Is there a free packing list maker?

Yes. This packing checklist maker is completely free with no sign-up. Start from a template, customise it, tick items off as you pack, and print or save it as a PDF. It runs and saves privately in your browser.

What should be on a packing checklist?

Start with the essentials — passport or ID, any visa, travel insurance, payment cards and cash, phone and charger, medication, and booking confirmations — then add clothing suited to your destination and season, toiletries, a first-aid kit, tech and chargers, and trip-specific extras. Our templates cover each trip type.

How do I make a packing list?

Pick a template for your trip type in the checklist maker, add or remove items so it matches your trip, then tick things off as you pack. You can save it in your browser and print a clean copy to take with you.

What should you pack for a week away?

For a week, pack a mix-and-match capsule wardrobe in one colour palette (around five tops, two or three bottoms, a warm layer and a rain layer), the universal essentials, toiletries in travel sizes, and trip-specific items. Doing a small mid-trip laundry means you can pack lighter.

What to pack for a beach holiday?

Swimwear, light breathable clothing, strong sun protection and a hat, sandals or flip-flops, a beach bag, and after-sun. Load the Beach template in the checklist maker for a full starting list you can customise.

What should you never pack in checked luggage?

Keep anything hard to replace in your carry-on: passport and documents, medication, phone and electronics, chargers, payment cards, cash and valuables, plus a change of clothes in case a checked bag is delayed.

Can I print my packing list?

Yes. Build your list, then use the Print / PDF button to produce a clean, controls-free version you can print or save as a PDF and tick off by hand.

Build a capsule wardrobe in one colour palette so everything mixes and matches, plan outfits rather than packing options, use packing cubes to compress, wear your bulkiest items while travelling, and plan a small mid-trip laundry so you can pack for fewer days.

Packing Checklist Maker: Free Packing List Generator

A free packing checklist maker and packing list generator. Start from a smart template, add your own items, tick things off as you pack, and print a clean copy to take with you.

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Smart templates

Start from a ready-made list for beach, city, winter, backpacking, business or family trips.

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Tick & track

Check items off as you pack, with a progress bar so nothing gets left behind.

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Fully customisable

Add or remove items and categories so the list matches your exact trip.

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Print & private

Print or save your list as a PDF. It stays in your browser — nothing is uploaded.

Trip name

Start from a template

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✓ Saved

Saved privately in your own browser (localStorage). Nothing is uploaded. Tick items as you pack; print a clean copy to take with you.

In this guide

How to use the checklist maker
The universal essentials
What to pack for every trip type
How to pack light
Printable packing list
Packing mistakes to avoid
FAQ

How to use the packing checklist maker

Pick a template

Choose a starter list for your trip type — beach, city, winter, backpacking, business or family — or start from the essentials.

Customise it

Add or remove items and categories so the list matches your exact trip and travel style.

Tick as you pack

Check items off and watch the progress bar — a simple way to make sure nothing is forgotten.

Save & print

Your list saves privately in your browser. Print it or save a PDF for packing day.

The universal essentials (pack these every trip)

Whatever the destination, a few things should always make the bag — and ideally your carry-on, never checked luggage:

Passport or ID and any visa required.
Travel insurance details and emergency contacts.
Payment cards (plus a backup) and some local cash.
Phone and charger, plus a power bank.
Medication in its original packaging, with a little extra.
Booking confirmations for flights, accommodation and transport.

Every template in the checklist maker starts with these, so you never leave the important things to memory.

What to pack for every type of trip

Beach or sun holiday

Swimwear, light breathable clothing, strong sun protection, a hat, sandals and a beach bag. Load the Beach template, then see our complete vacation packing list.

City break

Comfortable walking shoes above all, layers for changeable weather, a smart-casual outfit and a day bag. Use the City template and pair it with our destination guides like Rome or Lisbon.

Winter or ski trip

Warm layers, a waterproof shell, insulated boots, hat, gloves and thermal socks. The Winter template covers it — and our Iceland guide shows how fast conditions change.

Backpacking

A capsule wardrobe of quick-dry clothes, a padlock, a travel towel, a first-aid kit and packing cubes. Start with the Backpacking template, then read our carry-on only guide.

Business trip

Laptop and chargers, smart outfits, dress shoes and a compact toiletry kit. The Business template keeps work and wardrobe organised.

Family holiday

Kids’ clothes and spares, snacks, medication, entertainment and extra everything. The Family template is built for travelling with children.

Cruise

Formal-night outfits, daywear, swimwear and an embarkation-day carry-on. See our dedicated cruise packing list for the specifics.

How to pack light (and never overpack)

The secret to a lighter bag isn’t a shorter list — it’s a smarter one:

Build a capsule wardrobe in one colour palette so every top works with every bottom.
Plan outfits, not options. Most people pack far more than they wear.
Use packing cubes to compress and organise, and wear your bulkiest items on the plane.
Do a small laundry mid-trip rather than packing for every single day.

For the full method, see our guide on how to pack for a week in one bag.

Printable packing list

Prefer paper? The checklist maker doubles as a printable packing list: build and customise your list, then use the Print / PDF button for a clean version with the controls hidden — ready to print or save as a PDF and tick off by hand as you pack.

Packing mistakes to avoid

Checking your essentials. Keep documents, medication, valuables and a change of clothes in your carry-on.
Ignoring the weather and season. Check conditions for your dates — our when-to-go guides help.
Overpacking “just in case.” When in doubt, leave it out — you can usually buy it there.
Forgetting the liquids rule. Carry-on liquids must be in containers of 100 ml or less in one clear bag.

Know what it’ll cost?

Estimate your whole trip — flights, hotels and daily spending — in a couple of minutes.

Open the Travel Budget Planner →