How To Pack – Your ultimate Au Pair packing list for 3-6 months

Packing hints

Once you’ve taken care of the hostess gifts, you can move on to your own things. For example, you can pack according to the following steps to save yourself time and nerves:

1. Which things do you use daily?

First, think carefully about the things you need every day. It’s best to go through your entire daily routine once in your head. This always helps me especially well to not forget anything. For example, you can start with your morning routine in the bathroom. For example, first you brush your teeth, then you wash your face, comb your hair, and so on. So you start by packing your toothbrush, face wash and brush.

2. Which things do you really need?

Pack practically rather than quantitatively. Think about what things you like to wear, what clothes you feel comfortable in and what you wear often. Decide against things that look chic, but are only worn twice a year by you. Is a simple black dress, which you can combine with other things, enough for a nice dinner or a disco visit? Or does your flashy party outfit absolutely have to go, even though you would never wear it in everyday life? Take things with you that you can combine and wear versatile. This is especially true for heavy or bulky things like shoes, bags or jackets. 

Do you need three different jackets, or maybe one multifunctional jacket that you can wear in different weather conditions is enough?  What is practical and what is not? For example, in addition to my backpack, instead of a shoulder bag or handbag, I always take a lightweight cotton bag. This is super light, saves space and you can still carry a lot with it. Remember, you’ll only be at your host location for a limited time, after which you can use all your beloved items again. But what is really useful and what can you do without for a couple of months? I can speak from experience that you will not miss any of your things if you pack practical alternatives. 

3. Which things can you get at your travel destination?

Remember that you will be staying in one place for a long time. So you can still buy many things locally, or even borrow some things from your host family. This includes large and heavy things such as towels and bed linen, but also everyday utensils such as shower gel, shampoo and slippers.

I’m packing my suitcase…

But now to the final packing list. Of course, I can only show you my own packing list, which I have created according to my needs. Despite all this, it can of course serve you as a guide to facilitate the packing. I had a large XL suitcase, a carry-on suitcase and a medium-sized shoulder bag to travel with me, where all the things below have fit in. 

I created this packing list for my three month stay in Ireland. Since the weather in Ireland is very changeable, I had to pack accordingly. It’s best to check what the weather is like at your destination most of the time to pack accordingly. 

I probably took more tech with me than clothes. That’s because I do a lot of photography while traveling and also had to do things for college on the side. If you need less stuff, then all the better! I will also post a packing list for minimalist travel at some point in the future, since I like to travel with only hand luggage for shorter trips. 

But for now, have fun packing!

Lots of love

Natalie <3

The Packing List: