Ultimate Cottage Packing List – Going Awesome Places

A trip to the cottage is the perfect chance to escape the city and enjoy quality time with friends and family. Staycation’s have also become extremely popular especially since it’s more cost effective and convenient for big groups. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a staycation, packing smart is key. That’s where this cottage packing list comes in – it’s designed to help you bring everything you need without overstuffing your car, so you can focus on relaxing and making memories.

Many people tend to overpack for cottage trips, thinking there’s plenty of room in the trunk. But before you know it, you’ll quickly find that the trunk of your car will not hold as much as you would like! This guide will give you clear guidelines on what to pack for a hassle-free weekend getaway.

Perfect Your Cottage Packing List

Whether this is your first time heading to the cottage or you’re a seasoned pro, having a cottage packing list is a game-changer. It helps you save time, reduce stress, and ensures you don’t forget any essentials for a comfortable and fun stay.

From cozy appropriate clothing and kitchen supplies to outdoor gear and entertainment, the right packing strategy lets you focus on relaxing, exploring, and enjoying quality time with your friends and family.

The sections below break everything down so you can check off each item with ease and confidence.

Documents

Make sure you have all of your important documents with you before you leave for your cottage vacation.

• Driver’s license
• Health card
• Contact information of cottage owner / management
• Cottage reservation information 
• Fishing / boating permits
• Travel insurance if out-of-province
• Credit cards
• Some cash for local purchases such as firewood or worms for fishing

Tech Gear

• Laptop + charger
• Phone + charger
• Powerbank – This could be useful for day trips from the cottage or when a plug isn’t convenient in your bedroom and allows you to charge overnight by the bed. This Anker powerbank is handy to have both for trips like this and other vacations.
• Camera + batteries + charger
• Portable Bluetooth speaker – The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ is excellent.
• Extra batteries – These are AA or AAA batteries that could be for your headlamp or flashlight.
• Portable car starter – If trouble hits this ensures you can quickly warm up your car or jump-start the battery.
• Portable power bar – This shouldn’t be a problem but many older houses just don’t have enough outlets so bring one of these with you.

Cleaning Supplies

These are easy to forget in a cottage packing list but here are a few reminders of cleaning supplies you need if you want to do extra cleaning yourself.

Most properties have their own standards for cleaning but if you want to be extra safe, make sure to do a pass with disinfectant on high-touch areas and all the dishes, cutlery, pots, and pans you’ll be using.

What we do with cutlery, plates, cups, and bowls is that we’ll wash a subset of what we’ll actually need and keep them in a drawer and cabinet that we designate as “cleaned” and we only use these during our stay.

1. Bucket – This is packable and convenient, a handy item that doesn’t take up valuable packing space.
2. Cleaning cloth – Quick dry and washable, ideal for a cleaning before leaving without needing to pack soggy cloths.
3. Scrubbing brushes/sponges – Another handy packable item that also dispenses soap, giving you even less items to pack!
4. Disinfectant /all-purpose cleaner – Often included in cottages but don’t risk it just in case.
5. Anti-bacterial wipes/hand sanitizer – These should be in any packing list, we always have a pack in our backpacks for every trip.
6. Hand soaps for bathrooms – Depending on your comfort level, you might want to bring your own. Also, cottages might not have enough of these so it’s always good to have a few of your own.
7. Laundry detergent – These sheets are easy to pack and don’t take up much room. Plus, they make your clothes smell so good!

Bedding

• Pillows and pillowcases – Check ahead if these are provided as basic amenities or not. Or you might be someone who likes a specific kind of pillow. This one is able to be packed in a compact case, saving trunk space.
• Bedsheets – Again probably provided, but sometimes it is nice to bring your own to sleep directly under for your own comfort.
• Trail quilts – Also known as camping quilts, this is useful for cold nights outdoors or as an extra layer for the bed. If it’s the summer, the Kammok Bobcat is a great option. If the weather is colder, think about either the Kammok Firebelly or Arctos trail quilt.

