If you’ve ever found yourself frantically rummaging through your suitcase, desperately trying to locate your toothbrush or that elusive pair of socks, this blog post is for you. Today, we’re diving into the world of packing lists and why they are your secret weapon for stress-free travel and offering you a complete packing and organization toolkit…for free!

Why Packing Lists Matter

The Zen of Preparation

Picture this: you’re standing in the middle of a bustling airport, and suddenly it hits you—did you pack your passport? Your charger? Medication? Avoid pre-trip panic attacks by embracing the zen of preparation. Packing lists are the unsung heroes of travel, ensuring you never leave the essentials behind. 

The Ultimate Antidote to Forgetfulness

Let’s be honest; we’ve all had those “Oh no, I forgot my [insert item here]!” moments. A comprehensive packing list is your fail-safe against forgetfulness, covering everything from the mundane to the must-haves. Utilize the blank version if you want to write in your own categories or use the example provided – but make sure to review the complete packing guide to ensure everything needed gets included.

How do I use a complete packing list?

Creating a complete packing list is an art. While our guides have nearly everything included, take some time to think about where you’re going and what the activities are. Start by envisioning your daily routine and cross-reference with destination-specific needs, ensuring you’re ready for any adventure. We love to have categories for the following: clothing/shoes, electronics, and essentials or necessities. For clothing, this includes everything from outerwear to underwear. Electronics should include everything from your laptop to your chargers, headphones, and even electronic-related items such as SD cards. Essentials are the items that would be extremely hard or impossible to replace at your destination. Think of your wallet, passport, phone, medication, glasses, contacts, etc. These items are extremely hard to replace and would be detrimental to leave them behind.

How do I stay organized while packing?

Organization is key! Group similar items together (toiletries, electronics, clothing) and invest in travel organizers or packing cubes. If you want to use cubes, this pack is great, neutral, and comes in a variety of sizes. We love to reuse gallon zip top bags as they aid in saving space by compressing any air from the bags, leaving more room in the bag. These also help if something should spill as your items won’t get wet. Labelling each bag with the activity (date night/yoga/beach) or day of the trip will also save you time when grabbing clothes from your luggage. Your suitcase will transform into a neatly compartmentalized haven and make finding outfits much easier!

What’s the secret to avoiding overpacking?

The eternal struggle! Well, the easiest answer is using our complete packing guide and organizational toolkit – duh! The next secret lies in versatility—pack items that can mix and match. Stick to the essentials, and resist the temptation to throw in that “just in case” outfit. We also recommend trying everything on and putting outfits together prior to packing. This way you know everything fits, is comfortable, and you’re forced to think about the activities and scenarios of the trip to keep you from feeling like more clothes are necessary. Also keep in mind how much room in your bags you might need for souvenirs. Would you rather have a suitcase filled with clothes you didn’t wear, or keepsakes to bring back home?

Up Your Game with this Packing Printable

Say goodbye to the days of scribbling haphazard lists on the back of receipts, pre-trip anxiety, and post-trip chaos. Our free printables are your golden ticket to an organized and stress-free travel experience. Download our printables and witness the magic of customization. Tailor your packing list to your unique needs, whether you’re a digital nomad or a beach bum. The power is in your hands!

Click Here: MBK Packing Printables

Do you love printables that make life easier? Check out our other checklists to help keep you sane & stress-free:

Click on the photos below to grab more printables!

The cleaning checklist is the perfect solution to saving time. Not only will you break up tasks around the house into smaller segments that are easier to tackle, but your weekends will no longer be filled with a 10 hour cleaning marathon. Someone stopping by last minute? Rest assured your home will be tidy and clean.

How many times have you gone to the store and grabbed another duplicate of the wrong thing? Grab these inventory sheets to make managing your kitchen and pantry a breeze! Two options available (Kitchen Shit or Kitchen Stuff) – to fit whatever vibe you’re going with. 

To watch our mini vlog with packing, click here! 

Happy Organizing from team MBK!