Packing Checklist for Digital Nomads
Standing in your closet and trying to decide what to bring with you on a long or even indefinite trip around the world can be overwhelming.
How many options do I need? Will it be really cold or hot where I'm going? What if I want to spend time in a totally different climate? How much can I squeeze in under the weight limit? Should I pay to ship it all?
All of these questions and more wracked my brain as I started the packing process for our Digital Slomad journey. I had no guidance or advice to go on: just a goal to limit my checked luggage to 2 bags or less. I had to start somewhere, so I picked a few essential clothing items out of my closet and carried them into our guest bedroom. I stacked them up on the bed and added and subtracted from there until I felt ready to see if it fit in a suitcase. I kept a reserve pile of "Maybes" on the floor next to my packing station, but I really tried to subtract rather than add items.
STORAGE & BACKUP PLANNING
We started our Slomad lifestyle with 9 months in Mexico, and we planned to return to the USA to visit family before moving on to our next destination in Europe. So I decided to pack a large duffle bag of winter and fall clothing to save for the future. My brother and his wife generously agreed to let us store it and some other family heirlooms in their house, so we did have that luxury. But we still donated and sold a LOT of clothes. Our goal was simple living, but not extreme minimalism.
YOU CAN ALWAYS BUY MORE
Wherever you are going, I guarantee there will be stores and vendors selling climate-appropriate clothing. If you get to your destination and find you need something else, you can always buy it there. So try not to panic about what to bring. My guiding thought was: How much would I want to have with me for a 3-week trip? Since you will be living somewhere long term, you can do laundry any time, and really shouldn't need any more than that. Yes, It may be different if you are going someplace with many distinct seasons. But even then, some strategic layering of foundational pieces will work wonders.
LESS IS MORE
Also keep in mind that outside of the US, the cost of electricity is much higher. Thus, many people do not have dryers. Or if they do, they may choose to repeat an outfit for several days before washing it. In addition, the washing machines are much smaller than American size washers. There is no pressure to wear a different outfit every day. It's quite refreshing not to think so much about your wardrobe! Just think about what is comfortable, practical, and/or makes you happy.
QUANTITY & RECCOMMENDATIONS
I have compiled an inventory of just about everything I packed, down to the number of t-shirts and underwear, to give you a starting point. Even though the numbers of each clothing item don't look very high compared to what currently occupies your closet and dresser drawers, I honestly believe I still have more than I need.
TIP: Try sorting your clothes by what you wear in a week or a month. After you wear it, put it on one side of the closet or drawer. Soon you will see just how much of your wardrobe you actually use on a regular basis. That should help you think about where to start.
Packing List
Below is dropdown list of headings. You can expand each section to see a chart of the item, quantity, and any special notes or recommended items. There are hyperlinks to specific items we use and find especially helpful. At the moment, these are not affiliate links, meaning I do not earn a commission you buy them. They are just my personal suggestions. Of course, your choices should be guided by your destination/s and lifestyle. This list is based on living in Greece- a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. I also hope to travel north to enjoy the Christmas markets in winter, so I did intentionally bring some warmer pieces. Therefore, my checklist will include a wider variety of clothing than I had in Mexico last year.
I made a YouTube video series of unpacking videos when we landed in Greece so you can see exactly how much volume really fit in our bags, and examples of certain items.
Clothes & Shoes
Tops
Item | Quantity | Special Notes & Favorite Items |
Short Sleeve T's | 6 | Cotton keeps you cool in hot climates but is hard to air-dry in humid climates. |
Short Sleeve Blouses | 8 | |
Long Sleeve T's | 4 | |
Long Sleeve Blouses | 4 | |
Sweatshirts | 2 | 1 Hooded, 1 Crewneck |
Tank Tops | 5 | 4 Casual, 1 Dressy |
Sweaters | 2 | Medium Weight |
Dress "Suit" Jacket | 1 | Polyester, and can pass as a casual cardigan |
Cardigan | 1 | |
Jean Jacket | 1 |
Bottoms
Item | Quantity | Special Notes |
Jeans | 1 | |
Pants- Casual | 5 | |
Slacks- Dressy | 2 | 1 Pair is warmer for winter |
Shorts | 2 | 1 Short Length, 1 Bermuda |
Skirts | 2 | 1 Casual, 1 Dressy |
Dresses
Item | Quantity | Special Notes |
Long Dresses | 3 | |
Short Dresses | 1 | |
Jumpsuit | 1 | Linen |
Exercise Clothes/Swimwear
Item | Quantity | Special Notes |
Sports Bras | 3 | |
Leggings | 2 | |
Running shorts | 3 | Can double as swimwear Dip Fred Meyer athletic shorts |
Shirt sleeve sport tops | 2 | |
Long sleeve sport tops | 1 | |
Swimming Suit | 1 |
Shoes
Item | Quantity | Special Notes & Favorite Items |
Walking or Running Shoes | 1 | New Balance w/ insoles for high arches |
Waterproof Walking/Hiking Shoes | 1 | |
Leather Sandals | 1 | I love my Chacos Wayfarer sandals but they have been discontinued. Brands like Olukai or Birkenstock have comparable quality and are worth the investment. |
Flats | 1 | Black, lightweight by Nine West |
Water Shoes | 1 | Optional depending on your destinations and lifestyle |
Crocs Slippers | 1 | I wear them all the time indoors |
Socks and Underwear
Item | Quantity | Special Notes |
Socks- Crew/Ankle | 7 | Puma brand are our favorite |
Socks- Long or Dressy | 9 | Includes "invisible" socks for Flats |
Socks- Wool | 3 | Pacas crew socks |
Underwear | 12 | Really 8-10 is enough! |
Bras | 6 |
Pajamas
Item | Quantity | Special Notes |
Shorts | 3 | |
Cozy T-Shirts | 3 | |
Long Pants | 1 |
Toiletries & Medications
I recommend a 1-3 month supply of your essentials. Unless you have a very rare condition requiring restricted/special medications, you should not bring several months' worth of toiletries and over the counter medications- you will find places to buy or get prescriptions for what you need. Otherwise, living abroad may not be sustainable for you.
