Vacation Packing Checklist


Before you hit the road for your summer vacation, we’ve put together a checklist to help you remember the necessities, including what to take care of before you leave. Vacations are exciting, but overlooking just one thing on your to-do list can turn what should be a fun-filled trip into a dreadful experience. Use this list as a starting point, add things we’ve overlooked, and cross off items that do not apply to you.


ESSENTIALS
  • Wallet, purse, credit cards, cash
  • Cell phones and chargers
  • Car and house keys (duplicate sets kept in different bags)
  • Eyeglasses and/or contact lenses, lens cleaner
  • Medical insurance cards, list of phone numbers
  • Prescriptions and other medications
  • Itineraries, tickets, and reservation confirmations

MUST DO
  • Remove trash from home
  • Tune-up car, check tires, battery, major fluids, brakes etc.
  • Replace expired prescriptions and medication
  • Replace expired sunblock, SPF lotions expire over time
  • Replenish toiletries kit
  • Empty refrigerator
  • Hold incoming mail and newspapers
  • Notify neighbors of your vacation dates
  • Mow your lawn before you leave
  • If you’re leaving your car, leave it parked in the driveway
  • Lock all windows and doors before you leave/turn on alarm
  • Unplug small appliances
  • Turn down or turn off AC/heat
  • Make arrangements plant care

PETS
  • Traveling with: Know good local vet / hospital
  • Traveling with: Crate, loose bedding & treats
  • Leaving home: Make arrangements for pet sitter
  • Leaving home: Extra food and feeding instructions

ELECTRONICS
  • Cell phone, tablets, devices
  • Camera, chargers, batteries, cords, etc.
  • Other small electronics & chargers
  • Headphones
  • Extension cords & power strips

CLOTHING (Check the forecast in advance.)
  • Complete change of clothes for each person per day (think cool, comfortable clothing); though if you are renting a place with laundry facilities, you may be able to get
  • away with less
  • Lightweight sweater or jacket and long pants for cooler evenings
  • Swimsuits (two per person, so you’ll always have a dry one)
  • Beach towels (two per person is ideal)
  • Beach cover-ups
  • Baseball caps or wide-brim hats (to protect from sun)
  • Sandals, flip-flops, water shoes
  • Sunglasses with UV protection for adults
  • Exercise clothes (swimsuit, goggles, running clothes & shoes, gym workout clothes & shoes)
  • Comfortable Footwear
  • Beach bag
  • Family size beach blanket
  • Laundry bag

TOILETRIES
  • Bath soap
  • Toothbrush/paste
  • Mouthwash
  • Cologne/perfume
  • Razor kit, shaving cream
  • Bottle opener
  • Sunscreen, lip balm
  • Cosmetics
  • Cotton balls, cotton swabs
  • Deodorant
  • Kleenex, tissues
  • Contact lenses
  • Nail clippers, tweezers
  • Combs, brushes
  • Medications

FIRST AID KIT
  • Band aids
  • Insect repellent
  • Lotion for insect bites
  • Sunscreen
  • Aloe Vera gel
  • Thermometers
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Aspirin
  • Moist towelettes, wipes
  • Gauze
  • Adhesive strips

FOR THE BABY
  • Baby powder
  • Baby sunscreen
  • Teething ointment
  • Diapers & lotions
  • Baby wipes
  • Stroller
  • Baby formula, bibs
  • Zippered plastic bags
  • Changing pad
  • Baby food and spoon
  • Pacifiers
  • Blankets

BEACH ITEMS
  • Beach cooler
  • Buckets and shovels
  • Sand castle toys
  • Frisbee, paddle ball, inflatable beach ball and other simple beach toys
  • Kites
  • Paddle games

FOR THE TRIP/RAINY DAYS
  • Travel games, books
  • Crayons, clip board
  • Electronic devices/DVD player and DVDs
  • Cooler with drinks and snacks
  • Favorite stuffed animals

NICE TO HAVE ITEMS (If your rental property does not provide these items already.)
  • Folding beach chairs
  • Umbrella
  • Flashlight
  • Pillows
  • Books/books on tape
  • Alarm clock
  • Binoculars
  • Travel iron or steamer


Well Done! You’re ready for the best Garden City Beach vacation ever!

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