Outdoor Gear

• Camping chairs – Helinox makes lightweight and portable camping chairs that I swear by. These are good to bring as sometimes cottages don’t have enough chairs for around the campfire or are just too heavy to be moving around all the time.
• Hammock – We use a versatile Kammok hammock because we can hang it in between trees, or use it with their stand.
• Hammock stand – Kammok makes the lightest hammock stand on the market. Even if the cottage doesn’t have one, you can have your own. This is great on the lawn, on the deck, or even on the dock.
• Lantern / Flashlight + batteries
• External cell phone battery pack
• Headlamp + batteries – BioLite 330 is great all-around at the cottage or on other outdoor trips.
• Whistle – Might sound like overkill, but if you are planning on going hiking, this can be a literal lifesaver
• Citronella candles – If you attract mosquitoes, this will come in handy. They also smell great so add to the atmosphere as the sun sets.
• Umbrella – Particularly if your trip is during rainier months. It can also be cute to sit under an umbrella during a rainstorm.

Kitchen Supplies

Every cottage kitchen has different supplies. If you’re renting a cottage for your vacation, the first and most useful thing to do is to contact the cottage owner or the property manager on what items are included in the cottage. You could also ask them to take some photos of what’s in their kitchen drawers and cabinets.

Basic Supplies For All Trips

If basic kitchen supplies are provided in the kitchen, then you only need to add these items to your cottage packing list.

• Aluminum foil
• Saran wrap / Beeswax wraps – We try to use our Abeego beeswax wraps to keep our food fresh as much as we can instead of cling wrap.
• Ziplock bags – Aside from the obvious use for food storage, these are also really handy to put items in that you want to keep waterproof while hiking. Particularly useful as a waterproof phone case.
• Food containers – The great outdoors is also home to critters and bugs, keep food temptation away from inviting them to share your snacks.
• Kitchen towels – You can’t always guarantee how fresh the towels provided will be, so better to be safe and bring your own.
• Dish cloths – We love the Ten and Co. sponge cloths which are absorbent, durable and eco-friendly.
• Drying mat – Surprisingly a lot of cottages don’t have this and if you’re a large group, you’ll have a ton of dishes to dry after each meal so this is super handy.
• Sponges – Make sure you get the no scratch kind so you don’t damage the cottage cookware.
• Tongs – Ideal for BBQs and grilling up hearty breakfasts.
• Kitchen scissors – These are often the worst offender to be blunt, pack your own fresh sharp pair.
• Chef’s knife – The worst is going to a cottage and having really bad blunt knives. A quality Santoku knife is a staple in our household and we highly recommend it as something you can pack for your cottage trip.
• BBQ tool kit including flippers and tongs – These are usually the first thing to be neglected by previous guests or left out in all weather to get damaged. Bring your own so your BBQ afternoons are well equipped.
• Wine openers/Beer openers – How many times have you scrambled around kitchen drawers looking for these while the party gets started?
• Cooler – Great to bring outside while you BBQ and also great to take on trips outside of the cottage.
• Ice cube tray – Another often neglected part of cottage kitchen stock, and often the local store will be quite a drive away to stock up on bags of ice!
• Dish soap – Again, in case the local store is too far away for a quick restock
• Hand soap – I’m sure you have your favorite kind.
• Garbage bags – Hopefully provided but not always. Prepare just in case.
• Compost bags – An eco friendly way to dispose of biodegradable waste.
• Insulated water bottle for hot/cold beverage – Especially if you plan on hiking.
• Cool packs or pre-made bag of ice – Re-usable cool packs or your own ice cubes to keep food cold on the trip to the cottage. This isn’t an absolute necessity though because if your door-to-door travel time is short, you’ll be able to put it in the fridge once you arrive.

Possible Additional Supplies

• Pots – Bring something that can be used on different stovetops, including induction.
• Frying pans – Lodge pans are great for cooking on traditional stovetops, and even over the fire pit.
• Kettle – For quick boil hot water and tea in an instant.
• Potato peeler – A small knife also works, but if this is your preference, don’t forget it!
• Can opener – There is no easy way to open a can without one.
• Cheese grater – Not the big bulky kind, this one is very packable.
• Utensils – These are great packable ones designed for camping.
• Dishes/Plates/Cups – You don’t need to pack your finest china, these are plastic alternative, dishwasher and microwave safe, and really lightweight.
• Cutting board – Don’t risk arriving and finding those well worn boards as your only option.
• Strainer – Bring the kind that clips onto your pots so you don’t have to pack a whole bulky item.
• Measuring spoons and cups – For those who like to get creative in the kitchen.
• Oven mitt – Because using a kitchen towel is not a safe alternative.
• Dishwasher pods – It is likely you won’t be provided with enough.

