When do you start packing for a holiday?

[DuesToTheDirt]

We're off abroad on Saturday and tonight (Monday) I just started putting a few things aside ready to go. I've already checked over some things the last couple of weeks to see if I needed anything new - not much this time. I suppose it's partly excitement in wanting to get ready, partly stress and making sure everything is in order.

For a UK holiday I'd just pack the night before. Of course going in a car makes it easier.

Is this ridiculously early? When do you start?

Night before, that way I won't forget what I've pack d already 😆

The night before.

But I normally have a good list I've been adding to for a few weeks in advance.

I used to start about a week ahead, now I have small children who would unpack it all… So perhaps 3 days, but I normally write a very detailed list and make sure that everything is washed and that I know where things are before I actually start packing.

Uzbekistan, sounds really exciting!

Uzbekistan, sounds really exciting!

I think so! Most people have said either, "Where?" or "Why?"

Sounds like my pre-packing isn't at the extreme end, anyway.

I don't like rushing around before going on holiday so I buy toiletries and clothes at least 6 weeks before and 2 weeks before sometimes 3 I get everything out we are taking and put into packing cubes and put it the spare room ready to go in cases the day before.

Always the day before. I have a packing template for holidays and business travel so my list is always there. Just have to pull everything together.

Up to a month before the suitcase will come down from the loft and I will assess holiday clothing for suitability, wash dry and iron, shop for any gaps, order suncream mosquito stuff etc and begin packing. Night before reassess and seal.

My neighbour has just returned from Uzbekistan, did the silk road on a train. Very basic but loved it. She is in her 80s and had a rucksack

I buy things like toileteries around 1-2 weeks before. Then we start a crate where items like games, chargers, medication and print outs of reservations go into.

I sort out the ironing the week before unless something needs an emergency wash.

We pack the night before.

I do various things ages in advance! Check passports immediately. Then check my toiletries - i don't like the generic pots you can get in boots, i like travel sized versions of my own things. I keep the pots and reuse but i check them to make sure i have what i need, order what's missing. Then i start googling what the average weather is likely to be. I used to be a heavy packer (and was happy to pack the night before or morning if a trip!). I can now happily do hand luggage but it takes me time to work out what to take.

my DH is uber-organized so gets the suitcases out a few weeks early. Luckily we have a spare bedroom, so we can leave them there and add bits at a time.

If it's just me, then I'll get the suitcase out a week in advance, and plan wardrobe based on weather and events. I have a template list as well. The suitcase doesn't get zipped up until just before we leave though, since I use some of my toiletries the day of travel.