Daily Clothes Planning Spreadsheet

[Ehpride]

I think the point is that having a list/spreadsheet/pictures helps us all to organize, regardless of how much we take. Some people like to reuse items and mix and match. Others like to have choices. Neither is wrong.

 

Personally, I take 90% dresses because that's what I like. I bring a pair of shorts and a pair of jeans with a couple of tops. Otherwise, I live in dresses. And even if I were willing to do laundry on vacation, I hang almost everything to dry so it wouldn't be feasible. I find that the clothes and dressing up is a lot of the fun for me on a cruise. It's not for anybody else and I don't really care who notices what I wear. I can fit 10 days worth of clothes (2 outfits per day), along with shoes, toiletries, make up, accessories, hats, etc into one 28" suitcase. So I figure why not?

 

Different strokes for different folks, but I know that I always have my packing list!

[DancingKat37]

oops

[Cruizluvers]

For our first cruise, we REALLY over packed. Not knowing what to expect, we took 1 oversize, 1 garment bag, 1 rigid cosmetic bag, and 4 carry-ons. Second cruise was pretty much the same, because we drove to the port. Needless to say, for 2 people, we definitely cut back for the third cruise, and only took 4 carry-ons. We also used space bags - the type that don't require a vacuum cleaner. They really helped, and we will definitely use them again this year!

[Virtopia]

I'm surprised no one is using an app. I use pack the bag app. It's pretty neat as you can have different "bags" for different vacations and can duplicate the bag so you don't have to start from scratch for each one.

 

I use the Packing Pro app on my iPhone and iPad, but I always start with writing it down first and then fill it in on there. It's a great app and was worth the 99 cents! :D

[RevRodney]

I'm surprised no one is using an app. I use pack the bag app. It's pretty neat as you can have different "bags" for different vacations and can duplicate the bag so you don't have to start from scratch for each one.

 

Best idea I've seen on this thread! Just downloaded it!

[TipsyT]

I'm doing a transatlantic cruise for 17 days with one suitcase!!!!!! Help

 

torix

 

 

 

Here's what I'm packing for my next 16 day cruise:

 

black pant

white pant

jean pant

black capri

white capri

jean capri

6 tops to match all

 

black short

white short

2 lightweight tops

white hoodie/sweater

 

dress black gauchos or long skirt

3 sparkly tops (3 formal nights)

 

maxidress

pashmina

 

athletic shoes

day sandals

dressy sandals

croc flops

 

2 swimsuits

coverup

2 pjs

beige bras

black bras

beige panties

black panties

 

And then all the "stuff" (toiletries, hair care, jewelry, meds, electronics, etc.). I'll be using packing cubes and plan to carry everything on. I'll wear my jeans, one top, white sweater and my athletic shoes to travel.

 

Hope this helps!

 

Trish

[sky61]

I'm surprised no one is using an app. I use pack the bag app. It's pretty neat as you can have different "bags" for different vacations and can duplicate the bag so you don't have to start from scratch for each one.

 

Just got one of the bag packing apps. What a great idea. Thanks!

[breezeway2]

I usually just pack outfits for the ports, then I will have a change for the night. I will pack sandals that I can wear with a couple of outfits. Not much jewelry. no makeup don't wear it.

[Feelin' Nauti']

