Customizable 1 Week Packing List (in a Carry-on)

Ask and you shall receive. A while back I talked about my packing method in stories on Instagram and mentioned my running packing checklist that I keep in a google doc. I shared my 2 week packing list and it was received so well! Since then I have had some requests for a 1 week packing list.

Here below is a complete 1 week packing list that you can customize for any trip you have coming up.

This post may contain some affiliate links. This means I make a small profit from your purchase but at no increased cost to you. I only recommend products that I love and would purchase myself! Full disclaimer here.

When I go on a one week trip I do not plan to do laundry and I pack everything into a standard carry-on and a backpack. This 1 week carry on packing list will allow you to do the same, which is a great way to save money on baggage fees and still bring everything you need. The list is easily adjustable for a shorter trip. A good rule of thumb I use is that most things I pack should be able to be worn twice and pants can be worn 3-4 times before they are too dirty.

Kids are a little different because they tend to be more messy. For them I always pack an extra 1-2 outfits (especially shirts).

For trips longer than 2 weeks I would advise trying to find a way to do laundry and add in one extra pair of pants and maybe a couple extra shirts. Laundry is going to be your life saver though.

Ultimate Packing Checklist

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customizable 1 week packing list with a free downloadable pdf. You can use this one week packing list for any trip you have coming up, simply adjust for the weather you expect and any activity specific clothing you need. this packing list guide can help you remember everything you need to bring on vacation for an enjoyable time.

The pin version above is condensed though. So for the downloadable and customizable checklist you can print out or use on your phone you will want to enter your email below and it will be sent directly to your inbox!

Clothes

Toiletries

Electronics

Documents

ID
Insurance Card
Passport

Visa
Copies of Passport and Visa
Copy of Children’s Birth Certificate

Wallet
Country’s Currency
Credit Cards

Miscellaneous

Purse/Backpack/Adventure Bag
Microfiber Towel

Carry-on

Book/Activities for Plane
Snacks
Pen

Weather

This 1 week packing list works for any weather because it only specifies a number of items! All you have to do now is choose what shirts or sweaters you are going to bring that match your chosen destination!

When you are packing for a trip in warmer weather it is a lot easier to pack into a smaller bag. But in the winter the bulky coats and sweaters can make it hard. This is where layers can become very helpful like a thick knit cardigan that works with several different outfits rather than packing several bulky sweaters.

So this universal packing list will work whether you’re taking a summer vacation or a winter one. Plus everything in-between.

Try to check the weather about 10 days out from your departure date for an accurate forecast.

I travel by a set of guidelines that help me know when to pack heavy vs. light that will change the way you pack! Be sure to read those next.

Packing Tips

Plan it out and write it down

Plan out your outfit by day with specific activities assigned to each day. Then write it all down. Write out exactly which outfit you will wear including socks, jewelry, shows and even underwear.

Wear your bulkiest clothes

To save space in your baggage, wear your bulkiest, heaviest clothes on the plane. If you are hiking, then wear your hiking boots. Dress in layers and wear your jackets or coats, don’t pack them. Jeans are actually a really heavy item, wear your jeans rather than packing them.

Roll don’t Fold

Rolling your clothes is a great way to save space inside your suitcase and even decrease wrinkles.

Mix and Match Items of Same Color Scheme

Create a mini capsule wardrobe for your vacation by packing items in the same color pallet that can be mixed and matched to create several outfits.

Put it back, don’t add more

Set out everything you plan to take with you, then question everything and take out what you can. Pack it all into your suitcase and don’t add things back in “just because there’s space”. Leave that space for things you may have forgotten or for souvenirs you bring home.

Bring a Dryer Sheet

Pack a dryer sheet or two into your suitcase to help keep everything smelling fresh and clean throughout your entire vacation.

Pack Toiletries and Medications the Right Way

Bag everything that is a liquid. There is nothing worse than opening your suitcase to find that something spilled all over your clothes.

Make sure you follow the 3-1-1 rule when traveling by air. This is that all liquids should be 3.4 oz or less, add up to 1 quart or less and each passenger gets 1 allotment.

Finally I recommend using travel sized toiletry bottles not full size products, even if you are checking a bag. Full size products take up a lot of space, can be very heavy and it is very unlikely that you will use it all on vacation. So save the space and bring only as much as you need by bringing travel sized products or moving products into travel bottles.

The same goes for prescription medications. Organize them into pill boxes to save space and stay organized on vacation.

Luggage

The last thing I want to touch on is luggage for a one week vacation. I recommend packing everything in a carry-on whenever possible. It is easier to travel around with only a carry on rather than multiple large suitcases. A small suitcase with wheels is my preference but you could also pack in a duffle bag or large backpack.

Packing this way saves you money on baggage fees (normally), time because you don’t have to wait at the carousel and it virtually guarantees that you won’t have to deal with lost luggage which can be a huge headache.

Don’t Forget to Snag Your Packing List

1 Week Packing List

I start packing about a week before I leave and yet I always seem to be up late packing the night before! That last minute rush is just asking to forget something. This 1 week packing list is the only one I ever use and it guarantees I won’t forget anything essential for any trips I go on.

When I think I am done packing a quick run through of this list and I catch any last minute additions.

Are there any essentials that you always bring that I don’t have on my list?

Customizable 1 Week Packing List (in a Carry-on)