THE ULTIMATE SISTER PACKING LIST

THE ULTIMATE SISTER PACKING LIST

(FOR HOT CLIMATES)

So, this is basically just a collaboration of lists that I've found on other blogs and the list in my call packet! I've separated them into stores that I actually bought the item at. Keep in mind that I'm going to a third world country so I bought a whole bunch of things that you could probably just buy in field for less! Okay, let's begin!

 

The D.I. (or other thrift stores... I'll tell you why!)

• ten skirts for $50... I'm not even kidding you! I got my call five months ago so I've had some time to go out and find the best clothes. I've been to Kohl's and The Missionary Mall and Seagull Book in their cute little apparel boutique and nothing quite compares to the price, durability, uniqueness, and lengths then that of the skirts I found at the D.I. Seriously, go check them out! I found a bunch of them with the price tags still on them from BRAND NAME STORES.
• ten shirts for $30... Again, you seriously want to go check these guys out. And, here's another thing to remember, if you don't find something cute the first time around, don't give up because their clothes are always circulating, so there will be cute clothes the next time around. Try going to D.I.'s in richer cities or try going in the morning where you have first picks.
• get a pair of p-day shoes... they are going to get worn out anyways! I found a pair of white keds with the sale's tag still on them!

 

Wal-Mart (buckle up... I spent most of my money here)

• composition notebooks
• spiral bound notebooks
• mini notebooks
• address book
• pens, mechanical pencils, highlighters, sharpies, colored pencils, etc.
• duct tape
• envelopes
• several sticky note pads
• rubber bands
• folders
• fan folder - to organize all of your papers and letters!
• Wi-Fi camera (you are NOT able to access the internet on this camera, but when you find hot spots, you can send pictures home by email!)
• camera accessories - camera case, SD card (I got the 64 GB), charger, etc.
• flash drive
• hand sanitizer - I got a mini bottle and a big bottle so I can carry around the mini bottle when tracting and then fill it up with the big bottle when I run out.
• Benadryl stick (for insect bites)
• Midol
• Dayquil
• Ibuprofen
• Pepto-Bismol tabs
• Imodium
• Tums
• Band-Aids
• cough drops
• chapstick
• Aloe Vera
• sunblock
• moleskin
• icy hot
• Dr. Scholl's shoe inserts
• zip-up robe (so you can get in and out of the shower fast! and you don't have to worry about the tie coming undone when getting ready. make sure it covers your garments!)
• bras (I saw some good white and nude ones for $3!)
• sports bras
• socks - athletic socks and half socks
• athletic shoes - I bought some cute ones for $20!
• men's shorts - these are so long, loose, and comfy!! I got four pairs for four bucks each! I will probably wear them during work out sessions or to bed.
• lint brush
• tide-to-go pens
• small sewing kit for emergencies
• bath towels, hand towels, wash cloths
• face scrub
• makeup remover pads
• tissues
• mascara (this is the only makeup I'm taking!)
• unscented soap, soap box, soap sponge
• unscented deodorant
• unscented lotion (unscented everything pretty much if you're going somewhere with lots of bugs!)
• shampoo/conditioner
• razors
• q-tips
• manicure set - toe nail clippers, finger nail clippers, cuticle sticks, tweezers
• nail polish remover
• cotton balls
• tooth brush
• tooth paste
• floss/floss picks
• blow dryer
• straightener
• curling iron
• hair spray
• two brushes - flat head (ventilation) and round head
• combs
• bobby pins
• big and small elastics
• safety pins
• spray bottle
• tampons/pads (research about where you're going to see if their tampon brands are of good quality... I was told that where I'm going, they only use pads! So I'm taking a 18 month's supply!)
• gallon zip lock bags/sandwich zip lock bags
• flashlight
• batteries (I got AA and AAA just in case)
• small fan - it helps you keep cool when falling asleep and sometimes you need the white noise!
• extra earring backs
• pop-up laundry basket
• those pop-up closet storage things... you know what I'm talking about.
• roll-up makeup hanger
• lifesavers or your favorite mints! you can't chew gum in the field!!
• grab a bunch of tic-tacs on your way out... they are great mini containers for things like safety pins, bobby pins, extra earring backs, etc.

 

Rue 21

• there is literally a $2 watch stand with Aztec watches, bling watches, chevron watches, even kitty watches!! I bought ten of them for $20!!
• they also have really cute belts... get a couple!

