Travel
The packing list you reuse for every trip
4 min read · Updated
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- We forget the same things because we pack from memory, in a hurry, every time.
- Keep one master packing list sorted by type and use it to check every trip.
- Copy it per trip, cross out and add, and pack the day before the day before.
- After each trip, add what you forgot; the list gets better every time.
Every trip, the same moment. You're at the hotel, unpacking, and you realise: no charger. Or no toothbrush. Or the adapter is still in the drawer at home.
"I pack the night before, from memory."
Memory is the problem. A packing list you make once and reuse fixes it for good.
Why do we keep forgetting the same things?
- We start from zero every time, the night before
- We pack in a hurry, between other things
- We never write down what we forgot, so we forget it again
What is a master packing list?
One list with everything you might need, sorted by type. You don't pack all of it. You use it to check, every trip.
Documents and money: passport or ID, bank card, insurance details, tickets and bookings
Tech: phone charger, power bank, adapter, headphones
Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, medicines, sunscreen
Clothes: per day, plus one extra of everything
Extras: sunglasses, a book, a water bottle, snacks for the way
Everything in sight. On one board.
Tasks, notes, photos and plans as cards on one calm board. No charge today. Cancel anytime.
Start 7 days freeOr see all templates →How do I adapt it for each trip?
Copy the master list, then:
- Cross out what you won't need: no sunscreen in Oslo in November
- Add what this trip needs: hiking shoes, a dress for the wedding, swimming things
- Tick off as you pack
How does the list get better?
After every trip, two questions:
- What did I forget? Add it to the master list.
- What did I not use? Think twice next time.
After three or four trips, your list is perfect for how you travel.
What about packing for the family?
One list per person, or one list with a name next to each line. Kids old enough can tick off their own.
Why on your phone?
Because you pack in the bedroom, buy things in town and check again at the door. The list goes with you.
It also sits next to the rest of the trip: dates, bookings and places. More in plan a trip without 20 browser tabs.
The full trip board
Your packing list routine
Screenshot this:
- One master list, sorted by type
- Copy it for every trip, cross out and add
- Pack the day before the day before
- After the trip: add what you forgot
- Next trip: it's already done
Tonight, write your master list. Next trip, you'll only need ten minutes.
Questions
What should be on a master packing list?
Documents and money, tech like chargers and adapters, toiletries and medicines, clothes per day plus one extra, and small extras like sunglasses and a water bottle.
How do I stop forgetting things when I travel?
Use the same master list every time, tick things off as you pack, and add anything you forgot after each trip.
When should I start packing?
The day before the day before, so there is still time to buy or wash what is missing.
How do I pack for a family?
Keep one list per person, or one list with a name next to each line, and let older kids tick off their own.
How do I improve my packing list?
After every trip, add what you forgot and reconsider what you did not use.
Try it on your own board.
No charge today. Cancel anytime.
Start 7 days free