Give yourself enough time to get all the information you need for the equipment list.  The kit you are taking may be coming from a range of suppliers, e.g. camera hire company, lighting and grip company, freelancers, and climbing or underwater suppliers if you’re doing specialist filming.  Give them time to get everything to you – you can’t afford to get this wrong and mistype or miss out a serial number. But having said that, carnets can be raised in a hurry if you’re suddenly faced with a shoot that must go filming abroad tomorrow.