Packing List: A Bookmark-Style Guide for Short Trips

There’s comfort in packing with intention. When time is short and space limited, knowing what to bring — and what to leave behind — becomes its own kind of preparation.

This is the system I use for short trips — built around four items: a tote bag, a duffel, a cabin suitcase, and whatever fits in your pocket.

Adjust as needed for the weather, destination, and how much you want to carry.

THE TOTE (GOES INSIDE THE DUFFEL)

For essentials you want close — or that make a difference mid-transit.

Laptop
Diary and pen
Phone charger
Apartment keys in a small case
In-ear headphones + over-ear headphones
Eyeglasses
Sunglasses

Wallet and phone usually stay in-pocket — simple and reachable.

THE DUFFEL

When heading to the airport, the tote drops into the duffel — along with a few additional pieces you may want nearby.

Laptop charger
Camera
Book or e-reader
Hat
Travel kit with:

• Travel-size moisturizer
• Hand cream
• Hand sanitizer
• Mouth freshener
• Comb
• Sunscreen
• Sleep mask
• Ear plugs

Travel adapter or voltage converter (depending on destination)

THE CABIN SUITCASE

Everything else — the bulk of it. What gets unpacked once you arrive.

Clothing
2–3 tops
1–2 bottoms
1 outfit for dinner or something slightly dressier
Pajamas
Undergarments & socks
Comfortable walking shoes (assuming you’re wearing sneakers in transit)
A light jacket or sweater
A few extras — belt, scarf, or hat, depending on the trip

Packing well is a quiet kind of readiness.

There’s something grounding in laying things out, folding with care, choosing only what you need. Enough to feel prepared, never overloaded.

If this list is useful, save it to your phone — quietly waiting, whenever the road calls.