Odd things you pack...and why...

[DunkinNut]

Ok, kind of in keeping with my other post (packing/unpacking style)...

What are some of the more odd things you pack and why? I'm not talking about obvious stuff (clothes, cameras, film, chargers)...but more oddball things. For example, I HAVE to pack a few clothes pins (great for chip clips, pinning the curtains closed so the a.m. light doesn't wake us if we are sleepingin, etc.). I also have to pack a suction cup hook - I like to stick it to the vanity mirror between the two sinks and hang the hand towel there - even if there is a handtowel ring already there. I know, weird.

So, what are your oddities? LOL (be nice)

Oh, and do you have a packing list that you print up whenever you are going out of town? Man I sure do! DN

[Disneygirl2290]

I have no packing list but I do always always pack MY alarm clock. I can't wake up to another alarm. graemlins/crazy.gif

[Googlie Bear]

You take an ALARM clock on V graemlins/nono.gif ACATION??!!

[Dopey's Girl]

I always have to have a supply of ziploc bags. They come in really handy for lots of things, from wet clothes, to keeping little items from being lost. Not matter where I go, or for how long I'm gone, I have to have some of different sizes with me!

I always have lists. I make one a few months before I go of the things I will need, then I check them off when I buy them or when they go in the vacation pile. Then as the time gets closer I make more lists of what is in what bag, and what I still need. I'm super ****, but almost never have to spend precious vacation time hunting for something I have forgotten!

[Bethanymouse]

I dont think that this is that odd but perhaps people reading this will think about it and think to bring it with them. My family and I always go to Disney in July, and those of you who also go then know about those afternoon rain showers. I always bring my own raingear things. The plastic ones. They can be bought in a dollar store and I shudder at the expensive ones in the parks. Just something to think about!
:D

[disneydeb]

1. an electric fan to mask room noise,circulate air and help dry clothes.
2. an air filter
3. an extension cord especially if I'm taking a cruise ther are never enough outlets any where and just one on cruise ships.

[DunkinNut]

Wow...I wrote down the extension cord idea. I have thought about that so many times - too late! It is officially on my spreadsheet...thanks. But I'm curious - what do you do with the air filter? Do you mean an air cleaning machine or just the filter? DN

[WDWhuny]

I always pack my kids clothes in gallon size ziplock bags. In a bag I put a pair of shorts, shirt, socks, & underwear. This way they can dress themselves without much help from Mommy. The empty bags also come in handy later. If I do laundry during the trip I refill their bags. It really saves space in the suitcase. graemlins/mickey.gif

[PrincessJessica]

I always pack skirt hangers so I can hang my husband's wet bathing suits and shorts neatly on the shower bar to drip dry rather than drape the wet clothing over things. I also save those thin wire hangers from the cleaners to hang all our clothing in the closet. I hate when the suitcases are out and prefer to leave them on the closet floor to use as a hamper for our dirty clothes.

[MNNHFLTX]

You guys have given me some great ideas.... smile.gif

Since this is not a resort specific question, I'm going to move the thread to Vacation Planning. graemlins/mickey.gif

[disneymom2000]

I always pack my kids clothes in gallon size ziplock bags. In a bag I put a pair of shorts, shirt, socks, & underwear. This way they can dress themselves without much help from Mommy. The empty bags also come in handy later. If I do laundry during the trip I refill their bags. It really saves space in the suitcase.


Wow - This is a great idea WDWhuny. I will have to start doing this on all my vacations. It will save my husband from mixing the wrong clothes. graemlins/notworthy.gif

[Tink1]

Duct tape

It always seems we use it for something. More than once we have used it for suitcases the airlines ripped on the way down. Have used it to hold curtains closed. Have used it as a really quick hem tape on a pair of slacks even!

Nanc

[Beast_fanatic]

Originally posted by Tink1:
Duct tape

It always seems we use it for something. More than once we have used it for suitcases the airlines ripped on the way down. Have used it to hold curtains closed. Have used it as a really quick hem tape on a pair of slacks even!

Nanc I've never taken duct tape, but I usually end up with some transparent tape in my suitcase.

[Mom2Princess']

Zip Loc bags of all sizes for whatever! I usually put the odds and ends maps and receipts in them and sort it out at home.

Lists you say? Oh I am the QUEEN of list making. Just ask DH, he will tell you I am obsessed. Though I wouldn't go that far.

