Pack Smart, Travel Light

Your professional documents and credentials are the single most important things -- licenses, certifications, immunization records, and ID. After that, invest in quality shoes (you will be on your feet for 12+ hours) and comfortable, durable scrubs. Everything else can be replaced if forgotten, but showing up without your credentials can delay or cancel your start date.

Most travel nurses do not bring full furniture sets. However, many bring a few comfort items: a quality air mattress or mattress topper, a portable desk for charting at home, and their own pillow and bedding. If you drive between assignments and have the space, a folding chair and small side table can make furnished rentals feel more like home without taking up much room.

FIGS, Cherokee Infinity, and Barco Grey's Anatomy are consistently rated highest by travel nurses for comfort during 12-hour shifts. FIGS wins on style and fabric feel. Cherokee Infinity offers the best value for the quality. Barco Grey's Anatomy has excellent pocket layouts. Most travel nurses carry 5-7 sets to get through the week without doing laundry mid-shift.

Use a rooftop cargo carrier or hitch cargo box for overflow. Pack in categories using labeled bins or bags. Roll clothes instead of folding to save space. Keep a "go bag" pre-packed with first-day essentials so you can start your assignment without unpacking everything. Most experienced travelers develop a system after a few moves and learn to bring only what they actually use.