The Ultimate LDS Missionary Packing List

Preparing to send a missionary out is exciting, spiritual and just a little overwhelming. There are clothes to buy, documents to organize, bags to pack, and approximately one million tiny things you suddenly wonder if they might need.

As we prepared to send our own missionary, I asked thousands of followers what their missionaries were most grateful they had packed (or what they wished they had brought). Their answers were SO helpful!

I combined those recommendations with the standard missionary packing categories into one practical checklist. You’ll find the basics your missionary will likely need, the most-recommended extras from experienced missionary families, and a few meaningful things you can prepare before they leave.

Every mission is different, so always begin with the official packing list provided in your missionary’s portal or call materials. Climate, culture, transportation, housing, and mission-specific guidelines can all affect what they should bring.

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Before You Start Packing

Before buying everything on this list, check:

• The official packing list in the missionary portal
• The weather and seasons in the mission
• Airline luggage weight and size restrictions
• Whether the missionary will walk, bike, drive, or use public transportation
• Which items are easier or less expensive to purchase in the mission
• Current missionary dress and appearance guidelines
• Any instructions sent directly from the mission president or mission office

It can also be helpful to connect with recently returned missionaries from the same mission.

They usually know which shoes survive, what the apartments already have, and which items are difficult to find locally.

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Standard Missionary Packing List

This master list covers the basic categories most missionaries will need. Adjust quantities and specific items according to the official list for your missionary’s assignment.

Most items have been added to an Amazon list for ease. Check it out HERE.

Important Documents

Keep important documents together in a secure travel organizer or zippered pouch.

• Current passport + Passport neck pouch (or passport holder)
• Visa and immigration documents, if applicable
• Government-issued identification
• Driver’s license, if requested
• Temple recommend
• Mission call and travel information
• Printed itinerary
• Copies of prescriptions
• Immunization records, if requested
• Health insurance information
• Emergency contact information
• Copies of important documents
• Debit or credit card
• A small amount of approved travel money

It is also wise for a parent or trusted family member to keep digital and printed copies of important documents at home.

Luggage and Bags

Always confirm airline restrictions before purchasing or packing luggage.

• Checked suitcases within the approved size (We did a standard set with 1 large, 1 medium and 1 carry-on suitcase)
• Carry-on bag
• Small personal item
• Durable proselyting bag
• Luggage tags
• Luggage locks, if permitted
• Laundry bag
• Lightweight reusable shopping or tote bag

Choose a daily bag that is simple, durable, comfortable, and appropriate for the area. In some missions, missionaries may be encouraged to wait and purchase their daily bag after arriving so it better fits local customs and transportation. Some may also be required to buy non-branded bags, so please check your packing list for that information.

Missionary Clothing

Clothing should be professional, modest, comfortable, durable, and easy to care for. Choose pieces that mix and match and can withstand frequent washing.

• General Clothing
• Sunday and missionary attire (refer to packing list for specific amounts of suits, dresses, etc.)
• Casual or preparation-day clothing
• Exercise clothing
• Service or work clothes
• Pajamas
• Undergarments
• Garments
• Socks (many said to bring more socks than you think!)
• Belt
• Sweater or cardigan
• Jacket or coat appropriate for the climate
• Rain jacket or compact umbrella
• Gloves, scarf, and warm hat for cold climates
• Sun hat, if appropriate
• Dress shoes
• Everyday walking shoes

For Elders

Follow the quantities and colors provided by the assigned mission.

• Suits or suit jackets, if requested
• Dress slacks
• White or approved dress shirts
• Conservative ties
• Belt
• Appropriate cold- or warm-weather layers

For Sisters

Choose comfortable pieces that coordinate easily and work for the mission’s climate.

• Dresses
• Skirts
• Dress slacks
• Blouses and tops
• Cardigans or jackets
• Slips or layering pieces, as needed
• Appropriate cold- or warm-weather layers

Sister missionaries may wear dresses, skirts, or dress slacks according to current Church guidance and local mission needs.

Toiletries and Personal Care

Pack enough to get started, but avoid using valuable luggage space for large quantities of products that are easily purchased locally.

