How to Pack for a Trip

Not that I have taken that many trips with my 21-month-old son, but I keep thinking it's going to get easier every time I pull out his bag.  As I desperately gather socks, onesies and pajamas to do one last load of laundry, my mind bounces from food needs, bedtime rituals, to car ride entertainment.  I frantically start a list and by departure time I am still running around, grabbing pacifiers, and wondering how I am not more prepared.  Having said this, I have saved my recent "Must Pack" list and plan to create a trip check list to hopefully avoid this anxiety and panic next time.