How do you take the tedium out of packing?

[slidergirl]

2 hours ago, iancal said:

My guess is that if most people got a call (and were completely available) and were told you have air, hotels, deluxe cruise, etc. gratis, all expenses paid.   A car will be in front of your door in 60 minutes from now.  The car will wait for 5 minutes.   If you get to the car in time this free vacation is yours.  If not, so  sorry.

 

My guess is that everyone would figure out a way to get packed and into the back seat of that car!.  And remember to turn off the stove, adjust the temperature..

 

I actually had something like that.  My now-ex tried to surprise me with a trip to Hawaii.  Had it all arranged - time off OK'd by my boss, he packed what he thought I would need.  We worked across the runways at the airport, so he "accidentally" missed the exit.  Well, he really didn't pack much of any of what I needed or wanted, so I got a lot of shopping done on the Islands!  At least I looked classy getting on the plane in my business suit...

[highland cruiser]

This has been great reading this afternoon. LOL!

I make lists, start a few days before, use packing cubes (different sizes for different things)  which help me stay organized, and actually enjoy the process as I know that soon I will be unpacking on a cruise ship!

Best of all, I try to remember that what my DH tells me....there are stores most everywhere and you can always buy what you forgot if absolutely necessary.  🙄

[SempreMare]

 Anyone know if Alaska airlines audio hook ups in coach need this  headphones adapter?

 

 I’ve been on one airplane in the past couple years that needed it. Don’t remember what airlines ...

 

 

 

 

Edited August 11, 2019 by SempreMare

[*Miss G*]

4 hours ago, iancal said:

My guess is that if most people got a call (and were completely available) and were told you have air, hotels, deluxe cruise, etc. gratis, all expenses paid.   A car will be in front of your door in 60 minutes from now.  The car will wait for 5 minutes.   If you get to the car in time this free vacation is yours.  If not, so  sorry.

 

My guess is that everyone would figure out a way to get packed and into the back seat of that car!.  And remember to turn off the stove, adjust the temp, and turn off the water if necessary!

 

I live 500 miles from my parents. When I got the call that if I wanted to say goodbye to my father then I’d better come now, I was showered, packed, and out the door in 30 minutes.  I even had time to check for flights.  I could do it!  (And my Dad pulled through, thank goodness.)

[racnwdow]

Packing and planning packing is part of my trip anticipation.  I probably start months in advance.  First with the lists and then trying things on and hanging on my garment rack months ahead of time.  I have been adding items to my suitcase since February and we don't leave until October.  
Since we are going to Italy and not the Caribbean I have found I can't prepack clothes.  They are the clothes I wear everyday.  We usually do Caribbean in the winter so it is easy to pack summer clothes early. 

I will admit I am a spread sheet dork and love the process of fine tuning the spread sheet to each particular cruise.

[slidergirl]

18 hours ago, highland cruiser said:

This has been great reading this afternoon. LOL!

I make lists, start a few days before, use packing cubes (different sizes for different things)  which help me stay organized, and actually enjoy the process as I know that soon I will be unpacking on a cruise ship!

Best of all, I try to remember that what my DH tells me....there are stores most everywhere and you can always buy what you forgot if absolutely necessary.  🙄

Your DH's mantra is my mantra.  I haven't been anywhere yet where I couldn't pick up something I forgot.  But, the most important thing I forgot was my rain shell when I went to Kenya (left it on the chair at home).  But, I found one during my connection time out at LHR.  

[iancal]

One of our reasons for not being concerned about traveling with carry on only.....there are laundries and retail stores everywhere we have traveled.  Even found one in Kruger Park.     Not to worry, you can always buy something you forget or get something cleaned/washed.   

[RevNeal]

On 8/11/2019 at 10:35 AM, RocketMan275 said:

It sounds like you have a sound packing strategy. 

 

My real point isn't with dressing up or not. Most overpack because they think, we'll I might need this or I might want that.  Overpackers can't decide whether to pack this outfit or that outfit so they bring both.  Do you need two separate outfits, one for each Gala night?  Doubtful.  I remember one poster who claimed his wife brought one suitcase just for shoes.  Really? So many shoes, it required a separate suitcase? And, then there's bathing suits.  Do you really need more than two, at most three, for a seven day cruise?

 

About the only thing I ever overpack is an extra pair of underwear or two, filling nooks and crannies in my bag.  I've never been struck by indecision when it comes to actually packing; by the time it comes to actually pack (a day or two before the cruise) I've already made, adjusted, and finalized my list and I'm usually rather strict with myself regarding that list. I try to pack enough without packing too little or too much.

