How to Make a Packing List

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Last Updated: April 26, 2024 Approved

Road trips, vacations, and even sleepovers are lots of fun to go on, but to make the most out of your trip you have to pack the right items. Sometimes, packing can be a bore or confusing, if you have no idea what to bring. The best way to organize your thoughts and remove the drama from packing is to make yourself a packing list. Follow the easy steps in this guide to make a packing list and be one step closer to your trip!

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Make sure it's clear where you are going, how long you will be gone, what the weather will be like, and how you are getting there. If you don't know someone or more of these things, you may want to put this off for later.
It is best to write on a blank document because you can easily add/edit things, but with pen and paper, you can organize it easily. Write "Packing List" neatly on the front of it. If it is for your whole family, you may want to divide the page into equal sections for each family member.

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If you are making lists, label the top of where each list will be.
If you are going to be gone for 1-7 nights, you may want to consider bringing 1 shirt, 1 pair of pants, 1 pair of underwear, 1 pair of socks, 1 pair of pajamas, and for women, 1 bra, for each night you are staying. If you are washing clothes, you can pack less. If your trip is longer, consider packing 1 outfit and 1 pair of pajamas for every 3-4 days, assuming you will be washing clothes. Remember bathing suits, cover-ups, extra pairs of shoes, scarves, coats, gloves, and other items to keep you comfortable.
If you are going to spend 1-7 nights somewhere, bring your shampoo and body wash, unless it's only one night (sleepover), then consider skipping a shower. Remember to bring toilet paper if you are spending over a week somewhere. For every 2 days, you will be gone, bring one roll of toilet paper, just in case where you are staying doesn't supply it. Don't forget razors, deodorant, hairbrushes, toothbrushes, hair straightener/curling iron, and for women, tampons/pads.
Books, magazines, MP3s, phones, and CDs all qualify as entertainment. For a quick 1 night's stay, you might only want to bring a magazine instead of two or three books, because you won't get around to reading them overnight. Remember, if where you are staying doesn't have a DVD player, don't make DVDs!
Pillows, blankets, and sleeping bags all should be put down. If you are spending 1-7 nights somewhere, don't plan on washing your sheets. Take what you need for your bed (if it is on a bed or the floor) and maybe an extra sheet, just in case. If you are spending a long time somewhere, take two sets of sheets and rotate them every other week.
You'll need something to wash your clothes with for long stays. Check with where you are staying to see if they have cleaners, and if so, what kinds.
For most people, this should be your wallet or purse and a passport, if you're leaving the country. If you are just spending the night, you may want to take no money because you probably will not have to buy anything.
If you have any pills you have to take, write these down. Make sure to take bandages, vitamins, and pain relievers wherever you go, unless it's just a sleepover. Remember things like First-Aid kits, motion sickness remedies, and sleep medications.
MP3 and Cell Phone can go here or in the entertainment section. Remember a cell phone charger, camera, alarm clock (if you need to wake up at a certain time), laptop, and walkies-talkies if you need these items.
Sunscreen is a must for almost anywhere you go. Tents, sleeping bags, flotation items, beach towels, buckets, shovels, and things of such are good for spending time at the beach or camping. Remember insect repellant and flashlights for camping.
Wipes, diapers, baby powder, 'sippy cups', and strollers are good for young kids.
Did you remember everything or did you put on some extra items? Cross off and add on what you need. Remember that if you are traveling far, you can buy some things when you get to your location.

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How early should I start making my list?

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Depending on the length of the trip, you might start as early as a month beforehand, giving yourself plenty of time to review and modify the list as you think things over.

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What if I forget my sleeping bag, and it's my first sleepover?

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You most likely won't forget your sleeping bag, but if you did, your friend's parents could make alternative arrangements for you. They may even have a sleeping bag you can borrow.

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What do I do for snacks if I'm going on a long road trip?

Elana Vanderbilt

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You can map out places with food or gas stations. These places always have food. You can also pack snacks to save money: chips, crackers, candy, trail mix, etc.

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Tips

Make sure you have the right size bag for when it comes time to pack.

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If you have a lot of bathroom items, you may want to put these in a completely separate bag for ease when unpacking.

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Put your list somewhere you will remember it or somewhere the family can see it.

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