Are you reading this because you’re leaving on a trip in 10 minutes and you haven’t packed? Then you’re in the right place: This guide will tell you how to pack quickly for a trip so you can get out the door on time.

Let’s skip the long intro and get right to it.

Print your last-minute travel packing list now

Step 1: Grab travel essentials.

The first rule of packing quickly is don’t panic. Most trips will not be ruined if you forget a few items, and you can probably buy or borrow most of what you need. If you only have a few minutes to spare, just pack the absolute essentials that are difficult or impossible to replace:

• Passport (for international travel)
• Required visas or immunization records
• ID (for domestic travel)
• Wallet (make sure you have at least one debit/credit card and your health insurance card)
• Cell phone and charger
• Laptop and charger (if you need it for work or any other reason)
• Keys
• Prescription medications in original, labeled container
• Medical devices and accessories
• Glasses and/or contact lenses

That’s it. Will you feel severely underprepared as you arrive at the airport or train station? Yes. But will you be able to go on your trip? Yes!

Step 2: Pack clothing using the 1-2-3-4-5-6 rule.

Time to speed-pack your clothes. But don’t just start throwing clean laundry into a suitcase, or you’ll realize when you arrive that you have seven T-shirts and one pencil skirt. Wondering how to pack fast? Use the 1-2-3-4-5-6 rule as your guide:

• 1 hat
• 2 pairs of shoes
• 3 pairs of pants or skirts (with a belt, if needed)
• 4 shirts (plus matching tie, if needed)
• 5 pairs of socks
• 6 sets of underwear (plus 1-2 bras, for women)

To avoid mismatched outfits, aim for just one or two colors: all black, or khaki and navy, or jeans with a few neutral tops. You get the idea. Throw in a jacket, hoodie, or coat for layering. Grab all-purpose accessories: a watch, simple earrings, sunglasses. Add a swimsuit for a beach trip. Boom, done.

Step 3: Quickly pack some toiletries.

Still have a few minutes? Run to the bathroom, because it’s time to grab everything you need to stay clean and comfortable.

Your first instinct might be to grab toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant — the three travel must-haves. That works! However, when you have to pack in a hurry we suggest focusing on the most expensive things you typically travel with. Buying a replacement toothbrush and toothpaste is cheap. Buying new cosmetics or facial moisturizer costs a lot more.

If you’re flying with only a carry-on, remember that TSA guidelines apply. You’re allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.¹

Pack pricey/specialty items first:

• Cosmetics
• Fragrance
• Facial cleanser
• Facial moisturizer and other skincare products
• Over-the-counter medications

Then, get your other toiletries and personal care items. You might not have time to pack everything, but this list will help you do your best.

• Toothbrush (plus charger, if needed)
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Mouthwash
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Dry shampoo or hair powder
• Hair styling products
• Hairbrush and comb
• Hair styling appliances
• Hair bonnet
• Hair accessories (clips, barrettes, ponytail holders)
• Razor + shaving cream or gel
• Shower cap
• Body wash/soap
• Body lotion
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Lip balm
• Deodorant
• Hand sanitizer
• Contact lens solution and case
• Eyedrops
• Lip balm
• Cotton swabs
• Nail clipper and file
• Tweezers
• Magnifying mirror
• Makeup remover wipes
• Menstruation products
• Vitamins/supplements
• First aid kit

Step 4: Pack a few last items for comfort, convenience, and entertainment.

Your phone chimes. Your Uber driver will be here in three minutes to take you to the airport. What else can you pack? Think about the things you always appreciate having when you’re traveling, such as…

• Earbuds/headphones
• International power adapter (if needed)
• Backup power bank
• Neck pillow
• A book
• Travel journal and pen
• Snacks
• Gum/mints
• Water bottle
• Tissues
• Face masks
• Eye mask and earplugs

Tips for the chronic late packer

Are you someone who always waits too long to pack for a trip? Here are a few ways to save your sanity.

• Get to the root of the problem. Why do you think you’re a last-minute trip packer? Is it related to travel anxiety, or general feelings of overwhelm? Identifying the reason can help you overcome it.
• Pack in small increments. Get some travel cubes, and spend 5-10 minutes filling one each day: socks and underwear, shirts, pants/skirts, accessories, etc.
• Assemble a fix-it kit: Fill a small pouch with items that can help you solve minor emergencies during your trip. It might include Band-Aids, safety pins, hairpins, mints, antacids, a stain removal stick, blotting papers, etc. Toss it in your bag and you’ll feel 10% more prepared.
• Pre-pack essential toiletries. Before you even plan a trip, collect the travel-size toiletries you have in your house and put them all in a bag. When it’s time to pack in a hurry, just grab it and go.
• Buy a bar of laundry soap and a portable clothesline. Solid laundry soap lasts a long time and can save the day if you don’t pack enough clothes. To be extra-efficient, use it to wash clothes while you’re in the shower.
• Invest in some pieces of dual-purpose clothing. Zip-off pants. A sarong or wrap that can be worn or used as a towel. Athletic wear that can pass as a swimsuit. These all can speed packing and save space.
• Have a designated bag or suitcase for travel (especially flights). Don’t get held up in security because you unwittingly grabbed a bag that had a metal spork tucked into a pocket (true story). Keep a bag handy that’s correctly sized for a carry-on and doesn’t contain any surprises.
• Download the Allyz® app. This all-in-one travel companion gives you rapid access to your travel insurance plan, 24-hour assistance, and local emergency services — plus other tools to keep you organized and prepared.
• Protect yourself with an annual travel insurance plan. Buy an AllTrips annual travel insurance plan, and all your trips are protected for the next 365 days: spontaneous or planned, long or short, business or pleasure, international or domestic. It’s a great buy for frequent travelers!

While it’s possible to pack at the last-minute, it’s not a great idea to procrastinate on travel insurance. Your plan only protects you against things that occur after you purchase it—so the longer you wait, the greater your risk. Get a quick quote right now.

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