[Lady]

I take a small, shallow container with a handle. The best I have is a mini version of a tote you would put cleaning products in. We use it in the bathroom to put our toothbrushes and other personal items. We stash it in the closet before we head to the parks. I don't want cleaner from mousekeeping accidentally sprayed on my things or just the thought of some else moving my brush, toothbrush, or other personal things to clean doesn't thrill me. I'm a bit of a germ-a-phobic.

[mykidsmom]

Dont laugh! I always take a hand held electric coil that when you stick it in a cup of water it heats it to boiling in 15 seconds(when thers no microwave)...great for hot tea, hot choc, coffee, whatever! It's the size of a pen, I love it...Also...I take a large roll of cotton, yes cotton, and use it for sore spots on are feet and toes...like walking on air...

[Penni]

I always pack my pillow and my Koren Blanket called my BOBO...Because you just can't leave home with out MY STUFF, because when I am gone I still want to feel like I am at home. graemlins/muscles.gif

[BostonChic]

I always have to buy brand new cosmetics(shampoo,soap,toothpaste)!My son can never ever be wothout his blankie.Oh and I just buy a 30 something pack of diapers for a week. allstarsports2000, off property 2003 , PortOrleans(fq) 2005 graemlins/thumbsup.gif

[diz#1fan]

yeah Ziplock bags. my dh thought i was nuts until his shampoo leaked all over inside the bag, then he was very thankful! ;)

[Jeri Lynn]

I pack a shoe holder, it has many pockets, can be hung over the bathroom or closet door. I use the pockets to put all of our toiletries in, then we aren't messing up the vanity.

[master_gracey]

A NOAA Weather Radio.

I know it sounds strange, but hear me out. Florida is the lightning capital of the world. And also sees its fair share of tornadoes. I don't take it into the parks with me, but if I am gone and a weather alert is issued (a Watch or a Warning) when I get back my radio will let me know if one was issued via a digital readout.

And the National Weather Service updates it quicker than the Weather Channel.

Every room has smoke detectors, so why not a "Weather Detector"?

[wendyfan]

A sharpie marker. I use it to lable anything we buy that could be mistaken for someone elses. For instance, I write our name on the inside of a new hat, clothing, or toy. On my last trip, I bought my then 2 yr old son who didn't get to go with us a Buzz Lightyear I wrote his name on the bottom of Buzz's shoe just like in the movie. :D A sharpie comes in handy.

[delarosa]

I was just about to say Sharpies! I label everything. Keeps kids cameras straightened out, helps lost items find their way back to us, helps us spot each other in our Yellow Mickey slickers, wtc. (I write our last name on the back like a jersey.) I LOVE my Sharpies!

[disneydeb]

Originally posted by DunkinNut:
Wow...I wrote down the extension cord idea. I have thought about that so many times - too late! It is officially on my spreadsheet...thanks. But I'm curious - what do you do with the air filter? Do you mean an air cleaning machine or just the filter? DN This is when my asthma is a little out of control. It helps me to sleep with an air purifier with an ionizer. not a basic need for most people.

[lisatradingspaces]

Originally posted by Tink1:
Duct tape

It always seems we use it for something. More than once we have used it for suitcases the airlines ripped on the way down. Have used it to hold curtains closed. Have used it as a really quick hem tape on a pair of slacks even!

Nanc I used to be a flight attendant and this was one of the things they told us we should always have with us. Can't remember all the uses they told us but I know one of them was in case of hotel fires you could use it to put around you door to keep smoke from coming in from the hallway. The pilots jokes that the tape was good for quick aircraft repairs...ha ha ha!

Lisa

[sainter]

I bring a night light so no one stumbles in an unfamiliar room, but it is not so bright as to keep anyone awake. Also Shout wipes. I carry a few in my fanny pack or purse all the time. I cannot tell you how often they have saved a pair of shorts!!
I also always keep a running list of things to pack. When I see a great idea on one of these posts, I immediately add it!

[faline]

I always pack a small flashlight. You never know when you might need it! (I've even used it to read the menu at San Angel Inn and on the patio at the Rose n Crown!)

[Momof2boys]

I'm adding the clothes pin to our packing list - my husband hates that early morning light coming thru the sliver of curtain.

I did the Ziploc bag for our sons outfits last trip & it was so easy. They could pick what they wanted while dh & I were getting ready. I definately recommend it for those travelling with kids.