Item | Quantity | Notes |
Prescription Medications | 1-3 month supply | Research available medications in your destination in advance. Expat forums or social media groups may be helpful. |
Toothbrush, toothpaste | 1 | |
Hairbrush | 1 | |
Hair dryer, Curling/Flat Iron | One or NONE... | If the voltage is different, you should buy these in-country! |
Feminine Supplies | 1 month supply | Remember, there are pharmacies and supermarkets where you are going! |
Sunscreen | None | Buy it when you arrive |
Hair stuff, lotions and potions | None | These are heavy, risk leaking, and take up a lot of valuable space |
Electronics & Utility Items
Electronics List
Item | Quantity | Special Notes |
Cell Phone + Charger | 1 | Use an eSim for data! They are way cheaper than international plans, and some come with a local number. |
Laptop + Charger, Wireless Mouse + Mousepad | 1 | See next line for power conversion |
Power Converter + Plug Adapter Set | 1 | |
Extra Plug Adapters | 4 | You can always buy more locally if needed |
Cord Case | 1 | |
Noise Cancelling Earbuds | 1 | |
Kinde eReader | 1 | You can change your subscription location to download books internationally |
Mini Projector | 1 | Optional! Many rentals have smart TVs, or you can connect your laptop with an HDMI cable. But who doesn't love a ten-ft viewing screen? The projector we use is: ONOAYO AY2 Pro. I wish it were a bit smaller, but the quality is very good. |
Telescoping Tripod | 1 | For the Projector. I bought mine at a garage sale, but it's like this: Amazon.com : Amazon Basics Lightweight Mini Tripod, Black : Electronics |
White Noise Machine | 1 | I can't sleep without it! Lectro Sound 2 |
USB Drives or External Hard Drive | 1-2 | You can never have too many back-up plans for your data! |
Utility Items
Item | Quantity | Special Notes |
Microfiber beach towels | 1 | 1 per person |
Insulated Water Bottle | 1 | Hydroflask 17 oz |
Day Pack | 1 | Can also be used to take your laptop to a co-working space, and as your carry-on personal item. JanSport Odyssey Laptop Backpack, or The North Face Surge Commuter Laptop Backpack |
Scissors (mini) | 1 | Think kid-size! |
Pocket Knife/Multi-tool | 1 | The included screwdrivers are often a lifesaver |
Duct Tape | 1 | Equivalent of 1/2 roll, in flat travel friendly packets. Keep it in your carry-on in case of a luggage disaster. |
UPF UV Blocking Umbrella | 1 | Great for hot or rainy climates! Umenice UPF 50+ |
Handheld Fan | 1 | I like the old-fashioned collapsable kind, but you may prefer a battery operated or misting one, depending where you're headed. |
Coasters (light weight) | 4 | You don't want to lose your deposit over coffee table rings! My mom made us some fabric ones, or you could use something like Geometry's Not a Paper Towel |
Ballpoint Pens | 2-3 | I know we live in a digital age, but just in case you want to write a note-to-self, grocery list, or message for your neighbor. |
Mesh/Delicates Laundry Bag | 2 | Especially if you have to use a laundromat. |
Reusable Shopping Bags | 2 | Be an eco-friendly shopper! |
Fanny Pack or Crossbody Bag | 1 | I use one like this instead of a purse: Pander Two-Way Zipper Fanny Pack |
Travel Yoga Mat (optional, of course) | 1 | JadeYoga Voyager It folds in quarters for travel. If it's too thin on your knees, use a folded towel for padding. |
Sheets & Towels | None | Don't waste valuable space on these- buy them in country. |
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