Use Microsoft Excel or another spreadsheet program to type your checklist. Typing your list in such a program will make using it quick and easy.
Make column headings such as "Clothing," "Health Care," "Toiletries" and "Miscellaneous"; then leave enough room between columns to check off items as you pack them.
List every single item you can think of off the top of your head that you know you will need for your trip. Place each item in the applicable category. Exclude nothing, no matter how seemingly insignificant. And don't forget the basics, such as your camera and medications.
Consider contingencies that you might need to be prepared for, such as weather conditions. Include appropriate items on your list to cover all contingencies.
Evaluate all of your necessary travel documents and include them on the list. Above all, your travel documents are the most important items to pack, so you definitely should not leave them off your list. Everything from Passport to plane tickets to cruise documents should be included, along with any other documents you need.
Go through your clothes, shoes, travel documents and toiletries to double check that you have included all necessities on your list. Then when you are packing, you need only go down your list, checking off items as you load them into your luggage.
