Headed on a 3 day trip and looking for a pre-made checklist to simplify your packing? I’ve got you covered. Here I’m sharing a step-by-step process for a simple approach to packing and giving you a free printable checklist that you can use again and again. If there’s a mom hack that I need, it’s one that makes traveling a bit easier. Hope this helps you! 

Step 1: Get the right mindset 

Before we get into the packing itself, let’s start by getting into the right mindset. Our mantra is: There’s no perfect way to pack. I know the perfectionist personality has a tendency to get analysis paralysis. You overthink your clothing choices, with the false idea that there’s this ONE perfect combination of outfits that will be exactly what you need for the trip- nothing more and nothing less. But you’re not a psychic that can see the future. You don’t know what the weekend will hold. All you can do is a bit of research about your destination and then make the best packing decisions possible.

Part of the fun of traveling is going with the flow and making do with what you’ve got. If you forget something essential (clothes, toiletries, shoes) you can always make a purchase. Remember- thrift stores can be a cool way to explore your destination, while helping you out by supplying something you forgot to bring. 

Step 2: Pack the essentials

Let’s get the essentials out of the way. These are the things that you would really suffer without. Go ahead and collect your: 

• Passports
• Wallet
• Tickets or confirmation emails
• Medications
• Glasses/contacts

Once you’ve got those critical items set aside, you can get into the fun part of packing clothes. 

Step 3: Sketch a rough plan for the trip

Weather/climate

Look at your destination. Jot down the expected temperatures and weather for the days you’ll be there. I give you a place to do this on your printable packing checklist. 

Activities

Next, think through the activities you’ll be doing. Will you be mostly walking around the town? Are you going to be outdoors adventuring? Will you be touring museums or historical sites? Write down any special clothing or shoes that you’ll need.

Step 4: Plan your outfits 

Lay out your planned outfits on your bed. Make sure you have the undergarments you need for those outfits. Pick your shoes. And voila! You’re set.

Basic Adult wardrobe for a 3 day trip

• Basic tee x 2- short or long sleeved
• Denim pants or shorts
• Cozy sweater
• Pajamas
• Athleisure set- joggers and top 
• Dress or skirt- to pair with one of your basic tees 
• Dressy outfit (if needed for evening wear)

Shoes

My favorite multi functional shoes for a 3 day trip would be a cute, comfortable pair of chic white sneakers. People rave about Vejas, but those are a pricier option. I love my Allbirds and Rothys, as well as my white sneakers from ABLE. If it’s hot and you have a comfortable pair of sandals, that would work great too. If you are traveling to a colder destination, wear your heaviest items (boots and jacket) in the car or on the plane so you don’t have to pack them in your suitcase. 

Step 5: Grab your toiletries and other items

Toiletries

• Toothbrush 
• Toothpaste
• Soap/shower gel
• Sunscreen
• Makeup
• Deodorant
• Perfume/cologne
• Hairbrush + product
• Shaving Supplies
• Makeup remover- love this reusable one

Other:

• Technology + chargers
• Book or e-reader

Step 6: Pack it up

I like using packing cubes to separate my clothes. You can separate each day’s outfit in a different bag or you can separate tops, bottoms, underwear, socks, etc.

Sometimes we just need a friend to help us stay on-task, not get overwhelmed with small decisions (this basic tee or that one??) and keep us to our pre-made list. I hope this packing list can be that friend for you! Happy Packing. Tell me where you’re headed in the comments! 

Here’s a PDF packing list- including a page for kid packing. Here’s an editable template on Canva if you want to personalize your checklist. And I am including the full detailed packing list in the text below. 

Packing list- adults

• Basic tee x 2
• Jeans or denim shorts
• Cozy sweater
• Pajamas
• Athleisure set- joggers and top 
• Dress or skirt 
• Dressy outfit if needed
• Underwear for every day of your trip + 1 extra
• Bras
• Socks

Shoes

• Comfy, casual, cute shoes
• Slippers or house shoes (or some thick socks) 
• Dressy pair if needed

Other items to consider

• Small first aid kid
• Jewelry- I love my basic gold earrings from ABLE and a basic gold necklace like this one
• A few of each basic med (Ibuprofen, Pepto bismol, Benadryl) 
• Water bottle

For cold weather trips: 

• Thermal base layer 
• Insulated jacket
• Hat, scarf, gloves, warm socks 
• The right shoes! 
• Travel insulated mug
• Hand warmers

For warm weather trips: 

• Swimsuit
• Travel towel
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Sandals

Toiletries

• Toothbrush 
• Toothpaste
• Soap/shower gel
• Sunscreen
• Makeup
• Deodorant
• Perfume/cologne
• Hairbrush + products
• Shaving Supplies
• Makeup remover- love this reusable one

For kids

• Diapers/ pull-ups/ wipes
• Sound machine
• Monitor
• Medications
• Loveys or blankets
• Water bottle
• Bedtime book (you could Youtube a children’s book in place of this) 
• Pacifiers
• Basic tops x3
• Basic bottoms x3
• Jacket/sweater
• Pajamas x2
• Socks x3
• Underwear x3
• Everyday shoes
• Swimsuit, puddle jumper, water shoes/sandals (if needed)
• Toothbrush + toothpaste
• Brush or comb, hair ties
• No-tear shampoo
• Games or coloring pages