In the 2-3 weeks leading up I start stacking certain things in a corner of the bedroom so I won't forget them -- passport, tickets, money belt, certain comfy shoes, windbreaker, travel hair dryer, travel umbrella, toiletries, extra contact lense solution, adaptors, etc. Then I make a written list of all of the clothing I think I will need and spend the next week or so cleaning them, mending if necessary. I am headed to Europe at the end of next week (Fri.) and will probably beginning actually filling up the suitcases beginning Monday evening.

I have tried the more last minute approach and have always forgotten something -- nothing crucial like tickets or passport- but things like my favorite cardigan, raingear, etc.

margo, I know what you mean about cat trauma. My dog freaks out when he sees the suitcase. He's either thrilled because he thinks we are all going somewhere, since we often take him on vacations specifically designed for his maximum enjoyment.

But, if my mom is there, he knows he's being babysitted and gets really sad. :-(

I leave for Italy tomorrow and I really hadn't thought about it until I saw this posting (seriously).

But I have been planning for six months, and that is far more important than packing (IMO).

I travel lots for pleasure, not as much now for business. Here's the CANNOT FAIL method for packing: do it the day before...BUT, have a check off list completed the week prior. Decide how many days (outfits) you need. List the outfits and their components (shoes, accessories, etc) like your grocery list, i.e. all access together, all skirts together, all tops together, all grooming stuff together. Keep your list with you for that week so that you can add/subtract items as you think of them. DO NOT bring new clothes, wear comfortable tried and true clothes. Bring two pairs of very comfortable shoes, trade them off during the day if necessary. When I travelled frequently for business, I had a xeroxed list of the necessities, then just added my apparel/shoes/accessories. I can spend seven nights in Europe with a 21" carryon and a tote bag--you can too!

I normally fly out on a saturday or sunday and my cleaning/ironing lady comes in on a thursday, so as soon as she has done the ironing I pack it straight into my case. Most other things get packed the day before leaving.
I'm getting so excited about the next trip in december that I feel like starting to pack right now :-)

I WILL DO IT THE NIGHT BEFORE BUT MAKE MY LIST OF WHAT I WILL WEAR BY DAY A WEEK IN ADVANCE. THIS WAS I CROSS OFF MY LIST AS I PACK SO I DO NOT FORGET ANYTHING.

The morning I leave. I'm a big believer in if I forgot something I can buy it there.

Also, I think a lot of business travel has given me lots of experience.

I don't put things in my suitcase too early because then I just have to unpack again to make sure that it all is in there...such as...did I put in that wool sweater? Oh yes, I did...

Now I try to stack things in little organized piles, tops, pants, etc. then load up the suitcase with a tip I learned here, put in the things you really have to have first then as many extras as will fit.

I used to pack the night before an early flight but one time I was so sleepy and excited that I put in mixmatched dress shoes with different sized heels but the same toes, so when I put them on for the Opera in Paris I was tilting to one side!

SeaUrchin, that's a very funny packing mistake! (well not for your lopsided self maybe - LOL) thanks for a good laugh here at the office.

Oh, about a year ahead which is when I start the planning process for the BIG trip.

We travel extensively so I'll have several trips and wardrobes going at one time.

I mentally take stock on what I have,need and want to wear. I have a space in one of my closets that I use as my staging area for the BIG trip and other travel.

I add and delete up until about a month before the BIG trip. I then start putting my wardrobe in suitcases...according to the day that each of the out fits will be worn. I am that organized and I love the process.
I pack two complete outfits per day.

The toiletries, accessories and mountain of other stuff gets packed a month before.

I have 6 closets and I do not wear my vacation attire at home. Some outfits are only appropriate for travel.

My other closets have business clothes, evening clothes, weekend clothes, seasonal clothes that are rotated accordingly, too small clothes and a closet for lingere,accessories, etc.

Happy Packing!

Usually start making a list 2-3 days ahead of time. I almost always have the travel sized tissues and wipes and large ziploc bags on hand (frequently used). Save a little bottle to put my vitamins in, to be thrown away at end of trip.
Actual packing usually the day before, sometimes the day of if my flight is really late and I get off work early.
I have to make a list and check off as I pack because I used to forget important things such as swimsuit when going to a beach (I'm a special size), underwear, and even money! I once left for Europe with $30 in my pocket because I forgot to stop by the ATM for cash beforehand (good thing my ATM and credit cards worked in Europe).

We passed a law in the mid '70s that we had to be ready to leave for the airport 24 hours before the flight.

Most travel amenities stay in the luggage from one trip to the next, and clothing is added starting a week or so in advance.

When one knows that all preparations will be in place with a day in hand, it lessens the pressure considerably.

I usually reserve a bureau drawer where I start putting in things for my trip, ditto a few feet of space in my closet. What I've found makes the biggest timesaver, though, is getting toiletries ready way ahead. Corral all your contact lens stuff, the make-up you'll take, tooth stuff, etc. in ziploc bags. Don't worry if you are duplicating items you have at home. It's too much hassle for me to go through the house at the 11th hour packing my dental floss which is on the sink, etc - better to have a special set already packed - you forget fewer things (doesn't hurt to make a list, either).

As soon as I know I have a vacation planned, I start putting things I know I will need into a box.

Usually I'm done planning about a month before the trip, and having nothing better to do (travel-wise) I start to make lists, to organize travel toiletries, medicine, print-outs, toss things in an old suitcase. Re-pack about 3 days before the trip.

leaving Friday, haven't even started thinking about it yet - til now! eeep!