The Ultimate Packing List

Use this packing list to make sure you remember everything when you go away on a trip or on holiday.

This is my “away list”: the master list that I use whenever I go away from home.

For any single trip, I use it like this:

  1. Take a copy of the list and remove all the things I don’t need for that trip
  2. Then I tick things off as I get them ready to pack
  3. Whenever I think of something that isn’t on this list, I add it to the list I’m using
  4. I copy any new items to the master list

Why not make one of your own? The advantages are:

  1. It saves time.
  2. You never forget anything when you go away… not twice, anyway.

Preparation

Purpose

You know why you’re going, right?

Paperwork

Make sure you have all the essential paperwork ready well in advance:

  • Passport
  • Visas
  • Tickets

Itinerary

Have a good idea of your itinerary, both in outline and for the first stages of your journey:

  • Length of stay
  • Where you have to be and when
  • Who you are meeting

Shopping

Is there anything you need for this trip that you need to purchase before hand?

Car

If you’re using it, get your car ready.

General Packing

Personal Care

  • Day bag
  • Handkerchiefs
  • Glasses
  • Contact lenses + solutions
  • Medication
  • Bible

Communications

  • Mobile phone
  • Mobile phone charger

Paperwork

  • Tickets
  • Timetable
  • Maps
  • Notebook
  • Pen

Misc

  • Multi-tool
  • Cash

Overnight Stays

Clothes

  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Trousers
  • Shorts
  • Shirts
  • T-Shirts
  • Shoes
  • Jumpers
  • Shoes
  • Jacket

Wash Kit

  • Wash bag
  • Shaver
  • Flannel
  • Towel
  • Tooth brush
  • Tooth paste
  • Shower gel
  • Deodorant
  • Loo roll
  • Nail scissors / clippers

Night Things

  • PJs
  • Dressing gown
  • Cuddly toy
  • Alarm Clock
  • Torch

Activities

Shopping

  • Cash
  • Bags

Entertainment

  • Headphones
  • Books
  • Indoor games
  • Outdoor games

Study

  • Books
  • Paper
  • Stationary
  • Laptop + power
  • USB stick

Swimming

  • Bathers
  • Goggles
  • Towel

Picnic

  • Blanket
  • Food hamper

Special Places

Beach

  • Ball
  • Bucket and spade
  • Sandals
  • Wind break

Weather

Wet Weather

  • Waterproofs
  • Boots

Hot Weather

Cold Weather

  • Jumpers
  • Hat
  • Scarf
  • Gloves

Special Events

Smart Event

  • Suit
  • Tie
  • Cuff-links
  • Watch
  • Tie Pin
  • Smart socks
  • Shoes

Interview

  • CV
  • Portfolio
  • Details of company
  • Details of post

Celebration

  • Card
  • Present
  • Invitation

Camping

Travel Abroad

  • Passport
  • Travel adaptors
  • Phrase book
  • Currency

Jobs to Do Before You Leave

  • Switch off alarm clock

 Other People’s Lists

Acknowledgements