A trip to the cottage is a great opportunity to spend time away from the bustling city, and take advantage of some quality time with friends and family.  Staycation has been extremely popular especially since it’s more cost effective and convenient for big groups.

Many people tend to over pack when they plan a cottage trip because of the mentality that they think they have so much more room in the car. However, you’ll quickly find that the trunk of your car will not hold as much as you would like.  Hopefully, this cottage packing list will give you some guidelines on what you need to bring to your local weekend getaway.

Cottage Packing List

cottage packing list with sunset view of the dock in the summer

Whether this is your first time going to the cottage or you’re an expert, having a cottage packing list is going to save you time and stress.

Documents

Make sure you have all of your important documents with you before you leave your house.

  • 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 starterThis should just be in your car at all times.
  • 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

cleaning supplies to bring in cottage packing list

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.

CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE
Indispensable Indonesia Packing List

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
  2. Cleaning cloth
  3. Scrubbing brushes/sponges
  4. Disinfectant /all-purpose cleaner
  5. Anti-bacterial wipes/hand sanitizer
  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

Outdoor Gear

kammok swiftlet portable hammock stand in cottage packing list
  • Camping chairsHelinox 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 + batteriesBioLite 330 is great all-around at the cottage or on other outdoor trips.
  • Whistle
  • Citronella candles – If you attract mosquitoes, this will come in handy.
  • Umbrella

Pick up a Portable Hammock Stand

Stock for the Kammok Swiftlet is limited and has been coming in and out. If it’s available, make sure to grab it!

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.

CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE
Islands Of Tahiti Packing List - French Polynesia including Bora Bora, Rangiroa, And Fakarava

If basic kitchen tools are not included, you may need these additional supplies

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
  • Snacks
  • 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
  • Hot chocolate
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Cream / milk
  • Sugar
  • Cooking oil / butter
  • Salt + pepper
  • Spices + condiments
  • Alcoholic beverages

Personal Items

cottage packing list sunscreen and bug spray essentials
  • 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
  • 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
  • Hair dryer
  • Hair shampoo and conditioner
  • Shower gel or soaps
  • 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
  • Quick dry towel – A regular bath towel is fine but if you are tight on space, a travel towel is good to have.
  • 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
  • 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.
CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE
Patagonia Packing List - Detailed Guide With Essentials and Tips

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

cottage packing list needs to include fire pit items

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.
tropicana water jug for the campfire at cottage

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 these are a good place to start for your cottage packing list.

CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE
The Peru Packing List - What To Pack For The Inca Trail And Amazon Jungle

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
  • Hiking shoes
  • Water shoes
  • 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 boxesCleverMade 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 condition 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

welcome sign in this cottage packing list
Where is the best place to book cottages?

The two big players in the market are VRBO and Airbnb but there are more platforms you can use that might uncover hidden gems.

What kind of special cleaning should I do for COVID-19?

You may want to open all the windows once you get to the cottage to get some fresh air in and let it circulate while you bring in your cleaning supplies. Use hot water and a cleaning agent to clean high touch places such as light switches, door knobs and handles. Make sure you have hand soap by all sinks.

I’m bringing a pet, what should I be aware of?

Some cottage owners do not allow pets on their property, so be sure that when you book the cottage you find ones that are pet friendly. On Airbnb and VRBO, you can turn on a filter that searches only pet-friendly properties. You may want to find a cottage that has a fenced backyard area.

Are day visitors allowed?

Day visitors are usually acceptable as long as they are not staying overnight, but just be honest and communicate with owners to make sure that is ok.

Do cottages have minimum booking days?

During popular summer months especially in July and August, some cottages may require a full week booking. Cottage owners may request booking start dates on a specific day of the week.

Is fishing allowed and where can I get a fishing permit?

Every province and state has different fishing rules and limits. Permit prices will vary for residents and non-residents, adults and seniors, freshwater and tidal water. Visit your local fishing and wildlife website to get more information on how to obtain a fishing license (i.e. Ontario, British Columbia, and United States).

What are some common questions to ask the cottage owners?

– When are the check in and check out times?
– Does the property have filtered water for drinking and is tap water safe to drink?
– Are there extra portable fans or space heaters?
– Is there an extra propane tank for the BBQ grill? 
– Where is the closest local store to purchase extra firewood or worms for fishing?
– Do I need to dispose of the garbage, recyclables, and compost items in a depot yourself?
– When is the garbage pick up date to leave it on the curb?
– Is internet usage included and free of charge? What is the password?
– Are there life jackets for water activities on the property, including children’s life jackets? If so, how many are there?
– Is there a hair dryer available?
– Is there laundry detergent available?
– Are there dishwasher pods/detergent available?
– Is firewood provided?

Should I buy firewood before heading up to cottage?

Some cottages include some firewood to start but make sure to ask before you heads up. In general, buying firewood makes more sense closer to the cottage because your car will most likely be full. After you unload your car, you can make a separate trip to buy firewood. Local convenient stores, farms, and neighbours sell firewood.

Do cottages including bedding?

It depends on the property. Most cottages are recommending that you bring your own sheets and pillowcases.


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!

Travel Resources For Your Next Trip

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Rideshare: For new Lyft users, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 USD per ride). Offer valid for 14 days after you take your first ride. For new Uber users, use code psuqbjg4d7rn for the same offer except it’s valid for 30 days.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

  • AmigoSIM – Use GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 25% off. Code is re-useable.
  • Gigsky – Use TANG149 to get $3 USD when you sign up, then use code GOINGAWESOME to save 20% on all eSIM orders.
  • KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
  • AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
  • Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
  • UbigiAWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).

Tours and Activities: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

  • HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks. By booking through our link to get a 15% discount (from June 19-29)!
  • RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
  • SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
  • Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
  • InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

William Tang of Going Awesome Places
About The Author

Will Tang

Will Tang, founder of Going Awesome Places, has traveled to 51 countries. He shares his insanely detailed itineraries, travel guides, and packing lists. Will’s travels have been featured on Huffington Post, Men’s Journal, and Entrepreneur.

Read More About Will

Join The Discussion

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Discussion

  1. Don’t forget to take your patience with you, things can get stressful but everyone wants to enjoy their vacation too! So travel with a smile on your face, a good attitude and just know everything alway works out….so just sit back and enjoy!

    1. That’s a great addition to the packing list! With the cottage, you never know what might happen and also with the group you’re with, what everyone is feeling and wanting to do. A positive attitude and being flexible is always a winning approach!

  2. It was really helpful when you said to contact the cottage owner to ask them what kind of kitchen equipment you would need to bring. I’m planning on taking my family hiking and sleeping in a cottage or cabin for a few days. I’ll send this article to the entire family so they can get other useful tips once I find a cabin to rent.