Here’s an as-complete-as-I-could-get-it packing list for all us sister missionaries! I looked at all the other sample packing lists I could find, combined them, and added everything in my suitcase that wasn’t already on the list. I hope this helps! click the following link for a printable of the checklist
Sister Missionary Packing List
BAGGAGE
2 suitcases (62 dimensional inches, 50 lbs max)
1 carry-on suitcase (45 dimensional inches, weight varies), or a duffel bag (good for splits in the field)
Space/vacuum storage bags
Luggage Tags (Deseret Book has some cute sister missionary ones)
A larger cross-body purse for tracting/everyday
A smaller bag for P-day/service
$200 for possible additional expenses at airport
Quarters for calling at airport
Passport holder (waist) {Check with your mission, they may keep your passport in the office. If that is the case, you really don’t need to spend money on this}
MTC
Photo Identification (in hand)
Immunizations Record (in hand)
Passport (in hand, unless already at MTC)
Visa (in hand, unless already at MTC)
Temple recommend
Four-generation pedigree chart
Copy of patriarchal blessing
Copy of call
Sm photo album with pictures of your baptism, family, friends, temple etc.
$ for additional expenses, i.e. $20.00 to purchase a pillow and blanket/comforter when arriving
Health insurance info
Own bedding and sheets unless you wanna use the ones from the last elders that stayed there…
Febreeze or something to unstink the place
Shower bag/caddy (you can buy shampoo & conditioner etc. there)
Shower shoes
Lanyard (w/ pull out string)
Snacks! (also, leave a list w/ your mom of your favorites)
Reusable water bottle
Studying
Scripture case/bag
Scriptures-in your native language, they give you your new language ones at the MTC
Pens
Pencils
Colored Pencils
Highlighters
Permanent markers
3×5 cards
Sticky notes
Study Journal
Little notebook for language study and remembering words and phrases
Another misc notebook
Accordion file for letters, cards, talks, spiritual thoughts, etc.
Mints
Hand Sanitizer
Travel size Kleenex
Small lotion
Mini hymn book
Mini Preach My Gospel (w/ cover or front and back laminated)
Plan of Salvation diagram in mission language
The Missionary Library
True to the Faith
Our Search for Happiness
Our Heritage
Jesus the Christ
CLOTHING
Everyday Wash and Wear (get a list of where to shop here)
10-12 shirts
8-10 skirts
2-4 dresses
3-5 Cardigans
1-2 blazers
5-6 t-shirts for bed, exercise, and service
3-4 bottoms for bed and exercise
1-2 good jeans for service
1 robe
Temple suitcase *if your mission has a temple and if that temple does not rent out clothes
For Cold Missions
Good coat
Jacket or peacoat
1-2 raincoats
4-5 sweaters and heavier cardigans
Winter Hat
3-5 Scarves
Ear-muffs
Gloves
Running head band
3 Cotton leggings
3 Fleece lined tights
3 Wool socks
Boots
2-3 boot socks
Replace some of the skirts with wool and thick skirts that will repel snow and rain
Replace some t-shirts with hoodies or sweatshirts
Underclothing
10-15 pairs of garments
5-6 white or nude bras
4-5 sports bras
4-5 pairs of underwear for… that time of the month (and yes it’s ok to wear them during that time as long as you still wear your garments over them. I asked the temple worker :D)
3 slips (white, black, tan)
3-5 undershirts/halftees
Spandex shorts for riding bikes
2-3 pairs of tights
Feet
2-3 proselyting shoes-sturdy, waterproof, and long lasting
Rain boots, if needed
1 pair of tennis shoes for exercise and service
1-3 Sunday shoes
1-2 shower shoes
1 pair of slippers
10 pairs of ped socks
5 pair of regular socks
Dr. Scholl’s shoe inserts!!