DH's List

____9_ T shirts

___7__ Shorts

___5__ Pants

___9__ Underwear / Undershirts

__3___ Pajamas

__2__ Formal Shirts / Dressy Pants

___2__ Belts - Ties

___7__ Dress socks & everyday

___1__ Suit

___2__ Cufflinks/studs

___1__ Evening dress shoes

___1__ Exercise/walking

___3__ Swim suits / Swim suit tees / Sandals

My List

___9__ Tops

___7__ Capris / pants

____5_ Bras (include strapless)

___9__ Panties

__3___ gown/pajamas - robe

__2___ Formal Gowns

___?__ Pantyhose

___3__ Socks

___3__ Swim suits / Swim Cover ups

___1__ Jacket sweater

___3__ Shoes / Sandals

___1__ Evening dress shoes

___2__ Purses (day and evening)

___?__ Jewelry / Watch

_____ raincoat / Jacket

_____ Toothbrushes / Toothpaste / Dental floss

_____ Deodorant

_____ Shaver - Razor w/extra blades

_____ Bath soap

_____ Shampoo / Conditioner

_____ Bathroom Spray

_____ Curlers / Hair spray / Mousse / Hair items (bobby pins, scrunchies) Combs -- Brushes

_____ Baby Powder

_____ Cosmetics

_____ Perfumes / After-shave

_____ Medicine / Vitamins

_____ Headache meds

_____ Antihistamine / Tums / Pepto Bismol / Band-Aids

_____ Neosporin or bactine / Antibiotic cream / Tweezers / Anti-bacterial hand wash

_____ Small scissors / Q-Tips

_____ Alcohol prep-pads

_____ Nail polishes / Polish removers

_____ Sewing kit (w/safety pins)

_____ 2 Highlighters / Bingo Dapper

_____ Snorkel equipment

_____ Suntan Lotion

_____ Sheet

_____ Tissues / Lip balm

_____ Sunglasses

_____ Beach Bag / Beach Hats

_____ Beach shoes

_____ Floats * Pump

_____ Cooler / cooler bottles

_____ Moist baby wipes / Zip Lock Bags

_____ House keys

_____ Reading Glasses

_____ Passports

_____ Cruise Documents

_____ Medical Info

_____ Cash

_____ Cell phone

_____ Cruise Activity List

_____ Goodies…breath mints

_____ Wine opener / 2 Bottles of Wine

_____ Camera / Extra Camera Memory Cards & Batteries

_____ Airline Itinerary Tickets /Hotel Itinerary

 

I don't know how you do it girls, who pack in one or two suitcases...

I give you credit. It would be a miracle if I could get all of the above in two . :o:cool:

[Cruzngama]

What seems to work best for me is a typed breakdown by item, i.e. Shoes: 1. sneakers (wear to ship) 2. flip flops 3.black kitten heels... Dining Rm: numbered items for five evenings; Formal: 1 and 2 (listing the outfit) I have been fine tuning this list for 33 cruises and have it down now that all I need is a carry-on, in addition to my laptop case to hold personal items such as a hair brush dryer, all travel documents, camera, makeup, etc. (not my laptop though - I'm on vacation!) :)

[LadyDivot]

I have found my people! :D I use packing spreadsheets for EVERY trip, business and pleasure.

 

For my non-cruise trips, I have my spreadsheet broken down by day and then day clothes and evening clothes for dressing down. The columns are: bottoms (slacks, dockers, capris, jeans,shorts), top #1 (blouse, shortsleeve, tank), top #2 (cardigans or blazer), Socks, Shoes and then the final column is jewelry. The row is the day. If I have two outfits (work for day and dress down for evening) then I use two rows for the day.

 

For cruises, the spreadsheet is more complex! For this spreadsheet, the columns are days and I note whether it's a sea day or docked/excursion. The rows are Morning, Afternoon and Evening. In each cell Day 1/Morning, Day 1/Afternoon, etc, I put in my clothes for that time. If it's a docked day, the morning and afternoon are merged and usually the same thing. I include all the clothes, shoes and jewelry in the cell. They are color coded too - blue are sea days and some shade of pale orange are docked days. That's the first page! :eek: The second page in the spreadsheet is a list per type - Tops as one column, Bottoms, Shoes, Jewelry, etc. I copy over from page 1 to page 2 and use page 2 as a packing list. Once I have page 2, I start washing clothes and putting them when clean in a guest room - folded on the bed or hanging in the closet. Oh, and at the bottom of the first sheet are the things I take on EVERY trip. Undies, bras, nightie, brush, comb, makeup, etc. This is especially good for phone cords, folding hamper and all the the little things that are a pain to forget at home.

