This is the master packing list we use when we go on trips. Feel free to save it to your computer and modify it to suit your needs. Then for each trip just print it out, figure out how much of each item you need, and you’re good to go!

Clothes:

Underwear
Pants/Shorts
Shirts
Socks
Pajamas
Sweaters and sweatshirts
Jackets- warm jackets and rain jackets
Dressy clothes
Swimsuits- even if you don’t think you’ll be swimming, they take up next to no space
Shoes for different occasions- hiking, dining out, beachcombing etc.
Hats (for sun or cold)
Cold weather gear- gloves, mittens, scarves, boots, etc.

Toiletries:

Shampoo & conditioner for adults and kids
Bath soap or shower gel
Moisturizing lotion
Deodorant
Nail clippers or a nail file
Sunscreen, plus a sunstick to use on faces
Bugspray
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, special kids’ toothpaste, dental floss
Safety razors
Hairbrush/comb/hair clips and elastics
Diapers & wipes- bring more than you think you’ll need
Training pants
Swim diapers
Earplugs (if you’re a light sleeper or have a teenager that wants to sleep in)
Hand sanitizer- for when there’s no soap available
Washcloths
Whatever personal items anyone needs- contact lens care, makeup, special creams etc.
Tissues

Stuff for Kids:

Backpack or other carrier for baby
Bed gates- look for collapsible versions, which take up less space
Music players, headphones and/or mini-speakers, extra batteries
Small toys and books
Kid-sized utensils and sippy cups
Games- in case of a rainy day
Small fan to help block out strange noises at night
Stroller

Other:
Flashlights or booklights- for reading in hotels when younger kids are asleep
Ziploc bags and trash bags- for a multitude of uses
Umbrella
Cell phones
Food you can’t be without- favorite snacks, tea or coffee, small salt & pepper shakers etc.
Can opener/corkscrew
A portable knife
Small cooler and ice pack- for lunch on the go
Plastic utensils for take-out meals
Paper plates, cups, & napkins
Dish soap & towels-good for washing dishes or rinsing out sippy cups
Postcard stamps
Small box of laundry detergent (or just scoop some into a re-sealable bag)
Nightlight
A picture of your children- in case of emergency
Pillows- if you’ve got the space, kids may sleep better with their own
An extra roll of paper towels and toilet paper- you never know when you’ll need them.
Your wallet- double check that you have photo ID’s, medical cards, and enough cash
Guidebooks to your destination, plus a list of things you want to do
Tickets and confirmations for anything you’ve reserved
Small pad of paper & a pen

Destination Specific Items:

Think about where you’re going & what you’ll be doing. You may need snorkel equipment, towels, beach toys, and a beach umbrella for the beach, sheets and towels if you’re renting a house, camping equipment, sports equipment for active vacations, etc.