 2016, 10:51 am
#56
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 602
I'd usually pack just before the trip and never earlier than the night before. It's not that I do it carelessly though, I took some time to develop my routine, and now just repeat it. I have some things pre-packed (toiletry bag, stuff I use mid-flight, etc.) but don't use packing lists or spreadsheets.
Jun 28, 2016, 6:00 am
#57
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Costa Rica / Germany
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How many really put a lot of thought into packing? I notice people just dumping everything but the kitchen sink into carry on ending up in plane side check in. Wouldn't it be better to check in and carry the right things by planning and packing your bag a day ahead?
Jun 28, 2016, 7:26 am
#58
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Jun 28, 2016, 1:18 pm
#59
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I can pack for almost any trip in about 15 minutes. I'm never quite sure why this is such a hot travel topic in so many forums, books, magazines, blogs, etc.
I rarely make a mistake packing for a typical leisure or business trip via air. I don't have a problem with under- or over-packing. I do most trips in a carry-on only, but if I have to check a bag for whatever reason, it doesn't really change my approach.
The exception for me is camping trips. I prep for those a little differently, use a checklist to minimize the chance of a mistake, and try to mostly load the van the night before. That can take a couple hours, especially if grilling/barbecue or sports equipment is also involved.
I rarely make a mistake packing for a typical leisure or business trip via air. I don't have a problem with under- or over-packing. I do most trips in a carry-on only, but if I have to check a bag for whatever reason, it doesn't really change my approach.
The exception for me is camping trips. I prep for those a little differently, use a checklist to minimize the chance of a mistake, and try to mostly load the van the night before. That can take a couple hours, especially if grilling/barbecue or sports equipment is also involved.