[E-OR]

After having the power go out on us once at a hotel and not being able to see a thing I now always put a small flashlight in our bag. I put my laundry stuff in an old cookie tin and then when I come home if we have breakables I can wrap them and put them in the tin to keep them safe. I take a suitcase filled with food, bagels, chips, licorice, etc.. then we use it for souvineers when we come home.

[RazdOnDis]

I always pack a desk fan. Not for the reason you might think though, its strictly for white-noise at night. For the longest time I haven't been able to fall asleep in a quiet room when you can hear every sound within 10 miles. A fan drowns out all the 'bad' noise so all you hear is hummmm.

[TheMartellFamily]

our own laundry detergent, I find it quite difficult paying for it when I have alot of it at home. if you can find the laundry detergent pellets bring those they do not take up any room. the other thing we bring which is quite nice is a small container of baby wipes. we use it for the obvious reasons we use them to clean hands and faces. wipe down arms back of necks when getting hot. wiping down tables or chairs in restaurants if needed during busy times and tabels can not be wiped down in time. we used the ziploc bag idea and now recommend it to others and it is great. not only do you have outfits together without digging for them to match when it get wet at one of the parks just place that back in there and it will not get other things wet in the bag. this also saves so much space.

[DisneyCrazyET]

Thanks for all the great idea, skirt hanger, sharpies, shoe holder and so on.
I take little zip bags to put powdered drink mix in and then add it to a cup of ice water at the parks.

[Magic Fanatic]

My good friend Captain Morgan and......Beer! graemlins/beer.gif

[TCLites]

I always pack a duffle bag in my suitcase. If we end up with too many items to take home (and no one ever buys stuff to take home), I pack the dirty clothes in the duffle and we have room in our suitcases for the really important stuff. graemlins/rotfl.gif

I travel alot. I have a small zipper bag with two small flashlights, some Shout stain remover wipes, Desitin, bandaids, repair kit for glasses, a cheap pair of sunglasses, a cheap plastic poncho, and a travel alarm. It goes everyplace I travel, and I can't tell you how many times I or someone else have used one or more of these items.

[DisneyDudet]

Originally posted by RazdOnDis:
I always pack a desk fan. Not for the reason you might think though, its strictly for white-noise at night. For the longest time I haven't been able to fall asleep in a quiet room when you can hear every sound within 10 miles. A fan drowns out all the 'bad' noise so all you hear is hummmm. Same here! Although the air feels good on the face.

I also bring my Vacation Journal I bought at WDW.

My Gund Tigger that I've had for about 19 years. He goes everywhere! Mousekeepers tend to dress him up and do goofy things w/ him.

Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap, peppermint scented. Its great so you don't have to pack everything: shampoo, body wash, face soap. I don't used it in my hair, but at least I don't have to bring 2 different bottles.

The same suitcase as long as possible. I've got tags from 2000 celebration, 100 years, disney cruise and such. Also, somehow, i'm not able to take out the same mickey bar of soap. I've had it in my make up bag since we went, then they replaced the soaps w/ a dispenser and now they're back. But its stayed in my bag somehow.

I always make a list, but usually start putting stuff in the bag about 2 weeks ahead, just things here and there. But I put the list on post its and put it right where my face reflects in the mirror. This way, I'm sure to not miss anything, especially if its something that I can't put away the night before (brush, comb, contact case, etc.). Most of the time I have 2 of each thing.

Anways, I don't think I bring anything thats extremely strange.

[Carolanne]

Probably not odd, but here goes...I pack my own hair dryer (I take my own hair dryer everywhere I stay--for some reason, it feels weird holding a hair dryer that isnt' mine) and a suitcase full of Pepsi/Diet Pepsi. I can drink either Diet Pepsi or Diet Coke, it doesn't matter to me, but the rest of my family are strictly Pepsi people.

[popMom]

Last year was our first time and what I found most helpful was a large insulated freezer bag it has a handle, ziploc slide and folded up and flat to slip in my suitcase. Every night I would take it to the ice machine and fill it up. tuck our bottle water and sodas in it even milk for our cereal the next day. Stuck it in the tub and it would keep everything frosty all night and into the next day. We never missed having a frig in our room and I could drain the melted water straight into the tub. The bag was only 4.25 at Super Walmart and you can find them near the ice cream section. graemlins/clappy.gif

[docswife]

I'm not sure how odd this is but here it goes.....

