Your contract is locked in, flights are booked, and your playlist is queued. Now all that’s left is fitting your life into a suitcase (or two). Packing isn’t just prep—it’s how you set yourself up for success on day one.
Luckily for you, we’ve put together the ultimate travel clinician packing list, built from years of working with thousands of travel clinicians—we know what actually gets used, what gets forgotten, and what makes a difference on the road.
Step‑by‑Step Packing Game Plan
Before we share our list, let’s put together your packing game plan.
Step 1 – Write Your Master List
- Open a note on your phone or grab a notebook. Create four columns:
- Work Gear
- Daily Life
- Tech & Docs
- Home Touches
- Check the weather at your destination, the hospital’s dress code, and any recreation you plan to pursue.
- Ask your housing coordinator what is already supplied. Many furnished apartments include basics like plates, cookware, and linens, but towels, an iron, or extra kitchen gadgets may be on you.
Step 2 – Sort Into Piles Before Packing
- Lay everything out on the bed or floor. Make one pile for essentials and another for nice‑to‑haves.
- Audit duplicates and skip items you can buy for cheap on location.
- Keep an “add later” sticky note for toiletries or chargers you’ll still use tonight.
- Leave a little space for souvenirs and local finds.
Step 3 – Pack in Reverse
- Start with non‑essentials at the bottom of your suitcase.
- Follow with mid‑tier items.
- Finish with true essentials, so they sit on top and are easy to grab if luggage is delayed.
- Save space by rolling clothes, sliding shoes along the edges, wrapping fragile gear in towels, and stashing socks inside shoes.
Step 4 – Final Check Before You Zip
- Verify licenses, contract, and ID are in your carry‑on.
- Count scrub sets and socks.
- Weigh bags to dodge airline fees.
- Snap a quick pic of each packed bag for insurance.
Packed and ready?
Now that you know what to bring, let’s find the perfect assignment to
FlexCare’s Ultimate Travel Clinician Packing Checklist
Work Essentials
- 5–7 scrub sets in required colors
- 2 pairs comfy, slip‑resistant shoes
- Compression socks
- Quality stethoscope, penlight, trauma shears
- Badge reels, pens, highlighters
- Clipboard or foldable clipboard‑organizer
- Watch with second hand or smartwatch
Tech & Documents
- Phone, laptop or tablet, chargers, portable power bank
- Extension cord or small surge protector
- Noise‑canceling headphones
- External hard drive or encrypted USB for backups
- Hard and digital copies of licenses, BLS/ACLS, contract, insurance cards, emergency contacts
Clothing and Comfort
- Off‑duty outfits for at least a week (mix and match)
- Layers for varying climates (light jacket, fleece, rain shell)
- Sleepwear and loungewear
- Workout gear and swimsuit
- Seasonal footwear (sandals, boots, slippers)
- Sunglasses, sun hat, reusable water bottle
Kitchen & Household
- Chef’s knife with guard, small frying pan, spatula
- Reusable storage containers or silicon bags
- Travel coffee maker or French press
- Favorite spices and snacks
- Dish cloth, sponge, and small bottle of dish soap
- Zip bags and trash bags (double as laundry or wet item holders)
Bed & Bath (if not provided)
- Sheet set that matches the bed size
- Plush towels and washcloths
- Laundry bag and detergent pods
- Shower caddy and curtain hooks
- Iron or handheld steamer
- Compact toolkit and flashlight
Health & Personal Care
- Prescription meds and copies of scripts
- Mini first‑aid kit (bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers)
- Skincare and haircare essentials
- Period products
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
Easy to Forget Heroes
- Portable door lock for extra security
- White noise machine or phone app
- Small desk fan
- Lint roller
- Extra phone charging cable and wall adapter
- Reusable grocery bags
- Key tracker (Tile or AirTag)
Region-Specific Extras
- Colorado & Utah – Hiking boots, packable daypack, hydration bladder
- Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon) – Rain jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes
- South & Gulf States – Breathable scrubs, mosquito repellant, cooling towel
- Northeast Winters – Heavy coat, snow boots, ice scraper for car
- Coastal California – Layers for cool evenings, sun hat, reef‑safe sunscreen
- Alaska – Thermal base layers, microspikes, headlamp (winter)
Checklist ready, suitcase zipped
Now it’s time to plan your next move. Let FlexCare help you line up your next assignment.
Plan Your Next Assignment