· By Sarah Chen

Packing List Printable

One-Minute Summary

This printable packing list organizes your trip essentials into five categories — clothing, toiletries, electronics, documents, and misc. Check off each item as you pack. No more forgetting chargers or travel documents. Print on U.S. Letter paper, use for any trip length or type. Variants available for beach vacation, winter trip, and business travel. Works for carry-on or checked bag packing.

Preview of the Packing List printable with categorized checklist

Preview & Download

Download PDF (U.S. Letter) Open in Google Docs (editable)

Print Settings

  • Paper: U.S. Letter (8.5" × 11")
  • Orientation: portrait
  • Scale: 100%
  • Margins: Default (0.5")
  • 💡 Print and check off as you pack. Laminate for reuse with dry-erase marker.

What’s on this packing list

This printable organizes trip essentials into five categories. Each section has checkboxes so you verify nothing gets left behind.

The clothing section covers tops, bottoms, underwear, sleepwear, and outerwear. Toiletries includes toothbrush, toothpaste, meds, skincare — with a note for TSA carry-on rules. Electronics catches phone, charger, adapters, and power bank. Documents ensures ID, boarding passes, and reservations are packed. Misc covers sunglasses, water bottle, snacks, and trip-specific items.

How to use this list — 3 real scenarios

Scenario 1: Beach vacation (7 days)

Swimwear, sunscreen, sandals, cover-ups, light clothing. Use the beach variant — it adds a swimwear and beach gear section. Check off reef-safe sunscreen, beach bag, water shoes. The list prevents showing up without essentials that cost double at resort shops. Print the variant or add those items to misc.

Scenario 2: Business trip (3 days)

Professional attire, tech gear, minimal toiletries. The business variant focuses on wrinkle-resistant clothing, charger backups, and presentation materials. Pack one carry-on. No checked bag, no lost luggage. The list keeps you meeting-ready without overpacking.

Scenario 3: Winter trip (ski or city)

Layers, cold-weather gear, boots. The winter variant adds base layers, insulated jacket, gloves, hat. You avoid overpacking ‘just in case’ sweaters while ensuring you have what you need. Check off each layer — base, mid, outer — and you’re set.

Example fill-out

Clothing: 5 tops, 3 bottoms, 5 underwear, 5 socks, 1 sleep set, 1 jacket.

Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, meds, skincare, sunscreen (TSA size if carry-on).

Electronics: Phone + charger, earbuds, power bank.

Documents: ID, boarding pass, hotel confirmation.

Misc: Sunglasses, water bottle, snacks.

Common mistakes (and how to fix them)

  1. Packing the night before. Start 2–3 days early. Use the list to gather items. Last-minute packing leads to forgotten essentials.

  2. Overpacking. Pack for planned activities. You can buy toothpaste; you can’t buy a forgotten passport. Prioritize documents and meds.

  3. Ignoring TSA rules. Liquids over 3.4 oz get confiscated. Pack toiletries in travel sizes for carry-on.

  4. Forgetting chargers. Dead phone at your destination is stressful. Pack in carry-on. For international: add adapter.

  5. Skipping documents check. Verify ID, boarding pass, reservations before you leave. The checklist catch is worth it.

Customization tips

Use the right variant: Beach, winter, or business — each has trip-specific additions.

Laminate for reuse: Dry-erase marker each trip. Wipe and repack.

Add custom items: Wedding? Add formal wear. Camping? Add gear. Use the misc section.

Printing Tips

  • Print on U.S. Letter (8.5" × 11") in portrait orientation
  • Scale: 100% (do not use "Fit to Page")
  • Margins: Default (0.5")
  • 💡 Print and check off as you pack. Laminate for reuse with dry-erase marker.

Available Variants

We've created specialized versions for specific needs:

Next step in your meal prep workflow:

Packed — now plan your day-by-day itinerary →

Related Templates You Might Need

Most people use 2–3 of these together:

Helpful Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days before a trip should I start packing?

2–3 days for a week-long trip. Gather items early, check off the list, pack the day before. Last-minute packing leads to forgotten essentials. Use the list to stage items in a corner or bag before final pack.

Should I pack for carry-on or checked bag?

Carry-on: TSA-compliant toiletries (3.4 oz or less), essentials in case of lost luggage. Checked: full-size toiletries, more clothing. Our Carry-On Checklist helps if you're going carry-on only.

What if I'm traveling internationally?

Add: passport, visa if required, travel insurance, adapters for electronics. Check document requirements for your destination. Some countries require proof of onward travel or vaccinations.

How do I avoid overpacking?

Pack for planned activities only. Stick to a capsule wardrobe — neutral basics that mix and match. If you're gone 5 days, you don't need 10 shirts. Laundry is an option at most destinations. When in doubt, leave it out.

What about medications?

Pack meds in original bottles if possible, especially for international travel. Keep them in carry-on — never check medications. Add a few extra days' supply in case of delays. List them in the Toiletries section and check twice.

What's the difference between the variants?

Beach: swimwear, sunscreen, beach gear section. Winter: layers, cold-weather gear, insulated items. Business: professional attire focus, tech gear, minimal toiletries. Base list covers all; variants add trip-specific sections.