How to Pack for a Long Weekend: 5 Tips You’ll Actually Use

1. Keep a Master Packing List (and Update It After Every Trip)

If there’s one travel habit that pays off time and time again, it’s keeping a running packing list that you hone and personalize over time based on your own habits and travel patterns.

Use a dedicated notepad, app, or even a binder to consolidate old, separate lists.

At the top of each list, jot down:

• Your destination
• Number of days/nights
• Average expected weather

Break your list into sections:

• Essentials: Toothbrush, medications, chargers—anything you bring on every trip.
• Groups of similar items: Clothes, toiletries, gear, etc.

Pro Tip That Makes This Work: After your trip, go back and update your list with notes for next time:

• What you didn’t wear
• What you wished you had brought
• Any items you had too many of
• Key pieces you wore multiple times that can replace several different items next time

This creates a customized list you can refine over time—no more last-minute guesswork or trying to remember months later what worked (and didn’t) last time.

2. Think in Days, Then Plan Outfits

A three-day fishing trip and a three-day wedding weekend look very different itinerary-wise—so don’t just pack based on the number of nights.

Here’s how to plan:

• Count your days → This tells you how many socks, underwear, and base layers you’ll need.
• Estimate your number of outfits → Think about meals, events, activities, and the weather.
• Follow the 1.5x rule → Pack 1.5 pairs of socks/underwear per day to account for changes after activities.

Less is more: Resist the urge to overpack. You can always buy what you need at your destination if you’re in a pinch.

3. Prioritize Versatile Clothing

Versatile clothes = fewer items + more outfit options. Focus on pieces that can be mixed and matched or dressed up/down.

• Polo shirts work well for casual lunches or slightly dressier dinners.
• Layers help you adapt to changing weather and create more dynamic looks.
• Colors that play nice: Neutrals are your friend (black, white, grey, navy), but don’t overlook flexible shades like olive, burgundy, and mustard yellow.

Smart strategy: For 1–2 weeks before your trip, set aside the clothes you naturally wear most. These are your MVPs—they’re comfortable, reliable, and perfect for travel.

Bonus Tip: Lay everything out on your bed before you pack. Look for a cohesive “color story” and remove items that clash or feel out of place.

4. Actually Unpack When You Arrive

Yes, seriously. When you get to your hotel, Airbnb, or rental:

• Use the dresser or closet to keep clothes from wrinkling
• Hang or fold outfits so you can see what you’ve got
• Save time when getting ready and repacking later

On your return trip:

• Sort dirty clothes by laundry type as you go (color & material, just as you’d separate them at home)
• Unpack everything as soon as you get home—even if you don’t put it all away immediately
• Don’t forget: Bring a laundry bag to keep dirty and clean clothes separated

5. Bring an Extension Cord (Trust Us)

Of all the packing advice we’ve heard over the years, one unexpected must-pack item always stands out: an extension cord.

Here’s why:

• Hotel rooms often lack enough outlets—or they’re in awkward spots
• You’ll likely need to charge multiple devices at once
• It’s small, light, and incredibly useful

This one small item can save you major headaches, especially if you’re traveling with others or have lots of tech.