Packing for a Cabin or Cottage Stay

Tips, tricks, and things to think about

It can be a bit overwhelming to think about all of the things we actually need when packing up for a trip. What all do we need? Well, there is a lot of stuff our friends, kids, and spouses might need, right? But, too much will not all fit in the vehicle or on the plane, so it is essential that we nail down the basics so that we know what we will need, plus some extras in case of unforeseeable events. It gets easier with time, I promise!

The Basics

First, think about what you need on a daily basis. Find out which of those things are offered at your location. For example, you might not need a towel, shampoo, snacks, or coffee if they are included in your stay. Always find out if linens will be provided since some cabins offer this and others do not, and some that used to offer them have changed their policies due to Covid. Some places even have a bar, store, and restaurant with lots of options to get you through your trip. If you buy items that require refrigeration, be mindful of whether or not there will be a fridge provided in your room or if you will need a cooler and ice. Some are rustic, so you might need another way to charge your gadgets, too.

The List

Pull out a notepad and pen, your phone, or whatever list-making software you use. Write down as many things you can think of that you would use during an average day. Then add vacation-specific things, like sports equipment, shoes, and clothing that coincide with your anticipated activities. Cross off things that are included in your stay. Talk to your travel companions, if you are not going solo, and find out what you can eliminate, combine, or share. Start pulling out these things on your list and make a pile, well enough in advance to give yourself time. Rush packing is never a good idea because you are doomed to forget something. Plus, you might want to reduce or add to your pile once you get it going, so having extra time helps. If possible, work on this when you are most awake to avoid mistakes.

The Containers

Containing your items is a whole art in itself, so don’t get discouraged if you are unhappy with your packing skills once you arrive at your destination. Some prefer a rolling suitcase, others like large duffle bags, and some just bring a whole bunch of little bags, or even bags inside of bags (guilty here). So, think about bringing small versions of things you would already need, like trial-size lotions and sunscreens to make it easier on yourself. Package all items that can possibly leak into a waterproof container or travel hygiene bag to avoid ruining your clothes or blankets in case of an accident. It can get pretty messy! Nobody wants to sleep with shampoo-infused blankets. Pack your cloth items as tightly as possible to conserve space. Your travel partners will thank you. Swiss Gear makes compression bags to reduce even more space, plus REI and The Container Store have many storage solutions to separate and organize clothing before placing it into the bag or luggage. This will make it easier to find what you need during your vacation, so you can spend more time doing what you want.

The “I wish I had my. . .” Moments

Keep your list handy throughout your vacation. You will be editing it time and time again because practice makes perfect. You will have many “I wish I had my” moments as well as items you don’t need that might even be in your way. You can add them, cross them off, or remind yourself to bring a different version of something, like a different size cooler or that other hoodie. Even if you are uncomfortable and missing certain items, try to enjoy your time making memories, ensuring that this is a work in progress that gets better every time.

The Elements

Be aware of the elements you are dealing with. Staying in hotels usually means having suburb shelter and safety, but cabins and cottages will have you more exposed. Check the weather ahead of time to get a good idea of what is to come, plus plan for slightly worse weather in case conditions are worse than expected. If it is tornado or hurricane season there might be a shelter nearby if needed, so it helps to know where that might be. If bears are in the area, even though it is not likely they would visit a highly populated spot, having bear spray is a great precaution. You will also need to keep your food sealed up in a way that will not attract them. Bear-proof coolers are available from Yeti, of course, but RTIC is very popular and more affordable. I am no pro on bear-proofing, but those who run resorts near bears can give you ideas on safety as well as many bloggers who are well versed in these areas.

The Organization

Think about the level of organization that you require. Some places have drawers, closets, and shelving, while others have nothing at all. So, if you are super organized and none of these come with your room, you might want to bring some foldable hangers, foldable shelving, or other such things to feel more in control of your items. I have a very small and flat shelving solution I keep in my bag in these cases, and you can get them at Target and probably many other places. Some people make fun of me for it, but I like to know where my stuff is!

The Laundry

While traveling, laundry can be part of your trip or not. You can bring very few items and just wash them along the way, or pack a lot to avoid it altogether. Regardless, you need a place to put them. In hotels, they give you that nice bag for laundry so you don’t even need to think about it, but cabins and cottages don’t usually offer them. And, if you have no options, you might get stuck stuffing stinky socks in your bag of clean clothes, which might not leave you feeling so fresh and clean the next day. So, if you are road-tripping, you can simply bring a small laundry basket. I keep one in my vehicle at all times, but I’m a gypsy like that. You could also just throw in a grocery bag or two, or buy a laundry bag from a luggage store or The Container Store since they have really nice ones that take up very little space and fold up well. If you are flying, these or grocery bags might be the best option. I keep a small amount of laundry detergent on me in case something happens, unless they have soap in the room, then I just hand wash it and hang it up. If I am dealing with beach towels and wet clothes, I like to keep some cheap twine or clothesline on me with some pins.

The Packing to go Home

Packing for the trip back can take some planning, too, but not nearly as much. It’s actually pretty easy, as there is nothing to really figure out, except where to put your trash, how to package it up so that it is easy to manage when you get back, and how to keep your cold items cold. So, have some trash bags on hand, find the closest dumpster (and recycling if they have it), grab some ice and snacks for the road, and head out. Be sure to pack up everything you brought in with respect to the environment and the resort keepers. I like to keep a carry-on bag even while road-tripping, for some coffee, tea, snacks, and sometimes some leftovers or a sandwich if we are not stopping for lunch. When you get home you might be too tired to manage everything, so you may want to keep your basic essentials in easy reach so you can grab them and save the rest for the next day.

The Recap Chat

If you traveled in a large group, some folks may want to have a recap get-together to go over everything to discuss what went well, what could have been done differently, and how to execute those ideas in the future. I go to an annual music festival where it is common for the same group to travel and stay together, so they have meetings before and after the trip. This could be helpful for any group traveling anywhere together, just as workers might collaborate and work on a project together. This keeps an open line of communication and intensifies the cohesiveness of the group.

The Memories

Don’t forget about your memories! Go through your photos, videos, drone shoots, or whatever you’ve got and organize them, edit them, or share them. This way you will always have these to look back on later in life and share with the kiddos when they grow up, so they will know how much fun you had. You will be glad you did!

In short, it takes a bit to nail down exactly what methods work for your packing personality, but while keeping the basics in mind and communication lines open, it is bound to be a great vacation. Take your time, have a good time, and don’t lose your mind. Remember, this is supposed to be fun, so go make some memories with yourself or your loved ones. Happy packing!