sarabeth

Something I just started doing....I bring my carry-on out of the closet and keep it in a prominent place in my room. As I think of things I need to bring I just put them either in the carry-on or right by it. I surprise myself about when I think of things I need to bring. That way, the day I pack, I don't have scramble around wondering if I have everything.So far I have my first-aid kit, my book, zip lock bags, plane neck pillow, batteries for my ipod recharger...you get the picture. Of course, packing day I can then decide if I really need them in my carry-on or in my checked luggage...

suze

Smart idea, I think. I don't use packing lists, but I do begin "gathering" and putting things in one place (like the bed in the guest room) about 2 weeks prior to any trip. My actual packing day is simply placing things into the suitcase.

LoveItaly

I have a list in a notebook. I make a new list depending on where I am going and the time of the year and adjust the new list depending on circumstanes from the original list. As I have posted many times I like to have everything I am taking packed and in my entry the night before the last day I am home. Example: If I am leaving on a Thursday and I want the packed luggage and purse and/or carryone bag with all documents etc., in the entry before I go to bed Tuesday night. That way if say in this case Wednesday gets crazy with phone calls or people dropping by or whatever I am packed and consequently am not stressed.

luvthesea

I do something very similar -- my biggest fear is getting to the airport or on the plane and not having passport or something like that. So, in preparing for my trip to Italy in September, I have already put my travel documents like my passport, e-ticket receipts, rail pass, etc in the secure compartments in my carry-on. I've also already made copies and put them elsewhere. That way I won't leave my house and make it all the way to the airport without them.

suze

I *know* I have my passport with me heading to the airpot because I have checked that it's in my purse approximately 4,000 times ;-)

thursdaysd

Me too suze - I only live 10 minutes from the airport, but that's plenty of time for several passport and ticket checks!

I do use a packing list - the master is on my computer, and I modify it for each trip. I start collecting trip stuff on the dining room table a couple of weeks in advance.

anita63

I don't unpack my carry on, that way all the stuff I need is in there. I do check to see what needs replenishing or updating, but I pretty much leave everything in tact (where possible).

One fun thing I do: I have one of those crossword/multi puzzle Dell books which is usually good for a year of travel. I always write in the margin the date and where I completed the puzzle...cool to look back on.

bettyk

I do the same thing either using my suitcase or a designated "box" in my bedroom. I also have a packing list on my computer which I can tweak depending on where we are going and time of year. I also have a "to do" list on my computer where I list all those little things that one can forget before a trip like stopping the mail and newspaper, notifying credit card companies, bank (ATM card), etc.

I keep everything handy and check things off as they get done or packed.

When I come back from a trip, I'll go over my lists again to see if anything needs to be changed or added/removed.

goddesstogo

I don't unpack my cosmetics bag but I keep a list in my passport of other stuff.

Fodorite018

I do this with my bag as well. It usually turns into a big messy pile about a week before I leave and DH starts to complain about it, lol! But it is so easy to toss stuff in it when I think of something. I do keep several drawers in one dresser set aside for just travel accessories. Makes them easy to find.

cathies

I'm with you Suze, about two weeks prior, I start putting a pile together on the bed in the spare room. And I have a list that is a work in progress for a few weeks before. Items get crossed off and others get added as thoughts come to mind.

Sarabeth, don't forget to add any medication you will be taking to the carry-on. Also a little tube of hand cream, but not so big that it can be confiscated at the airport.

My hb takes care of the passports, batteries etc, he's more methodical than I am, has more room in his bag and I'm happy not to have the responsibility.

Re the passports, we scan the photo page and email it to my hotmail address. In the event that we lose passports/plus the photocopy we carry in our daily backpack, we do have a back up on a pc. We also copy, scan and email our credit cards to the hotmail address. Probably sounds a bit neurotic but it's all good for peace of mind.

sarabeth

Thanks, fortunately, no medications needed...I have my quart-size liquid bag all ready to go. We have scanned and emailed our passports and drivers license. I also make a list of credit cards and contact numbers (international ones, in this case), bring a copy and email a copy.
Address labels printed from the computer with friends and family for postcards...
When I get home, I reload my makeup remover bag(little) right away so it's ready for the next trip..
wow, we have some great ideas!! Horray for us.
We are leaving a week from Monday for Turkey and Romania...

anita63

oh, I missunderstood the question with my earlier reply. My answer about my crossword puzzles, toiletries, etc, pertains to the large bag that I bring on board that is considered my 'purse'. That is the bag I never unpack and just replenish as needed.

My actual carry-on is my actual luggage as DH, and myself NEVER check luggage (even when we went to Australia for 2 weeks...cary on only). I do not leave it out like the OP and others say, as I don't think I have EVER packed more in advance than one night Of course, when your carry on is your entire luggage, it's easier.