The biggest summer bore has to be packing and unpacking for weekends away… which are, of course, the absolute best part of summer!

When I found myself procrastinating leaving for a weekend at the cottage because I didn’t want to pack my bag, I created a summer weekend packing list to simply my life.

The simplification lies in having enough packed to cover all your bases, without going overboard. You need beach stuff; the extreme lazy comfort pieces; something to wear out for dinner; and undergarments (I’ve often forgotten these… whoops!).

Invariably, some pieces I’ve packed will come home unworn. I’m cool with that because my entire list fits in a small bag and there’s comfort in knowing I’m prepared for whatever might happen—including an impromptu extra night or two.

This is my magical weekend packing list:

1 casual summer dress (that can be easily dressed up)
4 t-shirts or tank tops
1 dressier sweater or cardigan
1 pair of shorts that goes with all the shirts
1 pair of jeans or other summer pant
1 cozy sweatshirt
1 cozy lounge pant
3 swimsuits (so there’s always a dry one)
1 beach coverup
1 pair pyjamas
5 pairs undies
1 bra that works with all your shirts and the dress (or 2 if you need it)
1 pair sunglasses
1 pair comfortable stylish flats or sandals
1 pair flipflops
4-5 accessories that can dress things up if needed
1 purse

Other things you might consider for your weekend packing list:

socks
slippers
activewear (any gear for activities you will be doing)
beach bag
spring coat
rubber boots
optical glasses

I make sure that everything I pack coordinates so I have a lot of outfit choices even though I’m not bring a lot of pieces.

If you want to take this simplification to a new level, once you find a combination of clothing + accessories that work well for you, make note of them. That way you can pack the exact same combination every weekend.

Another bonus tidbit for this weekend packing list.  I received great advice from a family friend to create a fully-packed toiletries case to leave in your suitcase for the summer.  I love this idea, so I’m going to put it into practice this year.

My plan for what will go in this travel-size case:

shampoo
conditioner
face wash
face cream
sunscreen
toothbrush
toothpaste
comb/brush
hair elastics
bobby pins
mascara
blush
lipstick
lip chap
Tylenol
cotton swabs
feminine hygiene products
contact lens solution
contact lens case
razor

Pinnable