 

I have shared my spreadsheet with many of my fellow cruisers, some appreciate my er...attention to detail...while others think I'm nuts (but a well packed and organized nut). Overpacking is not an issue and I always feel relaxed that I haven't forgotten anything.

 

If anyone wants a copy, I'm happy to share!

 

Pam

[robdizon]

I am one of those who can't decide what to pack or wear... I tend to overpack.. So I came up with a solution that helps me. I made a daily clothes spreadsheet (see below)... I also use a detailed packing list for other essentials.. Spreadsheet just helps me out planning what to pack without out emptying out all my drawers' date=' closets, etc.[/b']

Plus, organizing and planning for a cruise is half the fun!!! :D

 

I don't follow the chart to a T. I do switch outfits up when I'm on board. I don't know the exact dates when Formal Nights are. I just plan on two...

 

As you can see, some days aren't filled in completely, some have no details because I never know what day of the week the cruise will start... Sometimes it's Saturday other times it could be mid-week. I free-hand it in according to the start of the cruise. ...

 

Yes I do a dress plan for every cruise as well. I also break the day to morning and evening wear. I find this to be the best and most efficient way to pack for a cruise and for any vacation as well. This allows me to pack the right clothes, not to overpack and not to forget things. It really is a sensible way to take the stress out of packing. I put the plan to paper (MS word table) a month or so before the cruise and refine it until it is time to pack. I include excursions and other activities planned. I lay out the clothes I included in the plan, run it through a final common sense check and pack the day before we leave. We have been cruising since 1998. It works all the time. :)

[janetdenisg]

some really good ideas here ... thank you. since it will be fall here in Canada when we leave, it will be easy to get clothes ready for our trip late Sept as I will not be wearing the summer clothes any longer. will use the spare room to hang or lay out the clothes etc that we want to bring, doing it the month ahead can give lots of time to make sure nothing is forgotten :)

[Feelin' Nauti']

LadyDivot - I have found my people!

Thanks for the chuckle :D

 

I like your statement about "Overpacking is not an issue and I always feel relaxed that I haven't forgotten anything."

Good to know I'm not alone! :D

I don't consider myself an "overpacker" rather a"good packer". ;)

but I can get a little carried away :o

 

 

Ehpride

I too like wearing dresses... and by looking at the my packing list....

I definitely need one.. Totally forgot now many dresses I will need for my up and coming cruise. :o

[Happy ks]