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Floss
• Deodorant
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash or soap
• Face wash + Moisturizer
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Razor and shaving supplies
• Hairbrush or comb
• Hair products
• Feminine hygiene products
• Nail clippers
• Tweezers
• Basic makeup, if desired (and bag)
• Contact lenses and solution
• Glasses and backup glasses
• Small mirror
• Quick-dry towel, if recommended
• Small toiletry bag/shower caddy
• Sunglasses (polarized)

Bring favorite or specialty products that may be difficult to replace, but remember that most basic toiletries can be purchased after arrival.

Health and Medication

Discuss all medications and ongoing health needs with the appropriate medical professionals before departure.

• Prescription medications in original containers
• Copies of prescriptions
• Approved over-the-counter medications
• Pain reliever
• Allergy medication
• Antacid
• Motion-sickness medication, if needed
• Adhesive bandages
• Blister care
• Antibiotic ointment
• Small thermometer
• Electrolyte packets
• Vitamins, if approved
• Insect repellent for applicable climates
• Sunscreen
• Small first-aid pouch

Check mission and international travel requirements before packing medications. Some countries restrict medications that are commonly available elsewhere.

Study and Teaching Supplies

Missionaries receive many of the approved resources they need digitally or through the mission, so avoid packing an entire gospel library.

• Scriptures, if instructed
• Preach My Gospel + Approved study materials
• Patriarchal blessing
• Journal
• Pens, pencils, Highlighters
• Small notebook
• Language-study materials, if applicable
• Small folder for important papers

Choose supplies that are lightweight and genuinely useful. Books get heavy very quickly!

Electronics

Only bring electronics and accessories specifically approved for the mission.

• Charging cables
• Wall adapter
• International plug adapter, if needed
• Portable battery pack, if approved (here is a mini one if preferred)
• Small cable organizer
• USB drive, only if permitted
• Watch
• Alarm clock, if needed

Confirm voltage and outlet requirements for international missions before purchasing adapters or styling tools.

Laundry and Clothing Care

• Laundry bag
• Stain-removal pen
• Small sewing kit
• Safety pins
• Wrinkle-release spray
• Mesh laundry bags
• Travel clothesline, if useful
• A few laundry detergent sheets or pods for the first week
• Small lint roller

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Most-Recommended Missionary Extras

These are the kinds of items experienced missionaries and parents repeatedly recommend. They are not necessary for every mission, but many can make missionary life a little easier.

Packing and Organization

• Packing cubes
• Small zippered pouches
• A document organizer
• Digital luggage scale
• Carabiners
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Small crossbody pouch for travel days

Packing cubes are especially helpful because missionaries move often. Being able to organize clothing by category can make transfers much less chaotic.

Clothing Helpers

• Extra shoe insoles
• Blister patches
• Hem tape
• Stain-removal wipes
• Sweater comb or lint remover

Apartment and Daily-Life Helpers

Only bring these when they are permitted and appropriate for the mission.

• Reusable water bottle
• Small flashlight
• Earplugs or White Noise Machine
• Compact fan for hot climates
• Small combination lock
• Small supply of familiar seasoning packets

Health and Comfort Extras

• Electrolyte drink packets
• Blister-prevention supplies
• Lip balm with SPF
• Bug-bite relief
• Mini first-aid kit
• Reusable heat pack
• Hand sanitizer
• Disinfecting wipes
• Mosquito Net that Zips

Useful Technology Accessories

• Compact power strip, if approved for the mission and local voltage (or multi-plug outlet)
• Air Tags and Air Tag holders (We put these in all luggage and in her missionary bag).
• Wireless Keyboard. Many mentioned this was helpful for writing emails.
• Wired earbuds or approved wireless headphones
• Digital Camera (and case)
• Phone SD card reader (to transfer photos from phone to SD card)
• Personal Safety Alarm
• Small portable speaker

Make sure every item complies with the missionary’s instructions. A useful gadget is not useful if it cannot be used in the mission.

Personal and Sentimental Items

• Small family photo book
• Printed photos of family members and pets
• A handwritten family recipe
• Copies of meaningful blessings or letters
• A few unopened greeting cards for companions
• Stickers or little fun things for kids they teach
• Fun object lesson props
• Blank cards to leave notes of encouragement for “friends” they’re teaching

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Thoughtful Things to Prepare Before Your Missionary Leaves

Some of the most meaningful things you send with a missionary are not items from a store. These extras take a little preparation, but they can provide encouragement at exactly the right time.

