Planning What to Pack on Your Next Weekend trip

Going on a weekend trip? Summer’s right around the corner meaning a lot of 3-day excursions and adventures. If you want to learn about the best ways to pack for your trip, then you’re in the right place.

Start with the Essentials and Pack the Basics First

Bring the Absolute Necessities

First things first, you’ll want to put away a list of your most essential items – things you can live without. This includes daily medication, toiletries, electronics, chargers, favorite gadgets.

Dressing Up and Dressing Down

If you’re on a business trip, packing a mix of formal and casual clothes is a great idea. During the trip, there’s going to be at least one formal event for everyone to join. You’ll also want to pack a healthy amount of casual clothes for hanging out at the hotel and going on little trips.

Don’t forget the bathing suit! You never know when there will be a spontaneous trip to the hotel pool, beach or lake.

Everything Else You May Need

Toiletries Bag

Your toiletries bags should include all the basics:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Small shampoo
• Small conditioner
• Sunscreen
• Band-aids
• Q-tips
• Deodorant
• Mouthwash
• Nail clippers
• Vitamins
• Other important creams and lotions.

Underwear

The general rule of thumb for short trips is the less the better but with underwear, you always want to come prepared. We recommend packing one for each day and then an extra if you have room.

Socks

Socks follow the same rules as underwear. If you have space, it’s best to bring an extra pair but regardless bring a pair for each day.

Pants

Picking the right pants for the trip depends on what kind of climate you’re traveling to. If you’re going somewhere cold like New England during the winter, it’s best to bring two pairs of long pants and two pairs of long johns.

If it’s a warmer climate, we recommend one pair of pants and two pairs of shorts.

Shirts

One shirt a day is our recommendation, but if you have space then bringing an extra is helpful.

Tops

If you’re in a region that gets cold, it’s best to pick one sweater and one big jacket.

Even if the place where you’re going isn’t cold, it’s smart to bring one jacket in case your travel buddy loves the room cold or it gets cold at night.

Footwear

For the basics, you’ll want at least a pair of sneakers and a pair of dress shoes. You’ll want to do research on where you are going so that you can plan everything out properly.

Best Practices for Packing a Carry On

Laptop and Laptop Charger

You’ll want to bring your phone charger and phone as well. Having your chargers in your carry on ensures you won’t lose them in your checked bag. You don’t want to start off your trip with your battery dead.

With large electronics and laptops, you’ll have to take them out of your carry when going through security on a flight. It’s never fun having all of your items checked but keep that in mind.

Camera and Camera Charger

If you’re carrying fragile camera equipment, we also recommend storing them in your carry on. We also recommend packing an extra memory, just in case.

Cards and Cash

Don’t leave your money and credit cards in your check bags! Again if the airline loses your items you’ll be stuck with no money on your trip.

Passport

Passports are a universal form of ID. Having your passport with you is always helpful when traveling. Airlines can use your passport to check you into your flight and identify you if you don’t have other forms of ID.

The Most Important Part of Packing: What to Leave Behind

Sorry, bringing your dog isn’t the best idea. Unless you have a real reason – going on a doggie trip or have a disability – bringing your dog on a 3-day trip could be a hassle. We recommend hiring a dog sitter while you’re away.

Don’t Bring Bulky Books

Books are heavy and clunky. You should limit yourself to bringing only one but remember you can also get books on your Kindle or phone. Also, sometime airlines will charge you extra for check bags if they weigh a certain amount. Save the money and bag space and get your favorite book on your device.

Don’t Bring Heavy Items that You Can Easily Get There

Unless you’re traveling somewhere completely remote, you can buy most daily goods at a store nearby – towels, hairdryer, beach items. The owner of the hotel or Airbnb where you’re staying will be able to recommend places nearby that sell them.

Learn How We Can Help with Your Next Trip

Planning a trip soon and don’t have time for laundry? No worries, you focus on planning and we’ll focus on cleaning your clothes.

We offer laundry pick up and delivery services meaning all you have to do is schedule a pickup and we’ll come to your house and take it from there. Learn more here!