Deciding what to pack and what not to pack can be a large determining factor in how comfortable or miserable the hospital stay is for you. Let’s face it, nothing about this process is enjoyable. You certainly are not packing for a vacation. You’re going to have long days and even longer nights in a small room with insanely uncomfortable furnishings.

The hospital room is built for the care of the patient, not the comfort of the caregiver. There are however a few things you can do to set your stay up for a semi-normal routine.

The Trick

The trick is to pack what you use daily. I learned to roll into the hospital with the largest suitcase we owned. Trust me, it was FULL. I learned to pack everything I need to help me maintain my physical and mental health. If you take vitamins every day, pack them! Don’t skip them because you’ll only be gone for a few days. If you usually sleep with an eye mask, pack it. Actually, you’ll want to pack one even if you don’t usually use one. The hospital rooms seem to always be lit up like they’re signaling Santa’s flight path. 

In the Guide, I share: