Good luck with the surgery Owa.

I fall into the 2 weeks prior to departure category. I usually start taking out clothes and also putting them in my spare room next to the luggage. About a week before I start to iron everything - even though most of the items need ironing when I get to where I am going. Then 2 days before I put together all of the toiletries and the essentials - passports, money, iternary, etc. - Susan

Owa, take your time, dear. One's health and one's family should always trump the little things. Hope surgery goes well and that you have a great Turkey Day.

I loved reading about all of the packing preferences. I just wanted to share my hint about preparing travel lists that can be saved on the computer. One list contains the things that I will always need for a trip (medicine, glasses, etc.) and the other is a "to do" list before I leave, such as turning off the water to the washer, setting the timer, etc. I have the "to do" list right by the front door so that I can do a quick review before I leave otherwise I start panicking that I left the iron on or some such silliness. The lists are wonderful - I highly recommend. We frequently rent houses and cook some meals there so we also have a grocery list so that when we arrive after a long day of traveling, we don't have to worry about forgeting something as necessary as water. For beachy vacations, I start placing things that I won't need in my day to day life in a spare bedroom. Cruises are a little trickier. I tend to pack very far ahead and take way too much stuff especially if you go to Alaska or are going at a time close to season changes. Have a wonderful time on your cruise.

crazyaboutsj...I am the same way worrying about if I left the iron on or forgot to turn the thermostats up/down.

I live by lists!!

My husband is a "well-in-advance" packer as well. The suitcase is out and things are neatly piled on the spare bed. It drives me a bit batty....but at least he packs for himself (albeit too much) so I don't complain (other than about the packing too much). I do it a day or two in advance. I hate doing it, so I put it off until the last minute.