Write “Open When” Letters

Write letters for your missionary to open during specific moments. Keep them hopeful, faith-filled, and focused on encouraging the missionary rather than making them feel homesick.

Ideas include:

• Open when you arrive at the MTC.
• Open after your first difficult day.
• Open when you feel discouraged or miss home.
• Open when you need a reminder of why you chose to serve.
• Open on your birthday.
• Open on Christmas.
• Open at the six-month mark.
• Open when you have been out for one year.
• Open when you need to laugh.
• Open when you need a spiritual boost.
• Open before you come home.

Include favorite scriptures, short family memories, encouraging quotes, or specific reminders of the missionary’s strengths.

Compile Favorite General Conference Talks

Ask parents, siblings, grandparents, and close friends to choose a favorite general conference talk.

For each talk, include:

• The title
• The speaker
• The conference and year
• A short note explaining why that person chose it
• A favorite quote or principle from the talk

Before printing or downloading anything, confirm what materials are approved for the mission. You could also simply create a list of talks for your missionary to find through the Gospel Library app.

Make a Family Photo Book

Create a small, lightweight book containing:

• Family, grandparents and extended family photos
• Pictures of pets
• A photo of the family home
• Temple photos
• Favorite family memories
• A page with names and birthdays
• A simple family tree

Photos can be wonderful tools for connecting with people and talking about families, temples, and the gospel.

Collect Family Testimonies

Invite family members to write a brief testimony or share a favorite scripture. Compile them in a small booklet or envelope.

These do not need to be long. A sincere paragraph from a parent, sibling, grandparent, or close friend can become a treasured source of strength.

Create a Recipe Collection

Gather simple family favorites your missionary might be able to prepare.

Include recipes that are:

• Inexpensive
• Easy to make
• Made with common ingredients
• Flexible
• Quick to prepare
• Easy to scale for two or four missionaries

Family recipes can bring a little comfort from home and may even become a fun way to serve companions or members.

Compile All Papers in a Binder

This was not necessary, but something we thought would be helpful. In this binder, we put the following:

• Copy of Patriarchal Blessing
• What is Packed reference guide. We listed out all of the things she brought and where she packed them.
• Copy of last father’s blessing printed
• How to Pray in Spanish Guide (this is something we made and printed for her)
• List of family members’s favorite conference talks
• Immediate family birthdays + Important phone numbers
• Insurance information
• Bank contact information + Account instructions
• Mission office address
• Any necessary medical information
• First Aid Kit List (we wanted her to know what she has in one spot)
• Paper of “When to call the mission nurse”
• How to Identify Bites and Stings Doc
• Stomach Bug or Food Poisoning Quick Guide
• Heat Exhaustion versus Heat Stroke guide
• Favorite Recipes

Do not include sensitive passwords or account details in an unsecured notebook.

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Things You Probably Do Not Need to Pack

It is tempting to prepare for every possible situation, but overpacking can make transfers and travel much harder.

Your missionary may not need:

• Large quantities of toiletries
• Too many outfits
• Several heavy books
• Expensive jewelry
• Irreplaceable sentimental items
• Excessive decorations
• Large kitchen appliances
• A full medicine cabinet
• Too many pairs of shoes
• Products that are readily available in the mission
• Electronics that have not been specifically approved

When in doubt, prioritize comfort, durability, versatility, and obedience to the mission’s instructions.

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Final Missionary Packing Tips

A few final reminders can make packing much easier:

• Lay everything out before placing it in the suitcases.
• Weigh each suitcase at home.
• Take photos of the packed contents.
• Label luggage clearly inside and outside.
• Put essential documents and medications in the carry-on.
• Pack one change of clothing in the carry-on.
• Avoid packing anything expensive or irreplaceable.
• Leave a little room for transfers, gifts, and items collected during the mission.
• Make sure your missionary knows what is packed and where it is located.

Remember that almost every forgotten item can be purchased, mailed, or replaced.

Packing for a mission can feel like a huge job, but the goal is not to prepare for every imaginable situation. The goal is to help your missionary arrive with the essentials, feel organized, and be ready to focus on serving the Lord.

After asking thousands of missionary families for their advice, one message came through clearly: the most valuable things missionaries carry are a willing heart, a testimony of Jesus Christ, and the knowledge that they are loved and supported at home.

Everything else can usually be figured out along the way.

Ultimate LDS Missionary Packing Amazon List.