AIBU we leave on holiday tomorrow morning and …

Oh, the pain of the we, what have we bought mum (his) for birthday, Christmas!!

To be slighty fairer to my late OH though, he did travel with M.A.S.H, he could have carried out dentistry and minor surgery and I'm sure he had shares in Rennies. His medical kit exceeded his underwear for space.

Fuck them, it will be a lesson learnt.

Get in the car at 8am and tell you are going with or with and head off

I done it once, never had to do it again

@Sundaybananas hope you got off on time and are all having a wonderful holiday.

@Fitasafiddle1 my holiday approach is much more like yours albeit with a lot less self care as I can’t handle salons. Having come back in the past to a fruit fly infestation, piled up laundry, a house that looked abandoned because the driveway weeds had got out of control, or just a depressingly messy house, I agree that it’s worthwhile putting in a bit more effort before leaving so that the holiday buzz doesn’t crash as soon as you put the key in the front door.

In my fantasies I’d have a highly efficient housekeeper who would just hand me a perfectly packed suitcase and silently take care of the rest.

But since I don’t, I keep my list out on the kitchen counter so anyone can pitch in and tick parts off and the extra jobs and mental load are transparent.

I agree. You need everything from swimwear to wellington boots!

Maybe give them one warning . Don't do it for them. They're adults.

It’s spotless most of the time, but always for holidays and Christmas 🙂

How dirty is your car for the rest of the year?

I remember 2 years ago I was admitted to hospital for emergency surgery on the Thursday and we were due to go on holiday on the Monday. I was literally discharged on the Sunday night- 5 kids, youngest was 4 months old at the time. Eldest was only 9. We still went ahead with the trip- UK break and I felt guilty for cancelling but I texted husband asking if he could do the packing etc. he told me he has sorted it. Came home from hospital at 7pm on the Sunday to learn he had packed for himself only. Had to get my sister to come help me with my own stuff and the 5 kids. Was awful.

Yep I have an essential toiletry overnight bag in my car. It really helps wherever I'm going, I just need to add the bag for clothes that I'll need.

Have to admit OP, as a teen I remember rush packing the morning of a two week cruise whilst my mum was panicking I had nothing ready to go. No way would I do that now but they do learn. Just got to let them get on with it and go at the time planned regardless.

My dad used to pack morning of trips as well as it will only take him 20 mins. You've got yourself sorted, relax and leave them to it.

I take it you dont work?

that's on you. Make a list this time, and next time just throw it at them. They will not learn to be fully functional adults if you just keep doing things for them because it's easier. (unless they are under 10). Please say you didn't pack for your adult partner.

Making a rod for your own back is daft.

but you're an adult? and we're talking about teenagers here (I'm leaving DH out here because it is up to him if he packs or not)

tbh if they were going off duff information they have now learned to check with both parents before doing last minute stuff.

Good for you OP!

I'm going to make sure my DS is fully independent before he leaves the nest too!

Have a great holiday.

I wonder if op left on time or not? If it were my family we would be leaving at 10 rather than 8. It’s very frustrating and completely avoidable if people just got their shit together. I loathe packing, especially for other people.

How ridiculous!

Are you going to do this for evermore?

Thereby always suffering the stress.

We are flying tonight and I gave up and packed for them. I don’t have the energy or headspace to keep nagging them. I probably know what they need better than they do anyway!

Do people actually pack for their adult husbands, or teenage children? I can't even imagine, I wouldn't know what they want to wear and take, to start with.

I am going on holiday on Saturday morning. I am fully anticipating not getting any sleep at all the night before (same for DH) - like a complete all nighter. Will be away for 3 weeks, will be working like mad until the last moment, there is a family birthday too to sort out this week so tons of stuff for that too. I will hopefully remember to empty the bins! I think this thread is telling me I am spectacularly disorganised oh well……

Always makes me chuckle at airport security if a family man is asked, 'did you pack your case, sir?'

I’ve packed 30 minutes before leaving many times when going by car - so easy you just lob things into shopping bags! Now packing for hand luggage only, that takes time

@Fitasafiddle1

you eat your books?

Actually think the OP is hugely unreasonable not to update all us strangers on here this morning before leaving.

Feel sorry for your DH and kids. LTB. Spiders' willies. etc.

This is a good one. I offer "help" in an ever present way - they hate that and it gets them moving.

OP, are you en route?

We prefer to eat something that isn’t from Amazon, hun.
I like a clean car to travel in.

Well done to him!