 

Be the cruise 7, 10, 14, 21, or 33 days long I usually pack just about the same:  enough shirts, underwear, and pants (2 long and 2 short, 1 dress) for 5 days, with laundry going out every-other day. The only thing that causes variations in what I bring is the climate: is it a cold weather cruise or a hot weather cruise.  Or, even more importantly, are both climates to be expected on a single cruise?  That requires a bit more and different packing scheme than just a 7 day tropical weather cruise.  If the cruise is a long one, with lots of Gala nights calling for dress-up, I'll bring extra ties or perhaps a second jacket. Back when I brought a Tuxedo, packing for the Formal nights was easy: just bring extra bow-tie / cummerbund sets (all of which weighed very little and took up little space -- could be rolled up in shoes).

[RevNeal]

23 hours ago, iancal said:

My guess is that if most people got a call (and were completely available) and were told you have air, hotels, deluxe cruise, etc. gratis, all expenses paid.   A car will be in front of your door in 60 minutes from now.  The car will wait for 5 minutes.   If you get to the car in time this free vacation is yours.  If not, so  sorry.

 

My guess is that everyone would figure out a way to get packed and into the back seat of that car!.  And remember to turn off the stove, adjust the temp, and turn off the water if necessary!

 

Stipulating that I was completely available (which won't be possible until I retire), I could do it in 60 minutes. I'd have to trust those who would come take care of the fur-children that they would be able to do so, but I could manage it. I might have to buy a few things on the way to the airport ... or pack some dirty clothing if I'm getting close to laundry day and then put those in the bag to be sent to the ship's laundry the first night I'm aboard ship ... but I could do it.

 

Saying I COULD do it in 60 minutes doesn't mean that I would WANT to do it in 60 minutes. Why create that level of stress for oneself?

[RevNeal]

1 hour ago, slidergirl said:

Your DH's mantra is my mantra.  I haven't been anywhere yet where I couldn't pick up something I forgot.  But, the most important thing I forgot was my rain shell when I went to Kenya (left it on the chair at home).  But, I found one during my connection time out at LHR.  

 

I once went on a cruise and forgot my swim suit.  I thought I'd just pick one up in Fort Lauderdale (we were arriving there a day before the cruise) but, as it turned out, I couldn't find one my size at the department store near my hotel. I had to take a Taxi (this was in the time before Uber) to a big-and-tall store to get one the morning of cruise departure.  It was more expensive than I would have liked (suite plus the taxi ride plus the stress) ... but it was worth it.  Since then, I have never forgotten to pack a swim suit.

[slidergirl]

8 minutes ago, RevNeal said:

 

I once went on a cruise and forgot my swim suit.  I thought I'd just pick one up in Fort Lauderdale (we were arriving there a day before the cruise) but, as it turned out, I couldn't find one my size at the department store near my hotel. I had to take a Taxi (this was in the time before Uber) to a big-and-tall store to get one the morning of cruise departure.  It was more expensive than I would have liked (suite plus the taxi ride plus the stress) ... but it was worth it.  Since then, I have never forgotten to pack a swim suit.

I took the train from LHR to the first town.  I walked around and found an outdoor store.  Bought a rain shell there.  At the end of my trip, I left it with one of our Masai protectors (they roam the camp at night to escort us to escort us to/from our tents and the main camp building.  Like you - I now always have one of my rain shells sitting with my luggage at all times!

[RevNeal]

On 8/11/2019 at 9:43 AM, TiogaCruiser said:

@RevNeal

Regarding the yellowed shirt- assuming it one you like and fits, have you tried soaking in Oxyclean? I find it works really well on oxidized whites and the yellow spots that crop up on underarms on favorite shirts. 

 

Thanks ... but it's both yellowed and now looking a bit threadbare.  I've already ordered a new one.

[Homosassa]

On 8/9/2019 at 10:51 PM, SempreMare said:

 

 

It does help packing go faster, but it also distracted me with a reference I had to look up.

Hogan said to Carter, "Who do you think you are, Nathan Hale?"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Hale

 

 

 

🙄 I suppose a reference to Patrick Henry would also be confusing....

[grsnovi]

I find that it is a lot easier to pack on the last day of the cruise than it is before the cruise... 

 

DW keeps very detailed spreadsheets and continually tells me that I should do the same.

[Sue from Canada]

On 8/10/2019 at 5:16 AM, daisybertie said:

What I would love to know is, how to take the tedium out of unpacking! 

