Weekend Packing List for Short Trips
We’re all familiar with the super long packing lists that are 2 pages long when you print them out. Sure, there’s a time and place for these super extensive packing lists but what about when you’re just going somewhere for the weekend? Do you really need a suitcase worth of stuff for two or three nights?
I’ve created a weekend packing list for those quick trips where you either don’t want to stuff your car full of crap you don’t need or you don’t want to check a bag on your flight for fear of losing it and not getting it back before your trip is over.
The key to packing light is planning what you are going to wear each day of your trip. Theoretically, your trip will only be two or three days so it shouldn’t be hard to pre-plan your outfits. You should make it your goal not to pack anything “extra” like that other pair of shoes or those workout clothes you know you aren’t going to use. I typically lay out my clothes for each day on my bed so I can visually see what I have and what I’m missing.
Let’s get started –
Table of Contents
Pants
For most weekend getaways, one pair of dark jeans is all you need. During the day, pair your dark jeans with a shirt or sweater with flip flops or boots (depending on season) and for the evening pair with a dressier shirt and heels. For men, pair your dark jeans with a sweater during the day and a collared tucked in shirt for the evening. Men can also pair their dark jeans with a nice blazer on top. If you plan on hiking, one pair of hiking pants will do and bring a pair of leggings to wear underneath just in case it gets cold.
Shirts
Depending on the season, wear something you will be comfortable in on your departure day for your car ride or plane trip and plan for it to be something you could wear out to dinner that night. For day 2, plan a comfortable sweater or shirt during the day and a dressier shirt for the evening. On departure day, try to be as comfortable as possible in a shirt or sweater.
Dressy Clothes
If you are attending a wedding or planning to go out for a fancy dinner one night, you need to pack one dress or a suit for men. I said one dress, ladies! I’ve been guilty of it myself, packing two or three dresses because I can’t decide what I am going to wear. But do you know how much room that takes up? A lot! So narrow it down to one dress or one suit for men.
Shoes
Try to wear your heaviest/largest pair of shoes in the car or on the plane, this will save a ton of room in your luggage – usually this ends up being boots for women and sneakers for men. Try to bring shoes that you can wear with most outfits on your trip. If you have to throw in a pair of heels or dress shoes, that’s fine too, or even flip flops for the pool in the summer. But don’t go overboard on the shoes!
Undergarments and Pajamas
I know the point of this post is minimization but if you’re going to be doing a lot of walking or hiking, plan to bring two pairs of undergarments for each day. Also remember to bring special hiking socks that wick away moisture. Also, one pair of pajamas will do, you will only be in them for two nights.
Accessories
Plan out the accessories you want to wear with each outfit and only bring those accessories. Ideally, bring accessories that you can wear in different ways with multiple outfits. For ladies, pick a purse that you can dress up or dress down.
Toiletries
Call ahead to the hotel you will be staying at and ask what types of toiletries they have in the rooms. I always use the shampoo, conditioner and body wash that is provided, this not only helps minimize but also helps with that quart size bed if you’re flying! I also use an old contact lens case for face moisturizer and eye cream. Anything else I need, like travel size deodorant, contact lens solution, shave cream, toothpaste, etc. I can always find in the travel section of Target.
Extras
I usually bring my iPad instead of a book since it takes up a lot less room. If you’re flying, make sure to bring those earbuds and if it’s a longer flight, your neck pillow as well. Last but not least, don’t forget that phone charger!
Here’s the full list:
- 1 pair of dark jeans
- 1 pair hiking pants (if hiking)
- 1 pair leggings for colder weather only
- 1 pair of shoes you can wear with everything (boots, sneakers, sandals)
- 1 dressy pair of shoes if necessary
- 2 shirts or sweaters
- 1 dress or dressy top
- 2-3 pairs of underwear
- 2-3 pairs of socks
- 1 pair pajamas
- Accessories as needed
- Toiletry bag
- iPad
- Earbuds (and neck pillow if necessary)
- Phone Charger
Check out some of my past weekend trips:
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