DH's List

____9_ T shirts

___7__ Shorts

___5__ Pants

___9__ Underwear / Undershirts

__3___ Pajamas

__2__ Formal Shirts / Dressy Pants

___2__ Belts - Ties

___7__ Dress socks & everyday

___1__ Suit

___2__ Cufflinks/studs

___1__ Evening dress shoes

___1__ Exercise/walking

___3__ Swim suits / Swim suit tees / Sandals

My List

___9__ Tops

___7__ Capris / pants

____5_ Bras (include strapless)

___9__ Panties

__3___ gown/pajamas - robe

__2___ Formal Gowns

___?__ Pantyhose

___3__ Socks

___3__ Swim suits / Swim Cover ups

___1__ Jacket sweater

___3__ Shoes / Sandals

___1__ Evening dress shoes

___2__ Purses (day and evening)

___?__ Jewelry / Watch

_____ raincoat / Jacket

_____ Toothbrushes / Toothpaste / Dental floss

_____ Deodorant

_____ Shaver - Razor w/extra blades

_____ Bath soap

_____ Shampoo / Conditioner

_____ Bathroom Spray

_____ Curlers / Hair spray / Mousse / Hair items (bobby pins' date=' scrunchies) Combs -- Brushes

_____ Baby Powder

_____ Cosmetics

_____ Perfumes / After-shave

_____ Medicine / Vitamins

_____ Headache meds

_____ Antihistamine / Tums / Pepto Bismol / Band-Aids

_____ Neosporin or bactine / Antibiotic cream / Tweezers / Anti-bacterial hand wash

_____ Small scissors / Q-Tips

_____ Alcohol prep-pads

_____ Nail polishes / Polish removers

_____ Sewing kit (w/safety pins)

_____ 2 Highlighters / Bingo Dapper

_____ Snorkel equipment

_____ Suntan Lotion

_____ Sheet

_____ Tissues / Lip balm

_____ Sunglasses

_____ Beach Bag / Beach Hats

_____ Beach shoes

_____ Floats * Pump

_____ Cooler / cooler bottles

_____ Moist baby wipes / Zip Lock Bags

_____ House keys

_____ Reading Glasses

_____ Passports

_____ Cruise Documents

_____ Medical Info

_____ Cash

_____ Cell phone

_____ Cruise Activity List

_____ Goodies…breath mints

_____ Wine opener / 2 Bottles of Wine

_____ Camera / Extra Camera Memory Cards & Batteries

_____ Airline Itinerary Tickets /Hotel Itinerary

 

I don't know how you do it girls, who pack in one or two suitcases...

I give you credit. It would be a miracle if I could get all of the above in two . :o:cool:[/quote']

 

Is this for just a 7 night cruise?

 

My list looks similar, but the amounts are about half of what you have listed. I took 11 items off your non-clothing list, but I probably have things on my list you don't have on yours. Such as, I always take an iPod and a small pair of travel speakers and I take my Kindle, my husband takes one book. I've read some packing lists where I take off 25-40 items off just the carry on stuff alone. We all have to take what makes us comfortable and that list is different for every individual.

 

We have found that 4 pair of shorts and shirts (for him) for daytime is plenty. At night, two pair of slacks and 4 shirts. He rarely wears socks on a cruise, so probably only 2 pair there. We do either a load (on Princess) or send a few things out for laundry. Me, same thing. I only take 2 pair of shorts and 4 tops, but I do take 2 sundresses to use as beach cover up or a dress for the day. Other things, such as underwear and bathing suits, we take less than you do and it works fine for us, again sending a few things out or doing self laundry. I used to think doing laundry on a ship was a drag, but it really takes so little time, we don't sit in the laundry room during the cycles, we go read or eat lunch or have a cocktail, just keeping our eye on the time.

 

A few cruises ago we decided we'd been to enough formal nights, so we just don't pack any of that any longer. It's been so nice to not have to pack along 2 dresses that are only going to be used once each, my husband is completely happy not hauling a suit along. Some people love formal night, and I actually enjoy dressing up and have all the clothes I could ever use for that, but it's been freeing for me to not hassle over it any longer. I don't miss the main dining room...at all.

 

I've narrowed down and fine tuned all the what-if's over the years (for us) and that stuff is always packed into my carry on and stowed in the house. Some items I see on many packing lists that I deem unnecessary, like over the door shoe holders, laundry hampers, cups and pens, post it notes...the list can go on for pages :eek:. I keep a permanent list for what is really needed and check it when we get home to replace items that have been used up.

 

We each pack (cross pack) in a 24 inch case and each take one carry on along. Our suitcases end up weighing in @ around 35 lbs. each. I don't think I could ever reduce to just carry on for a cruise. I'm not a pack mule and refuse to haul all that stuff onto an airplane.

[jaxjww]

Several additional posts about packing bring other habits to mind. First, we always pack half our clothes in each suitcase so that if one is missing we aren't relegated to buying everything we need. It's easy to replace toiletries if all are in one suitcase like mine are. Second, all meds and electronics are always in my backpack and her messenger bag, and never are checked. This is most important when flying to a cruise port, but I have a friend whose bag was lost between the pier and the ship (long story) so it's good practice to do these in all cases. I'm sure others can add to these "suggestions."

[emma594]

I have a Superlist. It covers every trip everywhere. I just print one off for each new packing exercise.

