Packing for a trip sounds exciting, but many people still end up forgetting something important like their charger, medicines, or even their passport.
The easiest way to avoid this stress is by creating a packing list in your bullet journal. A bullet journal makes planning fun, organised, and completely personal.
You can design your list in your own style with doodles, boxes, trackers, and categories.
This guide will help you understand what to include, how to design your packing list, and how to use it to make every trip smoother—whether it’s a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a long study trip.
Table of Contents
Why Make a Packing List in Your Bullet Journal?
A bullet journal is flexible—you are not restricted to fixed templates. So your packing list becomes clearer and more helpful because you can:
- Divide things into categories
- Add checkboxes
- Add reminders
- Track what you have packed and what you still need
- Plan according to the weather or purpose of your trip
Using a bullet journal also reduces travel anxiety. Once you tick items off, you know everything is sorted.
No last-minute rushing. No forgetting essentials. This is my favorite part before the journey begins! Also, my bullet journal then has a very good record of start-to-end of the trip.
How to Set Up a Bullet Journal Packing List
Before you start listing items, think about:
- Where are you going? (beach, hills, city, abroad)
- How long will you stay?
- What is the weather like?
- What activities are planned?
These things help you decide what to pack. Now let’s look at simple ways you can design your packing list.
1. Classic Packing Checklist Spread
This is the simplest and most popular style.
How to make it:
- Divide two pages into sections
- Add category headings
- Write items under each category
- Add checkboxes
Categories you can include:
- Clothing
- Toiletries
- Electronics
- Documents
- Medicines
- Shoes
- Accessories
- Snacks
- Miscellaneous
This spread is perfect for quick packing when you don’t want anything fancy.
2. Minimalist Packing List
If you want a clean and simple design, try a minimalist layout.
How to make it:
- Use only black pen or neutral colours
- Write short bullet points
- Use straight lines and simple checkboxes
This style saves time and looks very neat. Great for last-minute travellers.
3. Packing List With Icons and Doodles
If you love creativity, doodles make the page more fun.
Ideas:
- Draw tiny shirts for clothing
- Draw a toothbrush for toiletries
- Draw a phone or charger symbol for electronics
- Draw a tiny suitcase next to the title
This style adds personality and helps you remember items visually.
4. Suitcase Layout Spread
This is a cute and popular bullet journal idea. You draw a big suitcase and divide it inside to list items.
Steps:
- Draw one big suitcase
- Split it into sections like compartments
- Label each compartment (clothes, shoes, skincare, etc.)
It looks beautiful and works well for weekend trips.
5. Travel Outfit Planner + Packing List
Many people struggle with choosing outfits while travelling. An outfit planner solves that problem.
How to make it:
- Create small boxes for each day of the trip
- Write or draw outfits in each box
- Add matching items (shoes, jacket, jewellery)
- Make a separate list for things you need for these outfits
This helps you avoid overpacking since you plan only what you will actually wear.
6. Weather-Based Packing Spread
Weather affects packing more than anything.
How to design it:
- Write the city name and dates
- Add expected temperature
- Divide your list into:
- Hot-weather items
- Rainy-day items
- Cold-weather items
- Hot-weather items
Examples:
Hot weather: sunglasses, sunscreen, cotton clothes, refillable bottle
Cold weather: jackets, gloves, thermal wear
Rainy: umbrella, waterproof bag, quick-dry clothes
This spread ensures you pack smart and stay comfortable.
7. Last-Minute Essentials Checklist
Some items cannot be packed early—like toothbrush, phone, house keys, wallet, or charger.
So create a tiny corner section called “Last-Minute Stuff”.
Add items like:
- Phone
- Charger
- Wallet
- Earphones
- Water bottle
- Medicines
- Snacks
- Travel documents
This list saves you from forgetting the most important things.
8. Travel Documents Checklist
This section prevents major panic by keeping all important papers in one place.
Include:
- Passport
- ID card
- Visa copies
- Flight tickets
- Hotel booking
- Travel insurance
- Emergency contacts
Make a separate box for digital copies uploaded to phone/email.
9. Toiletries Packing List
Toiletries are the most commonly forgotten items. Make a dedicated list.
Items to include:
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Soap or body wash
- Shampoo + conditioner
- Hairbrush
- Skincare
- Razor
- Cotton pads
- Perfume
- Hand sanitiser
- Travel towel
You can also add refill reminders for mini travel bottles.
10. First-Aid & Medicines Packing List
A travel-safe kit is very important.
Common items:
- Painkillers
- Allergy medicines
- Motion sickness tablets
- Band-aids
- Antiseptic cream
- ORS
- Prescription medicines
This list is especially helpful for long journeys or family trips.
11. Electronics Packing Spread
Electronics are expensive—so forgetting a charger can ruin your trip.
Add items like:
- Phone + charger
- Power bank
- Laptop + charger
- Camera + memory card
- Tripod
- Earphones
- Universal adaptor (for international travel)
You can even add a tiny battery symbol to indicate which devices need full charging before you leave.
12. Snacks & Food Packing List
If you like keeping snacks or travelling with kids, this list is a must.
Items to include:
- Dry fruits
- Energy bars
- Chips
- Biscuits
- Water bottles
- Instant noodles
- Tea/coffee sachets
This makes your journey easier and cheaper.
13. Packing List for Different Types of Trips
Beach trip:
- Swimsuit
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Flip-flops
- Beach towel
- Waterproof pouch
Mountain trip:
- Jacket
- Thermals
- Hiking shoes
- Gloves
- Reusable bottle
International trip:
- Passport
- Currency
- Travel adaptor
- Extra medicines
You can create a separate spread for each type of trip if you travel often.
14. Reusable Master Packing List
This is a permanent packing list you can use again and again.
How to make it:
- Create a “Master List” on one page
- Divide into 8–10 categories
- Tick items when packing and erase later
This saves time for future trips. You don’t start from zero every time.
15. Pre-Travel To-Do Checklist
Packing is not only about items—it also includes tasks before leaving.
Add tasks like:
- Clean your room
- Charge all devices
- Download offline maps
- Confirm bookings
- Arrange travel money
- Check weather
- Water plants
- Lock all windows
This checklist gives peace of mind before stepping out.
Final Tips to Make Your Packing List Better
- Start your list at least 3–5 days before the trip
- Keep one page for items you buy just before travelling
- Highlight important items
- Use washi tape or coloured pens for quick visibility
- Add a “Do Not Forget” box
A well-designed packing list not only reduces stress but also makes your trip smoother, more enjoyable, and completely organised.
Conclusion
A bullet journal packing list is a simple tool that saves time and prevents last-minute panic.
With clear sections, easy checkboxes, and personalised layouts, you can plan every part of your packing in a way that suits your travel style.
Whether you love minimalist pages or creative doodles, your bullet journal will help you stay organised and confident before every trip.
