The Master Packing List

Photo by STIL on Unsplash

Before getting married, I had never had a master packing list. I didn’t know what I was missing until Kris introduced me to one he put together. I updated his to include things to pack for me (then later, baby Kristopher) and it has revolutionized my packing. Preparing for a weekend getaway is now is a very quick process and I rarely forget to pack something important.

It took a while to fine tune this list. When I first created it, I wrote out everything I thought I would need. Then with each trip, if I had forgotten anything, I’d simply add it to the list. Of course, I don’t always need every item for every trip (like swimming clothes for Thanksgiving weekend or a scarf in summertime).

I just added the “to pack the day we leave” section. Before doing that, I would hand write a list of the last minute things to grab, which worked. But now I have everything together and consistent, which I love!

Having a packing list for our trip to Malawi was incredibly helpful. I worked on that for a few weeks before we left, writing down everything I thought we would need (Of course, I overpacked, but then we ended up using most everything since we stayed there 3 times longer than we originally planned).

Below is my packing list. I’ve just organized it to make it pretty for you all and to satisfy my OCD. I love this because it’s totally customizable whether you’re single or have a passel of kids! I hope you find it helpful and inspiring to create your own master packing lists.

Clothes

Kris
Socks
Underwear
PJ shorts
T shirts
Sunday shirt
Jeans/Shorts
Jacket
Swimming clothes
Shoes - slip-on, sandal, flipflops, tennis shoes
Sunglasses
Coat/hat/gloves

Susanna
Underwear
Bras
Socks
PJs
Outfits - plus any accessories (belt/cami/etc.)
Jacket
Leggings
Swimming clothes
Coat/scarf/hat/gloves
Shoes - flipflops, black Converse, tennis shoes
Sunglasses
Jewelry

Baby Kristopher
Sun hat
Onesies
Pants/shorts
PJs
Jacket
Socks
Coat/hat/mittens/snowsuit

Bedding
Air Mattress
Sheets/Pillows/Blankets (K&S and Baby K)
Sleeping bags
Pack N Play

Toiletries
Shampoo and conditioner (in small bottles)
Pads/tampons
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss
Shaving supplies (for both)
Sunscreen (natural, regular)
First Aid supplies (bandaids, salve [in a sealed plastic bag], essential oils, aloe vera)
Towels/Wash rags
Diapers for baby K
Wipes
Diaper cream
Deodorant (both)
Comb/hair things
Q tips

Baby Equipment
Nursing Cover
Hand Breast Pump
Ergo
Fully packed diaper bag
Baby Blankets for baby K
Burp cloths
Nose bulb squeeze thing

Other Equipment
Battery packs and chargers
Lightning cables/power bricks
Apple watch charger
Bags for dirty clothes
Tent
Lawn Chairs

Food
Snacks
Pills (Susi)
Ibuprofen

Entertainment
Journals + pens
Baby toys
Book(s)

Pack the day we leave
Pillows
Toothbrushes
Deodorant
Diaper bag
Chargers
Pills