 

Target

• they have scarves that are cute, lightweight, and inexpensive!
• I bought a little over the shoulder bag for p-days
• electricity converter
• twin sized sheets... grab two! I got the RE ones, they have the regular sheet, fitted sheet, and pillow case.
• maybe one set of hangers... RM's say not to bring them because sisters usually leave behind their hangers but I would rather be safe than sorry!
• they have cute pajama bottoms here!

 

Costco

• a luggage strap to hook all three suitcases together
• there are some layering shirts called 32 Degrees Cool Weatherproof... great for hot weather!!

 

Scheel's Sporting Goods Store

• I bought three pairs of shoes here! $220 later... but I heard that if you were going to spend a lot of money on one item, it would be shoes! Your back, neck, and feet will hate you if you don't. RM's recommend buying Clarks, Cobb Hill (I got two pairs of Cobb Hills and one pair of Clarks!), Dansko, Keens, etc...
• If you're going somewhere where it rains a lot, a RM recommended buying a pair of Crocs Flats. They said they wear them all the time!! And they're only $30!
• STRONG insect repellent (if you're going somewhere with BIG BUGS)
• strong collapsible umbrella

 

Deseret Book

• passport holder
• all of your books! True to the Faith, Our Search For Happiness, Our Heritage, Jesus the Christ
• mini PMG
• microfiber towel - let's face it. You're going to sweat. You need something to wipe your brow!

 

Seagull Book

• GET A CTR RING
• scripture marking pencils
• get a scripture bag!! in the MTC, you can't take around a tote bag, only a scripture bag. I got THE BIG ONE and it holds all of my pens, pencils, highlighters, sharpies, my quad, and my mini PMG. Get it!!
• tote bag - there's a black one and a brown one. sturdy and waterproof with lots of pockets! It's not adorable, but it's okay! We're doing the Lord's work, not running a fashion show!
• mini PMG
• there is a cute little boutique apparel shop there called Sweet Salt and it has a ton of cute, modest, and sturdy clothes. SPLURGE!
• get some nail polish there... cute, cheap, and conservative colors!
• I got two missionary journals... I write kind of big.

Distribution Center

• I got 10 pairs of Drilux garments... I heard they're great in hot climates! 
• temple clothes (if you have a temple in your mission!)

 

Old Navy

• they have what they call The Perfect Tees... they are literally perfect! Get a few!!
• they also have cute pajama bottoms here!
• also, get some nice work out pants! I heard these ones last long!
• get some flip flops here for showers... very cheap!

 

PRINT

• copy of call letter
• copy of patriarchal blessing
• copy of acceptance letter (you'll want this on your bad days to remind yourself how excited you were to serve!)
• COMPLETED immunizations form
• four generation pedigree chart - this isn't that difficult... just to your great-grandparents!
• general conference talks, work out ideas, simple recipes... remember, you won't have pinterest to turn to for the next 18 months!

 

BORROW

• Ask your grandparents who are too old and worn out to travel anymore if you can either borrow or buy from them their luggage! Mine just gave theirs to me and they used that set maybe once or twice!
• Buy a used iPod nano on KSL or eBay. I'm taking my iHome to use as a music dock and an alarm clock... but I want to keep my iPod Touch nice! So I bought a used iPod nano on KSL for $30 and now, I won't have to worry about it getting a few scratches! Plus, when I get home, I will probably sell off the iPod again, with all of the LDS music still intact, for another missionary to use or to share the gospel with someone else through music!

 

REMEMBER TO BRING

• CARDIGANS!
• ID (have this readily accessible at the air port)
• bring a ton of old t-shirts to remind you of home! - I'll wear them on p-days, during exercise sessions, and to wear to bed
• lots and lots of pictures... I put mine in a photo album!
• quarters to call home from the airport
• health insurance?
• $200 cash
• jewelry - earrings, bracelets, necklaces, etc.
• temple recommend
• your scriptures... they will give you a set of scriptures in your new language at the MTC! (so I've heard from RM's)
• full-length denim pants for p-days
• your YW medallion, of course!!
• stamps - I'm pretty sure you can also buy these at the MTC.

 

I hope this helps! Good luck to you all on your missions! THIS IS THE LORD'S WORK!!