I created a viral free packing template for travel
The following method was called "beautiful" by Google. It was featured in People Magazine, NPR, Newsweek, and Travel + Leisure. If you are wondering how to pack for travel, be it short or long distance, you are in the right place.
Below you will find a link to a free copy of my packing template. I shared this template on social media thinking that the spreadsheet-based method I used for packing, while extremely effective for me personally, would be a bit too neurotic for most people. That ended up not being the case.
The video where I shared my template now has over 15 million views across various social media platforms. Over 100,000 people have downloaded the template from over 170 countries and territories.
So why did this template resonate with so many people? Firstly, packing is a universally stressful experience. Generally, people always look forward to travel, but they never look forward to the packing process that precedes it. Imagine arriving at the airport for the trip you have spent thousands on, only to realize that you have forgotten your passport.
Based on the feedback I have received, this template works because it removes that stress point. It allows you to get all of the individual items that you need to pack out of your head and onto paper. The built-in checkboxes mean you can definitively check items off as you add them to bags, preventing you from needing to go back and double-check that you actually packed something. By assigning each item to a bag, the template allows you to quickly pack a bag in the most efficient way.
Additionally, when it is time to head home, you can use the exact same spreadsheet that you used to pack initially to ensure that you never leave anything behind at your accommodation.
Here is the link to my free packing template (Google Sheets version).
Here is the link to my free packing template (Excel version).
I also offer a pro version of the packing spreadsheet with even more features. Specifically, the pro version allows you to track both weight and value of each item that you pack. This solves two common problems: with included overweight alerts, the weight tracking ensures that you never pay for an overweight bag again. The value tracking creates an automatic report that you can share with the airline or your credit card company in the event that your bag is lost. This template pays for itself if it allows you to avoid one overweight fee or if the value report facilitates a single reimbursement for your lost luggage. Additionally, the pro version includes a list of the 100+ most commonly forgotten items when packing.
Here is the link to my free packing template (Excel version).
Here are a few quotes from people who have used the template:
“THIS IS THE BEST TEMPLATE EVER! I used this for my vacation because I usually take more than a week off. This was perfect and I edited it my way to fit me. This was worth it.”
“Love using this!!! As someone who is extremely organized, this template was right up my alley. I can add to my list (and its color-coded category) as soon as I think of something, which is awesome. Would definitely recommend!”
“Easy to use and very helpful. I recently went on a work trip where I had all of my personal belongings and a heap of equipment to keep track of. Having the different bag functionality and knowing the percentage of items that had been packed was very helpful. Highly recommend.”