 

I think the record was 19 pieces of luggage between three of us - my dad had 1.5...!

 

But for packing advice, I can't say better than this post from my cruise blog, cruisetheoceanswithemma.com:

 

Please click here: What-not-to-pack

[AlmadenCruisers]

I have found my people! :D I use packing spreadsheets for EVERY trip, business and pleasure.

 

For my non-cruise trips, I have my spreadsheet broken down by day and then day clothes and evening clothes for dressing down. The columns are: bottoms (slacks, dockers, capris, jeans,shorts), top #1 (blouse, shortsleeve, tank), top #2 (cardigans or blazer), Socks, Shoes and then the final column is jewelry. The row is the day. If I have two outfits (work for day and dress down for evening) then I use two rows for the day.

 

For cruises, the spreadsheet is more complex! For this spreadsheet, the columns are days and I note whether it's a sea day or docked/excursion. The rows are Morning, Afternoon and Evening. In each cell Day 1/Morning, Day 1/Afternoon, etc, I put in my clothes for that time. If it's a docked day, the morning and afternoon are merged and usually the same thing. I include all the clothes, shoes and jewelry in the cell. They are color coded too - blue are sea days and some shade of pale orange are docked days. That's the first page! :eek: The second page in the spreadsheet is a list per type - Tops as one column, Bottoms, Shoes, Jewelry, etc. I copy over from page 1 to page 2 and use page 2 as a packing list. Once I have page 2, I start washing clothes and putting them when clean in a guest room - folded on the bed or hanging in the closet. Oh, and at the bottom of the first sheet are the things I take on EVERY trip. Undies, bras, nightie, brush, comb, makeup, etc. This is especially good for phone cords, folding hamper and all the the little things that are a pain to forget at home.

 

I have shared my spreadsheet with many of my fellow cruisers, some appreciate my er...attention to detail...while others think I'm nuts (but a well packed and organized nut). Overpacking is not an issue and I always feel relaxed that I haven't forgotten anything.

 

If anyone wants a copy, I'm happy to share!

 

Pam

 

Pam, Your spreadsheets sound very much like mine and they have served me well for several cruises. While packing for our very first cruise, with no spreadsheet, I became a raging maniac and decided that would never happen again, plus I clearly overpacked. My spreadsheets have saved my sanity and as you say, keeps me from overpacking or forgetting items. Glad to know I'm not the only "organized nut" out there.

[cruzer26]

I'm doing a transatlantic cruise for 17 days with one suitcase!!!!!! Help

 

torix

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

We have done 3 TA cruises, 4th next year. Realizing that luggage weight is a $$big issue, and one will not see every person on board every single day, we plan on using the laundry/dry cleaning service and wear outfits more than once. The cleaning bill is SO much cheaper than the luggage overweight charge, and the clothes are nicely pressed, not all wrinkled. Also, although I am a shoe-aholic, I have learned to live with 3 pairs of shoes on board, a dressy lower heel that goes with all dressier outfits, a casual shoe or sandal that is good anywhere on board, pool or casino, and a comfortable walking shoe or sneaker for long day excursions onshore. The only clothing I carry more of is lingerie that I won't send to laundry because of cost to replace if they ruin them. So carry small concentrated wash by hand detergent and some clothespins. Have fun on your cruise. :-)

[cruzer26]

Thanks for the chuckle :D

 

I like your statement about "Overpacking is not an issue and I always feel relaxed that I haven't forgotten anything."

Good to know I'm not alone! :D

I don't consider myself an "overpacker" rather a"good packer". ;)

but I can get a little carried away :o

 

 

Ehpride

I too like wearing dresses... and by looking at the my packing list....

I definitely need one.. Totally forgot now many dresses I will need for my up and coming cruise. :o

You might love dressses, but you might find that dressy black evening slacks and some very fancy tops go further and pack easier. Only 1 pair of slacks and 2 or 3 tops will do.

