Mission prep

The missionary packing list: what we packed, and what to buy

When our mission calls came, we made this list and packed from it. Here's everything we took, the things worth giving as gifts, and picks we researched for sister missionaries.

Start with the "What to Bring" list in the call. Every mission is different, and your missionary's own list (in the call packet or the Missionary Portal) comes first. Use this one to fill in the rest.
Browse the picks ↓Printable checklist ↓

By Lincoln and Nixon Bean · Updated October 2026 · No affiliate links

Price guide: $ under $15 · $$ $15 to $40 · $$$ $40 to $100 · $$$$ over $100

Luggage and packing

Most missionaries fly out with two large checked bags and a carry-on. Check the What to Bring list and the airline's limits before you buy.

Clothing for elders

White shirts, simple ties, and comfortable shoes: follow the Church's dress guidelines for elders (opens in a new tab) and your mission's own list.

Clothing for sisters

Picks we researched

We didn't pack these ourselves, so these are picks we researched against the Church's guidelines for sisters (opens in a new tab): skirts and dresses that cover the knee standing or sitting, and flat, comfortable shoes.

The daily bag

What goes out the door every morning. Missionaries carry a simple, professional bag (backpacks are for luggage, not daily work), so check your mission's list.

Staying in touch

Once they leave, the weekly P-day email is how home hears from them. Set this up before departure.

Study and journaling

For personal study, and for the record they'll want years from now.

  • Dark green hardcover journal with a tree-ring pattern and an elastic band

    CAGIE

    Lay-flat hardcover journal (Amazon, opens in a new tab)

    A sturdy journal for the weekly entries they'll treasure later. Five minutes a week adds up to the whole story.

    Price range: under 15 dollars

  • The Hardcover Memory Book, closed and open: a temple on the cover, a weekly email and photos inside

    From MyMissionLetters

    Hardcover Memory Book

    Every email, photo, and file they send home, printed as a hardcover keepsake. Sign up before they leave so the archive collects from the first P-day, then print it when they're home.

    $99 one-time

  • Eight twist-up gel highlighters in bright colors

    Mr. Pen

    No-bleed gel highlighters (Amazon, opens in a new tab)

    Gel highlighters that won't bleed through thin scripture pages, for marking the verses they'll teach from.

    Price range: under 15 dollars

Toiletries and first aid

Small, refillable, and easy to hang. Everything that goes inside is in the checklist below.

Apartment life

Missionary apartments are basic. Two small things make one feel more like home.

Fun and farewell

For P-day, and for the send-off.

The missionary packing list: mymissionletters.com/missionary-packing-list

The complete checklist

Everything above, plus the everyday things that are easy to forget. Tick items off as you shop, or print the list; only the checklist prints.

Luggage and packing

Clothing for everyone

For elders

For sisters

The daily bag

Toiletries

First aid

Laundry

Study and staying in touch

Apartment and farewell

Serving outside the US

Questions, answered.

When should we start shopping?

Once the call arrives and you've read the What to Bring list. Start with shoes: break them in for a few weeks before the MTC, never in the field.

How much luggage can they take?

The What to Bring list in the call and the airline set the limits, and both change, so check them for your missionary's mission and flight rather than trusting a number online.

What if they're serving outside the US?

Add plug adapters for the country, choose dual-voltage hair tools and chargers, and check the rules for bringing medicine before you pack any. The checklist has a group for it.

How will we hear from them once they leave?

Missionaries write home every week on P-day. With the Pro Email List, one email from your missionary reaches everyone on the family list, and every update is saved.

How we picked

Everything without a label is something we packed for our own missions. The sisters' clothing is a set of picks we researched against the Church's guidelines for sister missionaries.

There are no affiliate links on this page: we earn nothing when you buy. The only things we sell are the two cards marked From MyMissionLetters. Links and prices checked October 2026.

MyMissionLetters is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Always follow the Church's dress guidelines and your mission's own What to Bring list.

Set up their email list before they leave.

One email from your missionary reaches the whole family, and every update is saved.

See the Pro Email List →

Getting ready to serve? Read our tips for new missionaries →