What to Pack for Treatment
Check items off as you pack. Your list is saved automatically on this device, so you can come back and finish it later or print it for a final check before you leave.
Leave these at home
- Weapons or sharp objects
- Valuables and expensive jewelry
- Outside food or drinks
- Anything your treatment team asks you not to bring. We’ll cover the specifics together during intake
Why a packing list matters
Getting ready for treatment brings up a lot of questions, and packing is one of the easiest to get stuck on. Bringing the right things helps intake go smoothly and lets you focus on why you’re there instead of what’s in your bag.
How to use this tool
Check off each item as you pack it. Your progress saves automatically on this device, so you can leave and come back anytime. Use Print for a paper copy to pack from, or Reset to start a fresh list.
Why packing well makes the first week easier
Starting treatment is a big step, and it’s stressful enough without worrying that you forgot something important. A little preparation takes some of that pressure off. When the practical details are handled, you can put your energy into settling in and getting to know the people who will be supporting you.
It also gives you something useful to do while you wait. Many people feel anxious in the days before admission, and a checklist gives that nervous energy a place to go. Use the builder above to check things off as you pack, and print the list for one last look before you leave.
Start with documents and logistics
Before clothes and toiletries, sort out the paperwork. Your intake team will tell you exactly what they need, and it’s worth asking early rather than the night before. Items people commonly need to sort out include:
- Photo ID and your insurance card, if you’re using insurance.
- A current list of your medications, including doses and the name of your prescriber.
- Contact details for the people who should be reachable, like a partner, parent, or close friend, plus anyone you need to notify at work or school.
- A way to pay for any personal expenses, if the program asks you to bring one.
- Any forms the program sent you to complete ahead of time.
If you’re not sure about any of this, call the intake team. They answer these questions every day and would much rather hear from you ahead of time.
Comfort comes first
Think comfortable, layered, and easy to wash. You’ll likely spend time in groups, sessions, and shared spaces, and the temperature can vary from room to room. Choose things that feel good to wear and that you feel at ease in. Plan to do laundry instead of trying to bring your whole closet.
- Comfortable everyday clothes you can layer, including a sweatshirt or light jacket.
- Sleepwear and slippers or house shoes.
- Comfortable, supportive shoes for walking.
- Casual or activewear if the program includes movement or outdoor time.
- Anything with messages or images that could be upsetting to you or others is best left at home.
Programs have their own guidelines on clothing and belongings, so check what yours recommends.
Toiletries, medications, and personal items
Many programs have specific guidelines about toiletries, so check before you buy and bring only what you need. Small containers are usually easiest.
For medications, bring what your prescriber has prescribed, in the original labeled containers, along with your list. Staff will typically review them at intake. Please don’t stop or change any prescribed medication on your own before you arrive. If you have questions about what to bring, ask your intake team or your prescriber first.
Comfort items can make an unfamiliar room feel more like yours. A journal, some photos, a favorite book, a soft blanket, or a playlist can help. Ask whether phones, tablets, and other electronics are allowed, since policies vary.
What to leave at home
The checklist includes a short note about what to leave at home. The idea is simple. Treatment works best in a space that supports your recovery, so anything your treatment team asks you not to bring stays out. They’ll go over the specifics with you during intake.
It can feel strange to set things aside before you’ve even arrived. Remember that it’s for a short time and it’s part of creating a safe, supportive space for you and the other people in the program.
Questions worth asking before you pack
- What’s the guidance on clothing, and is there a laundry option?
- What are the rules on phones, laptops, and other electronics?
- How are prescription medications handled at check-in?
- Can I bring my own toiletries, and is there anything I should avoid?
- What are the visiting and phone-call policies for family?
- What should I do about work, school, or caregiving while I’m away?
Write the answers next to your list and take them with you.
A simple packing timeline
- Three or more days before: Call the intake team with your questions, gather documents, and check the leave-at-home note.
- Two days before: Do laundry, pick up any missing toiletries, and start filling your bag.
- The day before: Finish packing, print your checklist from the builder above, and put your ID, insurance card, and medication list on top.
- The morning of: Do a last walk through your home for chargers, glasses, and anything you’d hate to leave behind.
If your admission happens on short notice, don’t worry about perfection. Focus on documents, medications, and a few days of comfortable clothing. Most other things can be dropped off later, and your team can help with anything you missed.
For family members helping someone pack
If you’re helping a loved one get ready, keep it practical and calm. Offer to go through the checklist with them, pick up a missing item, or handle a task that feels like too much. Avoid comments about their body, their eating, or what they should expect from treatment. Encouragement goes a long way, and a short note tucked into their bag can mean more than you’d think.
Arrival day
Pack the night before and keep your ID, insurance card, and medication list where you can reach them easily. Get as much rest as you can and plan your ride. Feeling nervous is normal. Nearly everyone does. The team you’re about to meet works with people in your position all the time, and the first day is mostly about getting comfortable and settled.
This checklist is a general guide, not medical or clinical advice. Always follow the specific instructions from your program.
If you need help before you arrive
Getting ready for treatment can stir up a lot of feelings, and some days can feel harder than others. If you are in crisis or thinking about hurting yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) any time, day or night. If you are in immediate danger or having a medical emergency, call 911. This checklist is a general guide, not medical or clinical advice, so always follow the specific instructions from your program.
Want more guidance before you arrive?
Every program’s exact policies can vary. If you have questions about a specific item or what to expect on your first day, our admissions team is available to talk it through with you. Talk to admissions.
Related reading
Eating Disorder Treatment Intake Process
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pack exactly what’s on this list?
No. This checklist covers the essentials most people need, but every program’s policy can vary. Our admissions team will walk through anything specific to your stay before you arrive.
Can I add my own items to the list?
This tool tracks the categories most people ask about. If you have questions about a specific item not listed here, reach out to admissions before you pack it.
Will my checklist be saved if I close the page?
Yes. Your progress is saved on this device automatically, so you can come back and pick up where you left off, or print the final list before you leave.