[Ehpride]

You might love dressses, but you might find that dressy black evening slacks and some very fancy tops go further and pack easier. Only 1 pair of slacks and 2 or 3 tops will do.

 

Ahh. What fun is that?

[palolake]

People make fun of me but I would be lost without my spreadsheet.

 

I have 9 columns in mine. First is the date. We normally go on 10 day or longer cruises and sometimes don't even know the day of the week that it is!

Second is the place. Country, Sea day, Boarding day, etc.

Third is Arrival time into the port.

Fourth is boarding time. That really comes in handy.

Fifth is the excursion we are taking. I also list any info I need such as "already paid", where to meet, length of excursion, etc.

Sixth and seventh are my day clothes and night clothes.

Eighth and ninth are my husband's day and night clothes.

We'll wear top A with Bottom B one day and, later, Top A with Bottom C, etc. Our suitcase is always packed full. I can't imagine not being organized. I'd have to pack 4 suitcases!

[CELTICGIRLCRUISER]

Ahh. What fun is that?

 

:D:D:D

And what Fashionista wants to wear the same thing twice!

[Feelin' Nauti']

Happy ks

I know so many who use the laundry service on board or Princess's self service laundry.

I just can't see doing laundry during a 7 night cruise. I rather be doing more fun things around the ship than watching the spin cycle....

If it were longer, say 14 nighter, then I can see throwing a load or two in.

 

Personally, I feel cruise lines can do away with "formal" nights. Especially now with the Airline baggage charges. Boy, would that save our backs from carrying, lugging around extra weight and save us a ton of money.

 

 

emma594

Thanks for the link...Even they say "make a list" :D

They are right about NOT packing Unnecessary Gadgets.

On threads here, you will see people packing all sorts of weird things.... duct tape (for what - love bondage? :o) , bungie cord to hold a door open...(don't they have a foot? ;))

Cruzer26

On a 7 night, there were 2 ladies sitting next to use each evening in the MDR. I remember them wearing the same outfit 3 times... Mind you, I am no fashion police... I can't remember what I wore yesterday...:o

We take lots of pictures and like having different outfits (not the same one over and over again ;)) If DH asks how do you remember which day the picture was, I wipe out my speadsheet, see green dress on Tuesday... Blue dress on Friday.... :D

[Happy ks]

Our last cruise the total time we spent in the laundry room was around 15 minutes. About 2 minutes to put the wash in, go to our balcony and read a book, come back in 25/30 minutes and 1 minute to put it in the dryer, off to the buffet and come back in 30 minutes after it's all dry. About 5 minutes hanging and folding after the dry cycle and the other 7 minutes was pressing one pair of cotton shorts.

 

We're all different and while I don't love to do laundry while on a cruise, or at home, for me it sure beats the extra packing, both the weight and the organization. On ships that don't have a laundry room, we send out. I think we've averaged around $25 for the two of us for laundry/dry cleaning. I probably spend around 10-15 minutes filling out the form for laundry/dry cleaning.

 

For me, it's far simpler and I like simple. It was about 11 years ago when, after coming home once again with a case half full of many not used clothes, I just got weary of overpacking.

 

It doesn't bother me that someone else may notice I am wearing the same clothes more than once, I really don't care. We dress nicely, we don't dress like slobs. I don't care if I don't have choices either, I select clothing that is good for travel and not eye catching unusual. That may send some of you over the edge (smiley face here).

 

One major thing I've learned is to not take new clothes that you have never worn before. Sure, get yourself something new to enjoy, but wear it at least once or twice to make sure it's going to be comfy.

 

I'm a people watcher, I love people of all ages, sizes, etc... and it's interesting to me that, out of 25 or more cruises, I've never really noticed any fashionistas. Just a bunch of regular people. Kind of like watching people in the mall. That was another thing that convinced me to lighten the load...why was I worried about what some stranger may think of my clothes, I sure wasn't concerned about their clothes.

Edited August 23, 2013 by Happy ks