Time to start packing?

When is the right time to start packing to go on a trip? A number of people I know start packing up to a month in advance.  As items come out of the laundry, they are set aside for packing or if space is at a premium they go straight into the case. The same also applies for new purchases required for the trip.  I'm sorry, but this is just not me.

I pack the night before we travel.  If I were to pack in any further advance I would have forgotten what I had packed and would either end up starting again or forgetting to take something.  The night before travelling, everything I am going to take gets laid out.  I can ensure that everything I need is there and then I pack.

As I normally travel using a rucksack all clothes are tightly rolled and every inch is utilised.  When packing like this, having to unpack and repack to check that I haven't forgotten anything is no fun at all.  Hence packing the night before travel.  The reason I generally travel with a rucksack goes back to a weekend visit to Berlin, to see a concert. On the last day I was out of the accommodation by 10am and my flight was not until 4pm.  I spent the day going around the city sightseeing, lugging a suitcase.  This was not a real chore and slowed me down a lot.  This taught me a valuable lesson in travelling light.  Sticking a rucksack on your back is much easier and you have both hands free.  Interestingly, very few airports have baggage systems that can handle all the straps on a ruck strap, so once having checked-in, you are then directed to the over-sized baggage drop-off.  At the other end the rucksack is easily identifiable on the belt at the baggage return, unlike all these cases that look alike.

Recently, for longer trips I have been using a larger case.  I can get about 12-15kg in my rucksack, but 23kg in the case.  Taking the case ensures that I don't have to do any clothes washing during my travels, which I don't really want to do if I am enjoying my holiday and I don't really have the time if I am there on business. The case also allows some spare room for gifts or souvenirs that I may wish to bring back.

I also try to travel with minimal hand luggage.  All I take is a camera, a book, iPad or computer, some wet wipes and my travel documentation.  I never really understand those who take large bags onto a plane.  I suppose each to their own.