Packing Essentials for Your First PT Travel Contract

Need packing essentials for your first PT Travel Contract? Packing the right essentials is key to staying comfortable and organized on the go. In this blog, I cover the main items I bring as a minimalist.

Mason Baker

5/1/2025

If you’re getting ready for a 3 month travel physical therapy assignment, figuring out what to pack can feel overwhelming. You don’t want to overpack, but you also don’t want to arrive without the things you’ll need. After working several contracts across different states and seasons, I’ve developed a go-to packing approach that helps me feel prepared without hauling my whole life around. Here’s what I personally recommend bringing.

Start with clothing as this is going to be the bulk of what you pack. You’ll need work clothes that meet your facility’s dress code (scrubs vs business casual. I find having most, if not all, of the shoes I own is a must. You'll be on your feet a lot, so it's worth bringing a variety of shoes for work and leisure. I also pack casual clothes for off days, workouts, and any weekend adventures.

One thing that’s easy to overlook is seasonal changes. If there’s a chance you might extend a contract that starts in late summer then you want to consider packing winter clothes too. Although my contract was in Indiana during the winter from the start, so I should have known better, I wasn't fully prepared for the cold (I’m from Florida!). Bring layers, a real winter jacket, gloves, and cold-weather essentials if there’s even a slight chance you’ll need them. And don’t forget to pack or plan to buy a snow scraper for your car!

When it comes to bedding and towels, most furnished housing provides the basics. That usually includes sheets, towels, and maybe even extra blankets. Still, I like to bring one or two of my own towels and a favorite blanket or two, just for extra comfort or backup.

As for the kitchen and household items, the place is usually stocked well with pots, pans, utensils, paper towels, toilet paper, and sometimes even laundry detergent. You can also get a decent idea of what’s included just by looking closely at the listing photos. It is a good idea to figure out all the kitchen items that are at your new place before you make your first big store run.

Toiletries are more hit or miss, so I always bring my own. That includes shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and anything else I use on a daily basis.

There are also a few unique items I always make room for. I never leave without my blender — I use it quite a bit for post workout smoothies. I also bring a car portable battery (I use the NOCO Boost Plus). And I always travel with a sleeping fan. It helps with background noise and keeping cool, especially if your housing doesn’t have a great AC system.

You shouldn't have to worry about bringing paper documents. You won’t need printed copies of your PT license, CPR certification, or onboarding paperwork. Just make sure you have everything saved digitally and easily accessible from your phone or email.

In the end, packing for a travel contract is all about finding the right balance — bringing the essentials without overdoing it. Focus on what you use daily, plan ahead for possible weather changes (especially if you might extend your contract), and include a few personal comforts to help you settle in. If you're ever unsure about what's provided, don't hesitate to ask the landlord for clarification, as website listings often include general terms that might not cover all the specifics. You can always adjust once you arrive, but having your must-haves with you from the start can make the transition a whole lot smoother.

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