How to Pack for Your Hospital Stay

If you have to stay overnight at the hospital be sure to pack the essentials to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

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Make packing a bag less stressful with these tips, tricks, and checklists.

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Steps

Step 1

Place paperwork or documentation in your bag

Place any necessary paperwork or documentation in your overnight bag. This may include your insurance card, an ID card, power of attorney, or a living will.
Leave any valuables, including credit cards and large amounts of cash, at home.
Step 2

Pack clothing and toiletries

Pack comfortable clothing and toiletries in your bag.
Pack extra socks and a long-sleeve shirt or sweater in case your room is cold.
Step 3

Pick a book or magazine to read

Pick out a book or magazines to read and place them in your bag.
Step 4

Choose cards, puzzles, or games to play

Pack playing cards, puzzles, or hand-held games to play during your stay.
Step 5

Place an MP3 player or CD player in your bag

Pack an MP3 or CD player and CDs so you can listen to music during your stay.
Many hospitals have policies regarding portable electronics. Check your hospital’s policy to make sure you know what is allowed.
Step 6

Purchase and pack snacks

Purchase and pack snacks. The food at your hospital could be delicious, but hospital food’s bad reputation is probably more accurate.
Step 7

Pack a pillow

Pack a pillow. Bringing a little piece of home with you will help you to sleep more comfortably.
The oldest hospital in the U.S. is the Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. It was founded in 1751 with the help of Benjamin Franklin.