Thought I would just get the question out there.

I'm an obsessive prepacker, and start throwing my bag together close to a month before a big trip. I still end up forgetting stuff, though, not to mention packing loads of crap that I don't really need.

For big trips: weeks, months! I mean pack, and repack, and pack again. A habit from when I was a kid and getting all excited about the upcoming journey.

Short trips? (<2 weeks) The night before...if I remember to in the first place.

I often write my lists a week or so in advance. Then, if it's a long trip, I make sure to go get what I need. But the actual packing rarely happens until late the night before I am leaving.

I'm with Annie - I make lists for weeks, because otherwise I can't sleep... But I don't usually get around to packing until the day/night before I leave.

oh, yes. its all about the lists.
lots of lists.
lists.
lists.
lists.

then, i stack things neatly on my bed, lay out my bag(s) and begin stuffing.

Okay I said a day or two in advance, but really, I put stuff in my bag a day or two in advance, maybe most of it...but at the last minute I'm freaking out and changing things and the cab is honking as I'm saying, "Where is that black tank?"

Augh.

I'll actually start packing the night before and finish on my way out the door, but I think about it non-stop for weeks before. For some reason I really love the process of figuring out my kit and buying a couple new things to make my travelpack efficient and appropriate. So I'm packing in my head for a couple weeks.

I was almost late for my flight to NZ because I was packing. I try to do it earlier, I figure out (sorta) what I'm taking in my head, maybe make some kidna list.

But actually doing the packing? I'm lucky if I do it *before* I have to leave. Usually I'm late to the airport/ bus stop/ checkout/ whatever.

It's amazing what I'll forget at the last minute too... Like my hotel voucher, or directions, or underwear.

j.

I pack, re-pack and even have practice runs at packing, to make sure it all fits - it's all good healthy obsessive-compulsive fun, but I usually end up oversleeping on the day of the trip or getting stuck at work - which means I wind up packing in the taxi on the way to the airport anyway - but at least I'm confident that it will all fit.

I used to be *the very last* minute, but then I read an article about jet lag, which actually helped with my packing.

The basic idea is to trick yourself. You get yourself all packed and ready to go two days before the actual departure date. You spend the next two "free" days relaxed (no packing stress), and do your schedule - best as you can - as if you were already in the new time zone. Then when you arrive, you will be rested and (hopefully) acclimatized to the new time zone.

I don't follow it exactly, but as much of a "free" day or two that I can get makes me feel much better.

I start packing "in my head" about one week before the trip. This means buying special things I need for the trip, figuring out my wardrobe and making sure it's laundered. The wardrobe and the extra stuff end up in a pile on the floor, but they don't go into the bag until the last night/hours before the trip. During the actual packing process I use my own general packinglist, in order to avoid forgetting important everyday items.

I've done this some many times, I don't need to think anymore. It takes about 30 minutes to get my shit together - whether I leave over a long weekend or for 2 months. Obviously, when I leave a country it's even easier, because everything that's left goes into the backpack.

OK I am sorry in advance to shamelessly promote something but Knock Knock a stationary company has created a Pad of Packing checklists for just such occasions that is very indepth and thorough. Here is the website www.knockknock.biz/commerce/Pads/page/all.html

It could be helpful.

I have to say that with my lifestyle packing just means zipping up my Voyageur and giving away whatever books I'm not taking with me and shutting the door.

quote:

The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say

JRR Tolkein