Most Commonly Forgotten Things to Pack for a Trip
Raise your hand if you’ve ever arrived to a vacation destination, went to unpack your things and then realized first thing that you forgot something that you really needed? Is it just me? Even when I’m intentionally planning a list of things to pack for my trip using my bullet journal packing list, I still manage to slip up every now and then. Believe it or not, we all have something in common when it comes to forgetting to pack items. This list of most commonly forgotten things to pack will help you to see that you’re not alone when it comes to leaving an item or two back home.
Even if you put a lot of energy into making sure that you remember to pack your very important things, you may overlook an essential item. Even frequent travelers will admit this mistake. Whether you forget to pack shoes or your credit card, find peace of mind in knowing that forgetting to pack important items is a common mistake.
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How to pack so that you don’t forget something
Before we jump into the most commonly forgotten things to pack list, let’s spend a little bit of time talking about how to minimize the chances of you forgetting something when you pack. Although no one is perfect, there are some strategies that you can use to decrease your chances of forgetting something.
Pack in advance
If you know that you have a trip coming up, start packing in advance. If you start packing a day or two before your vacation, you have more time to make sure that you pack everything that you need.
Write a list of items that you want to pack
Making a list of items that you want to pack in your suitcase is a great way to make sure that you grab everything that you’ll need while you’re away. You can write a simple list using a notebook or you can make a digital list using your phone. You can also check out my ideas for using a bullet journal packing list to organize the items that you want to pack into categories.
Check items off the list as you pack them
As you gather your items and place them in your suitcase, go ahead and check them off the list. Be sure not to mark the items off the list until you put them in the bag so that you don’t inadvertently miss an item or two. Don’t rely on yourself to be able to remember what you’ve placed in the bag. You may get distracted while you are packing and overlook putting an item or two in the bag.
Do a final check of your list and suitcase
Before you zip up that suitcase and put away your packing list, do a final check to be sure that you have all of your intended items. It’s not always easy to run out and grab forgotten items
Engage your other family members
If you are traveling with other family members, put some of the onus on them to help you remember items. Even if you have tweens and teens, you can give them a specific role in helping to make sure that you pack certain items, especially those that are shared by the entire family (i.e. snacks, drinks, etc.)
Most commonly forgotten items to pack
Even the most careful and organized travelers forget an item or two every now and then. There are some common things people forget to pack over and over again. Here is a list of those top items. Make a note of these items so that you don’t forget to pack these things when you’re headed out on your next adventure.
Phone chargers
I can’t count the number of times that I have forgotten to pack my phone charger! This is especially interesting since I have multiple chargers due to forgetting to pack it all the time! If you’re like me, consider purchasing an extra charger to leave packed away in your most frequently used suitcase or bag so that you’ll have it the next time you’re away on vacation.
Hand sanitizers
Hand sanitizers come in very handy these days. You can get hand sanitizers in multiple varieties such as wipes, sprays, and lotions, making it easy to find the kind that will fit in your day bag the easiest. You will want to make sure that you have hand sanitizer handy to keep your hands as germ-free as possible, especially if you are traveling by airplane.
First aid kit
There’s nothing worse than getting a minor scrape or cut while you’re on vacation but not having the items you need for proper care. It’s a good idea to include a first aid kit on your packing list so that you’ll have the right items on hand.
Credit card
Some people reserve credit card use for emergencies or when they are on vacation. If you’re not someone who uses your credit card regularly, you may or may not keep it in your wallet or purse. If you fit that description, you’ll want to make your list and check it twice to make sure you don’t leave your credit card behind while you’re on vacation.
Reusable water bottle
A reusable water bottle is one of those things that you don’t think you need…until you need it. Toss a reusable water bottle or two into one of your bags so that you can grab it if needed.
Bottle opener
If you’re staying somewhere with a full-size kitchen, there may or may not be a bottle opener there. If you’re likely to have a beverage or sauce that will come in a glass bottle, it would be such a bummer not to have a bottle opener handy.
Plastic bags
Plastic bags come in handy when you’re traveling. They can be used to collect garbage in the car if you’re on a road trip and they can also be used for transporting loose items as you’re checking in and out of your vacation rental. Grab some extra plastic bags to pack in your suitcase.
Driver’s license
Oftentimes, women have certain bags that they use for everyday purposes and ones that are reserved for travel. When transferring items from your everyday bag to your travel bag, make sure to include essential items like your driver’s license.
Toiletry bag
Toiletry bags are another commonly forgotten thing to pack. Because the toiletry bag is a small bag that goes inside of your suitcase, it’s easy to set it aside with the intention of putting it in last or grabbing it on the way out of the door. I know that I’ve arrived at my destination multiple times only to have to find the local grocery store to pick up personal hygiene items that I left behind at home.
Prescription medication
It is very important to pack your prescription medication if you are someone who is required to take medication regularly.
Extra memory card
If you are using a traditional camera to capture moments while you’re on vacation, make sure to pack extra memory cards.
Battery pack
Another item that you’ll want to be sure to pack if you’re using a traditional camera is a battery pack. Check your camera bag twice to make sure you have that extra battery pack with you. You’ll want to make sure that you’re ready to capture all the fun memories that you’ll make while you’re away on vacation.
Lip balm
Chapped lips are uncomfortable. Make sure to pack your lip balm so that you can keep your lips moisturized.
Makeup remover
If you’ll be wearing makeup on your vacay, don’t forget to grab your makeup remover so that you can continue your skincare routine while you’re away.
Rain gear
We all know that weather forecasts are just that–forecasts. Pack a poncho, umbrella, or rain jacket so that you don’t have to run to the store if the rain clouds decide to show up for your vacation.
Fragile items
Sometimes when you are traveling, you have some fragile items that you plan to take with you. Because these fragile items don’t usually go in the suitcase, it’s very easy for you to set those items aside with the intention of grabbing them when you leave, but then dart out the door without them when it’s time to go. One tip is to set a reminder in your phone to help you remember to grab those items so that you don’t forget them at the last minute.
Other commonly forgotten items:
Important documents (i.e. reservations, itineraries, tickets, and other travel documents)
Eyeglasses, contacts, and contact solution
Professional clothes or formal clothes (if you’re traveling for a business trip, wedding, or other events)
What if you forget to pack something?
Although it’s very frustrating, it’s a big deal if you do forget to pack something. This is especially true with smaller items. Most hotels have a stash of personal hygiene items and other commonly forgotten items. Depending on the item, you may be able to replace what you forgot easily.
If the hotel does not have the item that you need at the front desk, they should be knowledgeable enough about the area to direct you to where you can purchase the item(s) that you forgot to pack. Furthermore, they can direct you to other resources if you happen to forget something a little more significant than just a toothbrush or razor.
Conclusion
Don’t always rely on extra items being available in your hotel room. And don’t inconvenience yourself by taking time away from your travel fun to make a store run to purchase forgotten items. The best way to make sure that you pack all of the items that you need on your trip is to make a travel packing list, check items off the list as you pack, and start packing as early as possible so that you have time to think of any last-minute items that you think of as you’re packing.
The more organized you are as you plan and pack for travel, the less likely that you’ll have to deal with forgotten items when you arrive to your destination. For your next trip, be intentional about taking some extra steps to reduce the chances of you leaving something important behind. Spend less time stressing over forgotten items and more time having a good time while you’re away on your trip.
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