Food & Drinks

Every grocery list will be different, so buy according to your preference and what you plan on making. You probably have some items at home that you can bring along with you.

If you forget something, don’t fret, most of the time, there will be a grocery store or corner store back in town where you can just do some re-stocking on your trip.

• Food – This is not the time to think diet food, the country air will fuel an appetite!
• Snacks – Also plan things you can snack on in the car on the way there and throw in your bag when you are out hiking.
• S’mores including graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows – Buy more than you think you need. 1 box is never enough! There are a ton of different kits you can buy but you can save money by picking up the supplies individually as well.
• Water – Many cottages pump in water from a nearby well, lake, or other source which means the water may not be suitable for drinking. That’s why you’ll have to rely on bringing your own water. Always ask the owner about the water situation before going.
• Beverages – Soft drinks, beer, wine, alcohol. Pick your poison.
• Hot chocolate – An essential for cozy evenings curled up under a blanket on the deck.
• Coffee – A hot coffee in the fresh mountain air as the sun rises is an elite life experience.
• Tea – If coffee isn’t your vibe.
• Cream / milk – Pick your preference.
• Sugar – Even if life isn’t already sweet enough.
• Cooking oil / butter – Don’t rely on there being oil at the cottage.
• Salt + pepper – To spice up your life.
• Spices + condiments – Ketchup addicts will have this at the top of the list.
• Alcoholic beverages – A liquor store might not be nearby, and if you like good wines, it is likely you’ll need to bring that from your favorite local wine store.

Personal Items & Toiletries

• Sunblock – The best sunscreen on the market is the Sun Bum. Use 50 SPF for your face and 50 SPF for body. I recommend different ones because the ones for your face are less oily.
• After-sun aloe vera – For when you have been having too much fun to remember to reapply sunscreen.
• Insect repellent – The spring and summer is when mosquitoes thrive so make sure you have the right protection. These days, you also have to think about ticks. Here’s what I recommend: In the US, use Repel. In Canada, use Deep Woods.
• Ointment for bug bites – Mosquitoes love me and have found that After-Bite helps with the itchiness.
• Lip balm with SPF – Don’t underestimate the change in air and the strength of the sun, particularly if you are higher altitude.
• Hair dryer – Don’t assume these are provided, and certainly don’t assume it will be a powerful one.
• Hair shampoo and conditioner – Bring your favorite brands.
• Shower gel or soaps – Extra points if you bring something forest or mountain scented.
• Toothbrush + toothpaste + floss + mouthwash
• Face wash + face cream
• Body/hand lotion – If it’s anything like up in northern Ontario, it’s insanely dry in cottage country.
• Deodorant – Also useful to bring a small travel version for hiking days.
• Quick dry towel – A regular bath towel is fine but if you are tight on space, a travel towel is good to have. These also double up as great beach towels.
• Nail clipper
• Razor and shaving cream
• Eye shades + ear plugs
• Pocket knife – The most reliable pocket knife has got to be the Camper Swiss Army – perfect for fishing by the docks or on a boat.
• Toilet paper
• Q-tips + cotton pads
• Cosmetics and hair ties
• Feminine products – If you’re far from a town, these will not be that easy to buy last minute or at night.
• Prescription glasses / contact lenses + case + solution
• Eye drops
• Poo-pourri – The most awkward thing about cottaging with family and/or friends is the #2. You know what I’m talking about. Tell everyone to put 2 drops of this before you do your business and everyone’s nose will thank you.

First Aid Gear

Your cottage most likely has a few of these items but it’s always better to be on the safe side of things. You know which medication works for you. Don’t forget to check the expiration dates. This travel first aid kit includes most of what we recommend below.

Fire Pit Gear

Not all cottages are equipped with a fire pit, if you’d like one, make sure you add that to the filter when you’re searching for a cottage. We usually use firewood for fire pits but if you plan to cook food over the fire, consider using charcoal for better heat distribution.

• Axe / saw – A chopping axe is useful to split firewood to create smaller logs or kindling.
• Lighter / matches
• Firewood + kindling + fire starter
• Charcoal + lighter fluid (kerosene)
• Tarp – To keep firewood dry.
• Fan / air blower – For ventilating the fire pit like one of these pocket fire billows.
• Skewers – These telescoping roasting sticks are super handy for marshmallows and s’mores.
• Grilling rack over the fire
• Water jug – This is just handy to have to rinse stuff off or at the end of the night to put out the fire. We usually just bring something like an empty 2L Tropicana jug.
• Baby wipes – Any kind of cleaning wipes or wet naps will do. Marshmallows = sticky fingers so it’s nice to have these by your side while making s’mores.

