Sunday, December 30, 2012

Packing For a Month Using Only Carry On Luggage - Part 1

***This is a forewarning that this is a VERY LONG POST!***

With the rising cost of airfare and checking bags, I have decided to take on the challenge of packing for our month long Wedding/Disneyland/Wedding/Disney World/Cruise/Disney World trip in September-October 2013 using only carry on luggage. I consider carry on luggage for us as one carry on suitcase per person plus a backpack and large purse.

I don't know how well this undertaking will turn out, but I am up for the challenge. I am giving myself nine months to conquer this challenge.

Here is what our schedule looks like as of now.

9/7-9/10 - Wedding #1 in California
9/10-9/19 - Disneyland
9/19-9/22 - Wedding #2 in Virginia
9/22-10/3 - Walt Disney World
10/3-10/6 - Disney Cruise
10/6-10/9 - Walt Disney World

I know that the hotels in Disneyland and Walt Disney World have laundry facilities so that basically cuts our packing requirements in half.

I do have to be rather careful about packing my husband's suit and my dresses without using a garment bag since most airlines consider your garment bag to be your carry on luggage.

I am planning on bringing soap nuts and our dryer balls to do laundry with since 5 soap nuts will last about 5-7 loads. They also take up a lot less room than Purex 3-In-One and I don't have to worry about putting chemicals in our clothes that shouldn't be there. I was thinking of bringing our homemade laundry detergent but I don't want to run the risk of having it spill in our luggage.

Originally this is what our packing lists looked like:

Disneyland:
T-Shirts
Dress Shirts
Undershirts
Underwear
Bras
Socks
Ties
Sports Coat
Dinner Dress
Shorts
Pants
Capris
Jeans
Tennis Shoes
Dress Shoes
Panty Hose
Belts
Pajamas
Cardigans
Rain Jackets
Lightweight Sweaters
Toiletry Bag
Miscellaneous Bag
First Aid Bag
Tiara
Small Wallet
Wristlet

Walt Disney World:
T-Shirts
Dress Shirts
Undershirts
Underwear
Bras
Socks
Ties
Sports Coat
Slacks
Dinner Dress
Shorts
Pants
Capris
Jeans
Tennis Shoes
Dress Shoes
Flip Flops
Panty Hose
Belts
Pajamas
Cardigans
Rain Jackets
Lightweight Sweaters
Athletic Shorts
Sports Bras
Toiletry Bag
Miscellaneous Bag
First Aid Bag
Tiara
Small Wallet
Wristlet

Disney Cruise:
T-Shirts
Dress Shirts
Undershirts
Underwear
Bras
Socks
Bathing Suits
Cover Ups
Gym Shirts
Gym Shorts
Sports Bras
Ties
Suit
Sports Coat
Dinner Dress
Sun Dresses
Shorts
Pants
Capris
Khakis
Jeans
Tennis Shoes
Dress Shoes
Panty Hose
Belts
Pajamas
Cardigans
Rain Jackets
Lightweight Sweaters
Toiletry Bag
Miscellaneous Bag
First Aid Bag
Beach/Pool Bag
Tiara
Small Wallet
Wristlet

Miscellaneous Bag:
Address Book
Stationary
Stamps
Cash
Credit Cards
Sewing Kit
Copy of Passports and Identification
Night Light
Over The Door Storage Bag
Highlighter Pens
Rubber Bands
Baby Wipes
Earplugs
Safety Pins
Health Insurance Cards
Sunglasses
Travel Information Binder
Laundry Bag
Room Key Lanyards
Playing Cards
Notepad/Pens
Waterproof Watches
Sharpies
Chapstick
List of Medications
Medications
Emergency Doctor Phone Numbers
Phone Chargers
Tissues
iPads and Chargers
Kindle and Charger
Camera, Cards, and Charger
Goggles
Ziplock Baggies
iHome
Brita Water Bottles
Extra Filters
Hair Straightener
Curling Iron
Drink Packets
Snacks
Tip Envelopes
Water Spray Fan
Video Camera and Batteries
Media Cards

First Aid Bag:
Band Aids
Antibiotic Ointment
Moleskin
Foot Powder
Eye Drops
Midol
Antacids
Swimmer's Ear Drops
Anti-Itch Gel
Headache Medication
Jelly Fish Sting Medication
Dramamine
Pepto Bismol
Bengay
Sinus Medication
Affinity
Aleve
Thermacare
Multivitamins

Toiletry Bag:
Razors and Refills
Face Lotion
Body Lotion
Face Wash
Body Wash
Shampoo
Conditioner
Deodorant
Shower Puffs
Toothbrushes and Refills
Toothpaste
Floss
Retainers
Mouthwash
Nail Clippers
Tweezers
Cotton Swabs
Feminine Products
Body Spray
Foot Spray
Hair Ties
Hair Brushes
Hair Pins
Anti-Chafing Stick
Nail File
Nail Polish
nail Polish Remover
Cotton Pads
Makeup
Makeup Brushes
Makeup Remover Wipes
Jewelry
Watches
Cologne
Perfume
Bug Spray
Sun Screen
After Sun Care
Vaseline
Face Toner and Pads

If I am going to meet this challenge I am going to have to find a way to trim these lists significantly. I know that most of the toiletry items are small in individually sizes, but cumulatively they equal a lot of products.

Well, next up will be the importance of quality luggage and TSA safety regulations.

Until next time - Toodles!

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