A quick packing checklist for weekend trips is the only thing standing between me and buying an entire new wardrobe at whatever walmart is closest to the airbnb at midnight. i swear i have a system. it’s just written on a sticky note that’s currently stuck to my dog.
the night before Quick Packing for Weekend Trip
i do 90% of my packing at 11:47 p.m. while stress-eating chips in bed. the bed becomes the suitcase. everything gets crumbs. i don’t care anymore.
my actual quick packing checklist for weekend trips (copy-paste this, save your dignity)
clothes (the bare minimum so i stop crying in gas stations)
- 2 pairs underwear (one extra because i WILL forget)
- 1 bra, 1 sports bra (double duty queen)
- 3 tops (one cute, two “whatever”)
- 2 bottoms (jeans + leggings = life)
- pajamas i can wear in public if needed
- 4 pairs socks (they disappear like socks do)
- jacket that matches nothing but keeps me warm
toiletries (travel-size or suffer)
- toothbrush + toothpaste (i’ve used hotel lobby mints as toothpaste. never again)
- deodorant (priority level: nuclear)
- face wash, moisturizer, spf (my dermatologist is tired)
- hair ties (minimum 17, i’ll lose 16)
- meds + mini first-aid (bandaids, advil, imodium, the holy trinity)
- dry shampoo (wet hair is not a personality)
random but i will die without these
- phone charger + portable battery (non-negotiable)
- airpods (silence is golden)
- sunglasses (hangovers are brighter in nature)
- reusable water bottle (i’m trying to be that girl)
- snacks (chips, gummy bears, emergency peanut butter packet)
- wallet, id, credit card i swear i’ll pay off later
the “depends where we’re going” extras Quick Packing
swimsuit (even if it’s december, hotels have hot tubs)
- flip flops (shower shoes = life)
- hat (bad hair day camouflage)
- book or kindle (for the aesthetic, i’ll just scroll tiktok)
- tiny laundry bag (for the dirty underwear evidence)
pro tips from a chronic over/under-packer Quick Packing
- roll don’t fold (saves space + looks like you tried)
- wear your bulkiest stuff on the plane/car (saves room + free blanket)
- one color scheme = everything matches = less decisions
- always pack one “cute” outfit even if you’ll live in sweatpants
- take a photo of your packed bag (future you will thank you when you forget what you brought)
the stuff i forget every single time (without fail)
- hairbrush (i use my fingers like an animal)
- chapstick (lips crack, i suffer)
- headphones (borrow J’s and fight)
- pajamas (sleep in t-shirt and regret)
look. i’m never going to be that girl with the perfectly curated capsule wardrobe and matching luggage. but this quick packing checklist for weekend trips means i only have to buy emergency underwear like… 40% of the time now. progress.
save this. tattoo it on your body. send it to your group chat with “this is for me specifically.”
now if you’ll excuse me i’m currently packing for a trip that leaves in 6 hours and i haven’t started. send help and extra socks.
