On the weekend before we leave, someone remembers that all the diving equipment is still in storage, none of the laundry is done and we haven't spoken to our dog sitter either. Somehow, we always manage to get all of this done on Saturday.
When it comes to packing, everyone has their own system or non-system. Most of us just stuff everything into the suitcase, while my mother double checks every item on a prepared checklist- which doesn't prevent her from forgetting something
On the day of the departure, all the bags and suitcases are put into the trunk of our car around noon, but we won't be leaving until about 4 pm, since we prefer evening flights.
Afterwards, we only have some minor preparations left to do, everyone makes themselves a sandwich for the drive, our guinea pigs get fed, and the dog sitter arrives to get some last instructions as well as the emergency phone numbers. My father spends most of the afternoon checking that the tickets and vouchers are really where they are supposed to be and he didn't accidentally move them when he last checked.
By the time we leave for the airport, time's always running short, which makes traveling with us sheer drudgery for my overly punctual