Make Packing Easy with this Free Printable Travel Packing List

Inside: This free printable vacation packing list includes both a filled-out checklist and a blank customizable version to help you start any trip more organized, under control, and relaxed because you’re less likely to forget anything!

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You would think that going to the Walmart in every town I visit was on my vacation bucket list.

Because it never fails someone in my family forgets something and we end up there. (I can attest they are all very similar.)

My solution?

I’m a list nerd, so of course my answer was to create a packing list to avoid some of those emergency shopping trips.

And I’m all too happy to share it so you can skip some of the beginning-of-vacation store runs. (Unless you are into visiting all of the Walmarts—no judgment.)

What Should Be On a Travel Packing List?

The printed list below is what my packing list currently looks like. The one underneath is a blank template with ready-to-fill categories:

If you’re wondering what to pack for a trip, the essentials usually fall into six categories: clothing, toiletries, travel documents, electronics, personal items, and activity-specific gear. Using categories makes it much easier to pack efficiently and avoid forgetting important items.

I’ve broken both packing lists down into sections for what to bring:

• Clothing items like casual outfits, pajamas, socks
• Toiletry items like toothbrush, flat iron, medicines
• Essential items for tech/travel – like cell phone and watch chargers, voltage converters, headphones
• Personal items—like wallet, glasses, passport, snacks
• Beach/pool items—like beach towels, beach bag, bathing suit, sunscreen
• Miscellaneous items—like tickets, gifts, umbrella

This type of packing checklist works well for everything from weekend trips and family vacations to cruises, business travel, and longer international trips.

The miscellaneous section is a great way for me to customize the list I already have printed. Specific items change depending on the time of year, the dress code, and activities. Do I need a coat and gloves? Or my Minnie Mouse fanny pack to rock on a Disney World vacation?

And at the very bottom, I’ve included a “checklist for leaving home” area. It helps with my peace of mind to make sure I’ve taken care of everything before I go away, like stopping the mail and turning up the thermostat. 

Two Packing List Printables For You to Choose From.

One of the printables is this current detailed list of suggestions of things I might need. Feel free to use it as is, or as a starting point for ideas of what you want to include in your own customized version.

I also included a second blank packing list because your list of what you usually pack could be much different than mine. This customizable packing list template gives you space to create your own personalized travel checklist. You can print it and fill it in by hand, or customize it digitally using a PDF editing program before printing. I personally use PDF Escape when I want to do something like this.

You could even print and make one for each family member that you have to pack for (they may be the most likely to forget something).

How to Customize Your Packing List for Different Types of Travel.

My packing list changes over time and by trip and I occasionally update it and print a fresh one. But it’s a good idea to keep it in a sheet protector like this:

This allows me to use it over and over for different kinds of trips. I can make notes on it, cross things out, and check things off with a fine tip dry erase marker. When I’m done I just wipe it clean for the next time!

You can find both versions of this free printable travel checklist in the subscribers-only library down in the footer menu. (The password is at the bottom of every email you get from me.)

If you’re not already a member of the SH&H family, I’d love to have you join us! You’ll not only get email updates, but you’ll have exclusive access to all the bonus materials only for my subscribers, like these packing list printables:

Don’t forget to sign up for updates to keep in touch.

Some of My Favorite Travel Gear and Best Tips.

Some of my other favorite travel tips besides making a packing list are:

• Use compression packing cubes. They keep everything more organized and your clothes won’t take up as much room.
• Pack an empty plastic kitchen garbage bag for dirty laundry. It makes it so easy to toss dirty clothes in the hamper when you unpack at home.
• Pack your toiletry bag as you’re getting dressed. I always pack my toiletries as I use them for the last time before I leave, and then the last thing I do is go over the packing checklist. It’s saved me many times from forgetting a personal item or two.
• Invest in the following items to keep in your travel bag, so you never forget them:
  • Cell phone charger
  • Watch charger
  • Multi-outlet charging block
  • Phone portable charger battery pack
  • Headphones or AirPods
  • Travel size versions of your toiletries

I hope this packing list helps you stress less about packing for your next trip. I know it makes it easier for me to get this not-so-fun but necessary part of a vacation done and feel like everything is taken care of so I can enjoy my trip!

Tell the Walmart greeter in your town I said hello. Hopefully now I won’t be visiting them.

Happy packing,

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