Accessories
3-5 Belts
5-6 headscarves and headbands
Ribbons/clips
2-3 small leather watches & batteries
6-8 necklaces in all colors and styles (including your YW medallion 🙂
Earrings
Bracelets
CTR ring and a few other small rings
Little roll up flat jewelry holder with lots of pockets
TOILETRIES
2 micro-fiber bath towels Or 2 regular towels (microfiber=thin and light for packing but absorb better than normal towels (Deseret Book/Bed Bath and Beyond)
2 hand towels
1 face towel
1-2 wash cloths
Feminine supplies (possibly enough for 18 months if serving foreign)
Handheld mirror
Face
Face wash
Face lotion (if this makes your face shiny/if going somewhere humid, put on before bed)
Oil blotting sheets (esp. for tropical places)
Foundation
Concealer
Bronzer
Blush
Mascara
Eyelash curler
Eye shadow
Eyeliner
Chap stick
Lip Gloss
Makeup brushes
Makeup sponges
Makeup mist and set if going somewhere humid
Q-tips
Big makeup bag and a small makeup bag (big-leave home, small-bring with you for the day)
Teeth
Toothbrush (w/ holder)
Toothpaste
Floss
Mouthwash
Retainer
Body
Soap in container
Body Wash
Razors w/ refills
Shaving cream
Perfume
Febreeze (in hot climates, won’t get sticky like perfume and will better mask BO from sweating)
Deodorant (if you’re going to be sweating a lot-use men’s, it’s the same just stronger. Also, put it on before bed to let the salts and stuff work while your sleeping)
Body Lotion
Hand Sanitizer
Hair
Hair spray
Moose &/or gel
Hair brush, comb, and pick
Hair ties
Bobby pins
Shampoo
Conditioner
Mini blow dryer
Curling iron
Straightener
Shower cap
Hair style book
Nails
Clippers
Files
Cuticle trimmers
Clear nail polish
And a few cute colors
Nail polish remover (I get the ready-to-go pads so you don’t have to worry about cotton balls and remover)
FIRST AID
Prescription medications
Multivitamins
Ibuprofen
Aspirin
Advil
Midol (enough for 18 months if serving foreign)
Pepto-Bismol
Decongestant
Nyquil
Cold medicine (Dayquil)
Throat Spray
Cough drops
Aloe vera
Anti-acid
Antifungal cream
IcyHot
Rice bag to heat up
Instant ice compress
Afterbite
Antibiotic ointment
Band-Aids
Moleskin
Thermometer
Earplugs
Diabetic Medical ID bracelet, if needed
OTHER
Small Sewing Kit
Scissors
2 sets of eye glasses (cases and cloth to clean glasses)
Prescription for eye glasses
Laundry Bag
Tide TO GO pens
Lint roller
Gallon zip lock bags, sandwich baggies, a few garbage bags
Clothes hangers
Small Flashlight / Headlamp
Book light
Alarm clock with no radio
Mini handheld/necklace fan &/or neck coolers
GPS Device?
Batteries
Plug international converter thing, if needed
Mints
Handkerchiefs
Workout Book
Recipe book
Duct tape
Gorilla Glue
Wallet
A 3×5 card with loved ones birthdays and other important dates to remember
Stickers!
Command strips/putty (that won’t leave marks on walls) to hang stuff up!
Bedding
2 flat twin sheets
2 fitted sheets
2 pillow cases
Blanket or Comforter
Small travel pillow
Dryer sheets or peppermint essential oil (keeps bugs away when put on/under bed posts)
Protection from the elements
Umbrella
Insect Repellent (contains DEET, 20%-35%)
Insect repellent arm bands (can put anywhere)
Sunscreen 45 SPF or higher
Sunscreen stick
Camera
Extra SD cards
Charger/batteries
Camera case
Two flash drives so you have backup copies of pictures in case your camera gets stolen
Music
IPod, MP3, or USB with church music
IPod charger
Speakers
Sheet music for any instrument you play
Letters
Address book
Stamps
Lined letter paper pads
Envelopes
Mailing address labels
Aaaaand here are the best packing tips I’ve found so far to help maximize space, ease, and efficiency.
Pretty much, there are three ways to pack clothes: rolled, flat, or bundled (#1-4)…
3. To go along with laying it all in flat, use this tip and just bag 7-12 clothes straight from your closet.
4. Try the bundling technique shown above.
5. Also, try using those space vacuum bags you can get pretty much everywhere (I got mine at WalMart and Dollar Tree).
I’m thinking you could also do this by outfit. Roll a skirt and shirt together and just unpack outfit by outfit.
You could also put outfits in Ziploc baggies. thinkin out loud here…
13. Last but not least, a few little lovely tips. a) use a place mat and a ribbon to roll up some necklaces. b) pack your jewelry in a hard sunglasses case (or two). c) store rings and earrings in a pill box. d) use buttons to keep your earrings together.
Hope this helps. Good luck packing!!!