Want to stay at a friend's house but don't know what to bring? This article will help you pack up, and maybe even calm you down!
Step
Method 1 of 1: Packing for an Overnight at a Friend's House
Step 1. Get ready
Bring a sleeping bag and pillow if your friend does not provide a mattress. If you don't have a sleeping bag, just use a pillow and blanket. Also make sure you bring important things, such as toothbrushes, pajamas, combs, and other personal equipment that you need.
Step 2. Check with the host before bringing in certain items, such as bedding, games, or food
Make sure you don't just think about yourself, and ask if they need certain items, such as snacks, party supplies, or something else.
Step 3. Pack smartly
Bring a medium-sized bag (not a big bag, yes!) which is enough to accommodate your luggage. Do not force the luggage on a small bag because it may spill. You can also carry a small bag for small items, such as makeup.
Step 4. Make a simple to-do list to help you remember the items you need
You can also add checkboxes to mark items to keep your list tidy. Stick the list in one of the bags, on the agenda, or in the refrigerator.
Step 5. The following is an example of a carry-on list:
- Facial cleanser (optional)
- Makeup remover (optional)
- Pajama
- Shoe
- Money (if you plan on leaving)
- Sanitary napkins/tampons (if needed)
- Socks, panties, bra
- Makeup (if you wear it)
- Comb
- Lotion
- Glasses (if you wear them)
- Phone and charger (to save space, charge your phone the day before your stay. If you're bringing both, make sure they're in a safe place.)
- Face masks for party masks (optional)
- iPod/MP3 player (as a boredom reliever)
- Camera (optional)
- Clothes for tomorrow
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- sleeping bag
- Deodorant (you don't want your armpits to smell bad the next day, do you?)
- Flip-flops or socks, so you're not barefoot in someone else's house.
- Medications (if you have asthma or a serious infection, tell the host's parents).
- Swimsuit (if you are going to swim)
- Spare clothes (just in case, in case of an accident or you guys playing in the water)
Step 6. Kids may want to pack their own, but help to make sure they bring the essentials, including:
- Clothes for tomorrow
- Underpants
- Pajama
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Sleeping bag and/or pillow (contact host's parents to make sure they need one)
- Comb
- Medicines (you must know the medicine your sister/child needs)
- List of important contacts and contact hours.
Step 7. Other items that children can bring include:
- Favorite doll/toy
- Sweets (contact the host's parents if the children who will be staying are under 8 years old)
- Cell phones (to make it easy for children to contact)
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Small container containing emergency hair care tools (like a headband -- just in case your hair gets messy the next day)
- Container containing personal hygiene equipment
- Game console
- Party food, such as candy or potato chips (contact host's parents before bringing them)
- Swimwear (if going to swim)
- Deodorant (if the children staying overnight are old enough)
- Headband or hair clip (if desired)
- Comb
Step 8. Check the kid's bag so he doesn't have too many toys, as is common
Make sure he doesn't smuggle in any dangerous items (eg lighters)!
Tips
- If you're sick and don't have your phone with you, don't be afraid to ask your host's parents for help. They will be happy to help you.
- Have fun!
- If you have your phone with you, you may need to bring a charger!
- If you are a girl, bring a pad or tampon. Even if you haven't started your period yet, your period could start at your friend's house! If you don't have one, or forgot to bring one, don't be afraid to ask your friends or parents for it (according to his age)!
- You may need to bring objects or photos from home to prevent homesickness.
- Don't forget to be polite to your host's parents.
- Don't be afraid to try something new!
- Do not bring heavy food to prevent the presence of insects in your friend's house.
- If you want to go home, don't be afraid to call home.
- Bring snacks, sweets, face masks, or nail polish for a girl's party.
- Be sure to bring a toothbrush.
Warning
- You may feel scared, but don't hesitate to borrow the host's phone/mobile.
- Don't bring anything that can grab your attention. You stay for fun, right?
- Don't start a fight. Fights can get you kicked out, or even make you lose your best friend. Both are certainly not a good thing.
- Make sure pads, tampons, underwear, and other personal items are kept in separate pockets if you have them. Other guests may be too playful, to the point where they want to see what's in your bag.
- Do not be shy! Nobody likes people sitting in the corner of the room. If you are too quiet, you may not be invited to stay again!
- If you're planning on going to the movies, clubs, or splashing in the water at the park, bring a change of clothes. Also prepare around IDR 100,000 cash if you are going to the cinema or a club, because you may want to buy food or drinks. Don't bring money under IDR 50,000, because in crowded places, the price of food and drinks can be expensive.
- Remember that unprepared menstruation is a very bad thing, so be prepared!
- Don't bring something you really love. If the object is lost or stolen, you can be sad.
- Do not carry perishable items, unless you are aware of the risks.
- Don't bring unnecessary items, and carry as few items as possible. Bringing what you need will make it easier for you to keep track of things, your bag will be lighter, and you'll be able to repack easily.