General Recreational Items

Spring/ Summer Recreational Items

Not all cottages include these items so it’s best to check with the owners or the resort to find out whether these are available. If not, you’ll have to pack your own.

• Life jackets
• Water toys
• Bicycles + helmets
• Rope – Sometimes water craft don’t come with rope to tie down onto the deck so it’s handy to have your own so you don’t have to pull them back on land every time.

Winter Recreational Items

Clothing/ Footwear

Every cottage trip is different, but this list is a solid starting point for your cottage packing list. From cozy layers for chilly evenings to comfortable outfits for outdoor adventures, packing the right clothing will help you stay prepared, relaxed, and ready to make the most of your getaway.

General

Spring/Summer

For spring and summer, your cottage packing list should include clothing that are quick drying. I would still recommend at least a set of long sleeve shirt and pants for cool nights, or if you want to avoid mosquitoes.

• Running Shoes – Now is not the time to break in new shoes, bring a pair you have already worn.
• Hiking shoes – Same as above, worn in and comfortable is key.
• Water shoes or sandals
• Flip flops
• Hat – For the best sun cover, wide brim hats are a good investment such as the Tilley LTM6.
• Buff Headwear – There’s a reason why every trip needs a Buff. Read my review to understand why.
• Rain jacket + rain boots
• Warm clothes – Things cool down considerably in the evening and cold fronts can come in when you least expect it so always make sure you pack a few sweaters and light jacket in case.

Fall/Winter

For fall and winter, it’s all about the layers. You may under-estimate the cold and wind chill, especially if your cottage is by the water or more north, so pack the base layers!

Cottage Packing Tips

Once you have all of the things you need for your upcoming cottage trip, the fun part is figuring out a way to load it into your car.

While this won’t cover ever single case because every trip is different, the number of vehicles you’ll be driving to your cottage, and the size of your car, here are a couple of generalized tips to go along with your cottage packing list.

• Use cardboard boxes – Save money by making use of cardboard boxes (*hint* Amazon) you have at home to make the moving of things easier.
• Invest in collapsible boxes – CleverMade has awesome bins (depicted in the photo) that can be collapsed to a thin footprint when not in use.
• More plastic bins – Collapsible boxes are expensive but those large plastic bins are super handy not only for stacking and organizing in the car but also for moving a large number of things from inside the cottage to say the BBQ or the fire pit. This way, you don’t have to try to juggle everything in your arms.
• Stay organized – As best as you can, try to keep common-themed items together so you can find things easily when you arrive at the cottage.
• Pack clothes like you would for a trip – Make use of smart minimalist packing tips and put your clothes in a suitcase, duffle bag, or backpack.
• Heavy things on the bottom – As you’re loading the car, make a point to put the heavy stuff first so they don’t crush anything else.
• Pretend it’s Tetris – You may not get it right the first time but if you rearrange a few things, you might be able to fit more.
• Remember the ice – Depending on how far your cottage is, you may want to make sure refrigerated food stays cold. Prepare ice cubes at home or bring cool packs.
• Pack less than you think you need – I know this is counter-intuitive but you’re always going to want to bring EVERYTHING. As you get more experienced, you’ll learn that there are certain things that you really don’t need because the cottage will typically have them already such as kitchen utensils, cleaning supplies, coffee, etc.
• Ask the cottage owner what they have – To add to the above, what frustrates me the most about cottage listings is that they never really show you exactly what they have. I know it’ll be impossible for the owner to give you a full inventory of everything in the house, it’s worth asking them about specific things so you don’t have to bring them such a cheese grater, peeler, fly swatter, porcelain pot for casserole, or anything else that seems small enough for you to bring but you really shouldn’t to save packing space.
• Do you need a fan/heater? – Not all cottages have air conditioning or a central air furnace. If so, think about whether you need these. Sometimes cottage owners don’t explicitly mention how their set up of portable fans and heaters are so again, make sure to ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope you found this cottage packing list useful. If there’s anything we’ve missed, don’t hesitate to drop a comment down below. Happy cottaging!