Use packing cubes.  I've used them since they came out and I could not pack without them.  When I get to my destination you just take them out the suitcase, unzip the top and place them in either a drawer or on a shelf.  I also keep my dresses and good tops on those super thin flocked hangers and put a dry cleaner bag over them.  This is the last item to go in my suitcase and at the destination - poof - ready to hang up.

[highland cruiser]

9 hours ago, grsnovi said:

I find that it is a lot easier to pack on the last day of the cruise than it is before the cruise... 

 

DW keeps very detailed spreadsheets and continually tells me that I should do the same.

Yes it is easier to pack last day of a cruise.  And even easier if you have driven to the cruise port as we will do soon for our Alaska cruise.  No airline security to worry about and wondering if everything will fit back into the suitcase  or the need to check an extra bag.  Usually when we pack before a trip  I make plans to leave space for souvenirs for the grandkids.  Something simple and representative of countries visited.  For my shopping in  Alaska, I just need to be able to what I buy back to the car!  LOL

[St. Louis Sal]

On 8/10/2019 at 9:19 AM, wyobean said:

I love packing for any trip. It gets me excited knowing it is close. I start 2-3 days out.  I rarely make a list. I just know what I need to take. If I forget something it can be purchased. We travel quite a bit....I forgot my travel toothbrush once...lol

 

That reminds me of what my dad used to tell my mom (who liked to be ready for any possibility):  You're not going to Timbuktu; they will have stores.

 

St. Louis Sal

[CruisingGrandmaW]

Hate packing too --- but found this "system" to work best when packing for a cruise:

1) Use Packing Cubes - I can't live without them - wish I had discovered them years ago.

     My favorite is EBags-Ultra Lite - https://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/ultralight-packing-cubes-super-packer-5pc-set/309406?productid=10408193  You don't have to buy them in sets - you can buy them individually.

  They not only fit so nicely inside your luggage - keeping items from shifting ----- but most importantly you can move the cube straight from your luggage into the closet shelf / drawers etc.

2) Start packing your toiletries & medicines etc one month prior.  I use one cube for cold medicines, bandages, etc etc.  That cube comes out of the luggage & into one of the drawers you find under the foot of the bed that I've found on Holland America's Cruise Ships.

3) Any items we put into the nightstand drawers of our Cabin -- goes into another packing cube to be easily transferred there.  (one for hubby & one for me)

3) One cube each for hubby & my personal toiletry items  These cubes then move easily to shelf under sink in Cabin bathroom.  

4) I set aside 2 cubes - one for my makeup & one for hair brushes, hair spray, hair clips etc.  We travel often enough that I have bought a 2nd set of these items & always leave them in these packing cubes in-between trips.  They go from luggage into the side cabinet of the Vanity Sitting Desk in the Cabin.

5) I also pack this early out -- any jewelry/shoes/belts etc that we will wear only on the cruise.  I also pack our traveling documents & money.... putting them into the piece of hand carry luggage I'm bringing.

5) Two weeks prior to cruise I pack our clothes.  We are retired -- so we will just wear a "stay at home" T-shirt/pants outfit & always have extra 7 days of underwear that will remain at home.

 

Here is how I go about packing our clothes.  

Use a separate packing cube for each person's underwear - it will transfer nicely from luggage to their shelf or drawer.  No need to remove items from packing cube.  Just unzip the top & fold it under the bottom of cube.

T-Shirts/Shorts/swimsuits etc -  anything that you're not going to hang.  I roll or fold if you don't mind the folding creases & place inside a packing cube.  (Again make one for each person & they transfer so easily from luggage to shelf/drawer)

NOW MY WRINKLE FREE TECHNIQUE that works for me.

1) Starting with your longer pants - place them lengthwise - with bottom of pant legs hanging out of the luggage & waist snug on opposite edge of bottom of luggage.  Alternate each pant so you have the next leg overhanging on the opposite side.

2) Now layer your shirts/blouses by (making sure to button or zip closed first).  You will layer these alternately crosswise - Placing the collar along the outer edge of the luggage & letting the sleeves & bottom of shirt hang out over the edges of the luggage.

3) Keep layering - but leave enough room to place some of the lighter weight packing cubes (like the underwear or T-Shirt ones) on top of this layer of clothes.

4) I place my luggage on my large dining room table as I'm packing it   I then leave the luggage open until the night before I leave.

