Travel Nurse Packing List
WOOHOO!! You’re going on a trip! We are excited that you found your travel assignment on Wanderly, and now you are beginning your journey to your next home! Packing for any move or adventure can be overwhelming, especially if you have not ever done this before. We totally get it. We have prepared a few must-haves for your travel nurse packing list for your travel nurse assignment compiled from travelers themselves. These are the essentials!
Clothes
We know this travel nurse packing list item seems like a no-brainer; of course you are not going to forget clothes!! However, we include this because we want you to not forget to do your research when it comes to climate in your new locations, expected temperatures for the entire 13-weeks, and expected rainfall in your new destination. You don’t want to spend that incredible pay on clothes you forgot to pack that are just sitting at “home” if all of a sudden the weather decides to freak out on you!
Important Travel Documents
It is pretty tough to do any sort of travel without your identification, sure. However, be sure to pack your license, passport, travel documents, insurance, etc. In addition, make sure you see what type of identification is required in your new state, have all of your licenses up to date, and be sure to figure out your voting ballot paperwork before heading out. Make sure your birth certificate, social security card, etc. are either safely traveling with you or in a lock box with someone you trust.
Medications
You are a nurse; we know you know not to forget your medications, vitamins, supplements, etc. it is what you do for a living, of course! However, don’t forget to also ensure that you have copies of your prescriptions or your provider has called in your medications, that you have researched pharmacies close to your new place, and pack first aid to have on hand in your new home!
Toiletries
You’ll know to pack all of the essential toiletries that you use for your daily routine, so that is not something we have to go through here. However, we do recommend that you go through an actual day and write down everything you use, so you don’t forget even the smallest item and you have an opportunity to restock before you take off if need be. Also, don’t forget toilet paper and hand towels! Those are the most commonly missed items on this travel nurse packing list!
Electronics
Electronics that we recommend on top of your typical electronics (laptop, iPhone, etc.) are portable chargers and kindles, iPads, and game consoles. We often hear about forgetting headphones. Pack those, too.
Household Materials
You can check with your housing provider to make sure you know what is provided in “furnished” housing and what is not. We recommend getting a complete list of what is included. It can be the worst to pour a big bowl of cereal and not have a spoon! Check beforehand and bring along anything you’ll need for basic living with you. Think about things that would most likely be omitted in furnished housing, too. For example, if you need a fan that makes a loud noise to sleep, bring one along. Do not assume!
Important Personal Items
We don’t recommend bringing Nana’s diamond ring or anything that you would be really bummed to lose. You can always store them in a lock box with someone you trust. Basically, pictures of friends and family, special blankets, etc. can really ease the initial newness of living somewhere you haven’t ever lived before and we totally think they are a good idea to bring along. It is important to have little reminders of “back home” or somewhere with family.
Pet Supplies
If Fido is coming along, great! Just be sure to pack his or her necessities, too. Don’t forget to research a nearby vet for “just in case” situations around the area you will be living in. Rover and Wag are also great apps for helping out with your furry friend while you are at work, if needed. Doggie daycare is always a good idea if your little buddy gets along with others! Yay for puppy play-dates and new HUMAN friends, too!
Activity Items
When collecting items for our travel nurse packing list, this one sounded weird to us, too. We did not know what else to call it. Anywho, for us, activity items are things that you might need to participate in activities in your new spot. For instance, if you are traveling from New York to California in November you can count on going from snow to a sunny beach. Therefore, activity items would be: sunscreen, beach towel, volleyball, bikes, helmets, scooters, etc. It pretty much means fun things you can play with when you’re not at work that may be specific to a new area. Phew!