Creating a Perfect Long Weekend Packing List

Creating a Weekend Packing List

Whether you’re going somewhere for a night or two or taking advantage of a long holiday weekend, packing shouldn’t take more time than your getaway. Before you dive in to filling your suitcase, start with a few questions:

• Traveling alone or with others?
• What will the weather be like?
• Where will you be staying?
• What will you be doing?

Before you create your packing list, think about what will be available to you at your destination, the weather, and your plans for the trip. These factors will influence what you need and what you should bring along.

What to Pack for a Weekend Trip

Because you’ll only be gone for a few days, you don’t need to bring a ton of stuff. Your weekend packing list should include:

• A small bag. Skip the rolling luggage for this trip; try a weekender-style duffle bag. If you’re more of a minimalist, you might only need a backpack.
• Multipurpose clothes. Think about packing clothes that can be used to create multiple outfits. Look for pieces that can be dressed up or down and are weather appropriate. For a weekend trip, consider one or two bottoms, two to three tops, and a jacket.

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• Versatile shoes. When you’re packing a bag, shoes can take up a lot of valuable real estate. Only pack shoes you know you’ll need. If those shoes require socks, pack at least one pair per day.
• Underwear and pajamas. You’ll need at least one pair of underthings per day that you’re gone and something to sleep in.
• Outerwear and accessories. If you’re going somewhere chilly, pack necessary cold weather gear. Otherwise, make sure you’ve got your belt and hat if you always wear them. If you feel naked without your watch, make sure it gets packed.
• Travel toiletries. Some necessities include deodorant, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. You might want to consider feminine products, a razor and shaving cream, shampoo, conditioner, and body and face washes, especially if you have personal preferences and would rather not use what’s provided by a hotel. However, if your lodgings provide a range of toiletries, you can make decisions about what to pack based on what you know is available. Lots of hotels have hairdryers in bathrooms now, which is one less thing you’ll need to bring.
• Medications and prescriptions. If you take any medications on a daily basis, don’t jeopardize your health by leaving these drugs at home.
• Eyewear. This extends to contacts (with a case and solution), eyeglasses, and sunglasses.
• Phone and charger. People use their smart devices for photos, navigation, making reservations, plane tickets, and storing all sorts of useful information. Make sure you bring a charger, too.

Depending on your destination or the time of year, you might also opt to pack some additions.

• Umbrella or poncho. A weekend in a rainy climate might necessitate these, though you can also purchase these things when you arrive at your destination.
• Additional shoes. Depending on your plans, you may need shoes for various activities. If you’re heading to a wedding, you may need some dressier shoes. An afternoon hike might require sturdier footwear and extra socks.
• Itinerary-specific items. Pack swimwear for beach-centric getaways. Bug spray might be required for outdoorsy trips. Consider your plans and if you’ll need anything specific to accomplish them.

It’s also important to remember that in most cases, you can purchase whatever you need when you arrive at your destination, unless you’re truly roughing it and your destination is miles from civilization.

How to Make a Basic Weekend Packing List

Because you’re only getting out of town for a few days, you won’t need as much as you would for a month-long road trip. Before you even start to make your list, think about when you’re going, where you’re headed, and what you plan to do while you’re there. Let those three questions dictate what you’re packing. If you’re headed out of town for a wedding weekend, you might need multiple fancy outfits. If your destination is your parents’ house for a casual family barbeque, you can likely ask if you can use the toiletries they have at their house and avoid packing your own.

Microsoft has a few great tools that vacationers can use to create packing lists. The first is a packing list template which works with Microsoft Word and helps travelers create checklists so they don’t forget anything while they’re packing. Another option is the Lists app in Microsoft 365, where users can create a list to organize information and make sure their weekend packing list is as robust or minimalist as they’d like it to be.

For those who like to plan their packing lists in advance, keeping track of your ideas in Microsoft OneNote can be a smart move. You can organize your packing ideas into different tabs and highlight important information, so you don’t forget anything important at home.

A weekend getaway can be a great opportunity to relax and unwind. By making a packing list, you can be relaxed before you even leave your house.