5) On night before departure --- I then start layer by layer folding each shirt tail/sleeves over & into the luggage.  Now do the same with pants & strap them in.  (The packing cubes inside keep the clothes from compacting).  I find the clothes to almost be 100% wrinkle free when I remove them from the luggage & hang them.

Note:  I have layered & finished packing my luggage this way even 2 weeks prior to leaving.  As long as I keep the luggage flat on my dining room table -- the clothes are still wrinkle free when I unpack them.

 

Packing Cubes --- I use them even for weekend trips & long Non-Cruise trips (like 3 months traveling by car in Europe).  The difference is I do fold or roll ALL clothes into the packing cubes.  The cubes make it easy to remove the cube you need from your luggage without disturbing other packed items - to remove the one item you need,

 

[shipgirl56]

We have started doing carry-on only.  I also switched from a roller suitcase to a nylon no structure suitcase that can be a carried as a backpack, over shoulder or hand carry style.  It makes me take way less and I have it down to must haves and no maybes.  As long as I am clean and appropriately dressed for an activity, who cares if I repeat every few days.

 

I now have a list of what to take.  I make sure I have everything on the list in the coming months before the trip and that everything is clean and ready.  The day before the trip, I pull out those items, place them in packing cubes and put in bag.  It takes me about an hour to pack.

 

Having a list and knowing that I have everything clean and ready to go, takes the stress out of packing.  I put on a movie to watch while I pack.  

 

4 tops and 4 bottoms that mix and match make 16 outfits.

Edited August 22, 2019 by shipgirl56

[RocketMan275]

The best way to simplify packing is to take less stuff.

[shipgirl56]

On 8/10/2019 at 4:19 PM, Roz said:

Packing is the 3rd ring of Hell.  💀😈

 

Roz

hahaha!

[iancal]

Before moving to carry on I noticed two things.  DW always had this list and she started packing well in advance.   The stuff was in and out of that suitcase multiple times before we left.   

 

Now..with the 20” roller carry on there is none of that.  Her packing is less stressful.  It no longer starts a week or so prior to blast off. Sometimes, between trips she wishes she could go back to checking big suitcase.  But once we are off the plane and at our destination she is very thankful that we downsized. Especially if our plane is late and we just manage to make our connection with minutes to spare.  We know that we won’t be waiting for our luggage to arrive in the next flight or the next day.  And these days many of our flights involve two connections.

[TXCruiser78660]

On 8/11/2019 at 6:15 PM, SempreMare said:

 Anyone know if Alaska airlines audio hook ups in coach need this  headphones adapter?

 

 I’ve been on one airplane in the past couple years that needed it. Don’t remember what airlines ...

 

 

 

 

No not Alaska Air.  

[shipgirl56]

On 8/11/2019 at 4:15 PM, SempreMare said:

 Anyone know if Alaska airlines audio hook ups in coach need this  headphones adapter?

 

 I’ve been on one airplane in the past couple years that needed it. Don’t remember what airlines ...

 

 

 

 

 

All the Alaska Airlines flights I have been on use 1 prong.

 

[Emhk13]

I have a specific order in which I prepare for any trip. 

1. Plan my knitting. What is going in my checked bag and what goes in my carry on for airport and plane knitting, usually socks. ( They are small and everything I need fits into a gallon freezer bag). The checked bag one is usually a shawl or cowl. 

2. Load my phone with audible books both on audible and thru the library's  app.

3. Load my Kindle and my Nook accounts on my tablet with books. Including some guidebooks.

5. Gather all my documents together in a folder that fits in my carryon. 

4. Either the night before or the morning of my flight, I pack my suitcase(s). I do all my laundry a few days prior and I have a loose idea of what I will be taking. I don't  pack  my bags any earlier because the cats go nuts once the suitcase comes out. 

I hate to schlep heavy coats with me when I travel so I leave Columbus Ohio in the winter for my annual flight to Florida wearing a long sleeved T, an Oxford or denim long sleeved shirt,  my biggest hand knit shawl, and a fleece zip up jacket.  In my carry on are capris, a short sleeve T and sandals and room for my heavier  clothes. I start peeling off layers in the airport and on the plane. Then I duck in the first ladies room when I arrive and change into my warm weather clothes before picking up my car. 

I do keep some things permanently packed. My toiletry bag gets replenished every time I come home from a trip. My cruise stuff (lanyard,  luggage tags, travel alarm, etc stays in its own packing cube.  I have extra charging cords and blocks and they are packed with the adapter in a carrying case. 

I have also packed bras, underwear and socks that are reaching the end of their life expectancy and just tossed them in the trash after wearing.