How long to pack for a trip?

When you are packing for a trip, on average, how long does it take you?


  • Total voters
    42
When i was travelling frequently for work i could easily pack a carry-on or checked bag in 15mins, knowing what I needed was straightforward. Quick check if any toiletries require top up and then grab the dresses or suits and tops plus PJs and maybe a coat, fold and done.

When packing checked bags for a leisure trip it can take up to 2 hours (only longer if i need to launder anything that has been worn the week before departure).

This is because i it's the opposite season I may need to dig out items that may not have been used/worn for a while like hiking boots/poles or swimwear or puffer jackets and may need to try some things on to check if preferred option still fits.

Includes time for editing to maximise mix and match-abilty between tops, bottoms, socks, layers and to minimise shoes needed. Anything longer than 4 nights needs full size shampoo and conditioner.

Trips up to 2 weeks i will pack enough so that no laundry needs to be done whilst away. Longer trips i make sure i have enough clothes for at least 10 days (14 days of underwear) in each climate, enough to ensure laundry access. Complimentary colours and layers help, as mid and outer layers can usually be worn more more than once.

Once clothing is decided I use packing cells, grouping items together and a few spares for separating dirty clotes once trip begins. Putting filled packing cells in the suitcase or travel pack takes maybe a minute.

Packing my purse and carry-on to compliment checked in luggage never more than 5 mins. Grab passport, debit cards i only use when travelling, travel adapters and chargers/cables, 1 change of clothes (arrival city suitable). My usual gadgets like phone, tablet, glasses/sun glasses and handy deodorant, roll on perfume, lip colour, brush, comb, tissues will already be in purse.

I've always packed the night before if morning departure or morning of if evening departure. I will shop for any needed travel items like sunscreen or bug repellent the weekend before.
 
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I take the same 5 shirts with me everywhere, same 2 pairs of pants. I just need to decide if it's ski gear or sundresses depending on where I'm going ... then shove some extra contact lenses in my already-packed toiletry bag .... aaaaand we're done.

A little bit extra if I'm going 'proper' backpacking (ie need tents, air mattresses, water purifying equipment etc) but again I take the same kit with me everywhere I go ... so just a question on sleep sheet vs merino liner with down sleeping bag.
 
I would like to follow some of these high functioning packers with a camera and a stop watch…🧐
IMO it takes me at least 15 minutes to put new batteries in the air tags ( without counting the acquisition time)
 
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On a variation to this theme, and a philosophy. If I am going to take a checked bag, I'll take everything. I can still tow a heavy bag (and a carry-on) and lift it onto a bus etc. Antarctica last year was 23kg; this years trip was abt 20kg

Packing for a cold climate, like the northern (potentially snowy) winter this year, that slowed my packing down considerably, deciding what to take as the weather could be very variable. Given last year's TR which had lots of snow, I took a puffer jacket and a lighter weight puffer vest and a raincoat, all of which needed evacuating down in plastic bags, gloves - waterproof or not? Beanie. Folding umbrella, non slip shoes. The hot part of the trip pretty straightforward, and broad hat as well as cricket-type hat got the nod.

Also have to take a bit of time making use I'm taking all the lotions, potions and medicines I might need - even those 'just in case'. But thats prep not packing.

So changed my vote to 2 hours.
 

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