Packing List

First off, I want to know: who are these five people in the poll who only read my posts? I guess I'm flattered... Thanks for the vote of confidence? I have a feeling that if we'd put in an option stating, "I only read Darwin's posts" that he would have gotten a lot more than five votes. It's on now.

But seriously folks -- there is packing going on. We leave at 4 AM Saturday for an 18 hour drive to Ohio (straight through -- why not, ha ha?) so I have to Be Ready. I've already starting packing the kids' stuff, so if you see my children wandering around in ratty rags it's because all their other clothes are in a suitcase, and by gum, they'd better stay in that suitcase until Saturday.

I'd remembered that my friend Mrs. Big Tex had a packing checklist for vacations, and she's given me permission to post it. I'm using it to help keep all my ducks in a row. If you guys have other useful additions, or any tips for major family packing (as in, we need to pack for two weeks), please share and do your part to help us Get Out the Door at Four.

Packing List

Clothes:
Shirts
Pants
Skirts, dresses, slip
Socks
Shoes: sandals, tennis, dress, boots
Underlovelies
Belt
PJ’s
Swimsuit and coverup/t-shirt
Jacket

HBA (Health and Beauty Aids)
Shampoo/Conditioner
Soap/Body Wash
Sponge/washclothes
Face wash
Shaver
Toothbrush and paste
Makeup
Lotion
Deodorant
Brush/comb
Hairbands and barrettes
Jewelry
Pads
First Aid Kit
Bandaids
Sunscreen

Misc.:
Cell phones and chargers
Snacks
Camera and charger
Laptop and all cords
Maps
Alarm clock (use cell phone)
Vitamins/Medications
Chart and Thermometer (NFP)
Kleenex
Sunglasses
Hat
Sand toys
Sleeping bag
Water bottle (if flying do not fill till through security)
Gifts (Wedding birthday etc… if attending event on trip)
Plane tickets/itinerary
Contact info for people visiting


Baby Packing List:
Oensies
Pants
Shorts
Skirts
Dresses
Socks
Shoes: sandals, tennis, dress, boots
PJ’s
Swimsuit, diaper and towel
Jacket
Hat
Winter – gloves, hats, scarves, snowsuits
Diapers
Diaper cream
Nose plunger
Wipes
Wash clothes
Lotion
Toys and books
Church books
Burp rags
Blankets, special pillow
Changing pad
Baby monitor
Toothbrush and paste
Bibs
Burp rags
Sippy cup
Spoons
Baby friendly food
Hand sanitizer
Baby Carrier: Sling/Ergo/Moby D
Stroller
Medicines – Tylenol, teething tablets
Vitamins
Flying/crossing the border – Copy of Birth Certificates


Things to do before leaving the house:

Do early
Tidy up outside, lock shed
Put all important things in the safe
Put a hold on mail
Line up a place for any pets
Pay the bills ahead or take them with you
Plan for friend or neighbor to watch house, make sure they have a key and contact info for you.
Light on a timer for appearance someone is home

Do the day you leave
Turn down (or up for you southerners!) thermostat to 55 degrees
Take out the trash
Wash dirty laundry
Rinse dishes or run dishwasher
Turn off ice machine on fridge
Park off road (for those of us who usually park on the road and could get towed if we leave the car there for more than a couple days)
Turn off Electricity to water heater
Check to make sure freezer and fridge are closed securely