I'm kind of a coffee junkie.

I bring my own coffee (Cafe Dumond brand from New Orleans), filters, and white vinegar to scrub and clean the coffee pot before I use it. I also buy a gallon of bottled water to have in the room to make it every morning. I usually just get the milk at the resort.

I guess it would only be wierd to someone who doesn't know that coffee is the most important meal of the day!!!!!!
:D graemlins/rotfl.gif :D graemlins/rotfl.gif :D

[auntfrannie]

Gotta remember sharpies & clothes pins next time! Great ideas.

If I'll be doing laundry I pack some of those solid detergent tablets...although I haven't seen them lately in the grocery store so I wonder if they still make them?? I also pack a suction cup hook for the shower so I can hang up my shower poof.

[sainter]

I have only been able to find the laundry tabs in Purex brand recently--and at WalMart but not at the grocery store!

[coconutpalm]

A bottle of spirits for pre-PI parties.

Laundry detergent pellets.

My own coffee for coffee machine in mornings.

Everything else fits into a giant back-pack no matter if Im staying for a long weekend or 2 weeks. graemlins/crazy.gif

[cckelly]

Wow...these are all fabulous ideas!!

Does anyone have a packing list they are willing to share? I don't have one and by the posts here, most people do!

[DisneyCrazyET]

Have you checked out the list on Info Central?
It's under Misc. (what to pack)
Enjoy your day!

[TheMartellFamily]

I have to add also that we take a very, very small bottle of liquid dishsoap. that way is if we need to wash something, sometimes you will be suprised, we have it.

[DunkinNut]

I emailed the makers of Wisk tablets the other day and they said they are discontinued. I haven't seen th ePurex ones in along time either. Darn...i loved taking those on trips. dn

[Boojum]

My first is a non-practical item, but it's a little Disney Trip Tradition I have:

Before I leave home, I go to Bath and Body Works and pick out a bottle of lotion. I'll try to find something with a citrus or herbal name, because these are my favorite types of scents. However, I don't open it--not even to test it out in the store. I wait until I get to WDW, then I use that lotion during my entire trip. After I get home, I can use that lotion and instantly get a little "sniff" of Disney. They do say, after all, that the sense of smell is the one most strongly connected to memory! graemlins/mickey.gif

On the practical side: a roll of quarters for laundry, Purex laundry tablets, and earplugs because DH snores.

[ March 25, 2005, 12:31 AM: Message edited by: Boojum ]

[TheMartellFamily]

just recieved a reply to a question I sent tide corp and they stated that they no longer produce the laundry pellets but if there were plenty of people that put in a request for it they would concider bringing it back to the store shelves. so those of us who travel and need that extra space when we pack and do do laundry while on vacation e mail them with the idea that to bring the pellets back.

[mulanwannabe]

Originally posted by faline:
I always pack a small flashlight. You never know when you might need it! (I've even used it to read the menu at San Angel Inn and on the patio at the Rose n Crown!) Me too a flashlight...but for a different reason. My little DD gets a bit spooked in dark rides and theaters :eek: and her little flashlight helps her to be less fearful. graemlins/mickey.gif

[Ima codfish]

We bring ziploc bags for all of the above reasons. But, bring a big one if you have a fairly large camcorder. It helps to waterproof it a little bit when on Splash Mountain or the River ride at Animal Kingdom.

[tennvalgirl]

Clothespins- I pin the housekeeper's tip to the mirror, or somewhere around the sink, they do such a great job! graemlins/notworthy.gif

Also, I have a small fridge that I got at JC Penney years ago just big enough for 6 cans of coke(POP to everyone who isn't Southern :D ) or a quart of milk.

Finally, a lady posted years ago that she packed an old Polaroid camera to photograph her children each morning so that she would have a RECENT photo should they be separated AND CM's would know exactly what the child was wearing THAT day.
I don't even have children, but I thought that was the smartest idea ever! Imagine looking for a child that you don't know in a sea of people that look alike. graemlins/shakehead.gif

[ccnykamp]

Originally posted by sainter:
I bring a night light so no one stumbles in an unfamiliar room, but it is not so bright as to keep anyone awake. Great idea. On a recent trip when returning to bed from a trip to the bathroom I thought I had the room layout memorized. It was a real surprise when I walked straight on and full speed into the entertainment center. I ended up flat on my back and sore for a couple days.