Hospital Checklist: What to Pack Before Surgery

Preparing for your hospital stay can help reduce stress and make your recovery journey more comfortable. Whether you're scheduled for a hip replacement, knee replacement, shoulder surgery, or another planned procedure, packing the right essentials ahead of time allows you to focus on what matters most—your recovery.

Use this checklist as a general guide, and always follow the specific instructions provided by your hospital or healthcare team.

Essential Documents

Before leaving for the hospital, make sure you have:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Health insurance card (if applicable)
• Hospital admission paperwork
• List of current medications
• Emergency contact information
• Any documents requested by your healthcare provider

Keep these items together in an easily accessible folder.

Comfortable Clothing

Choose loose, comfortable clothing that's easy to put on and remove.

Recommended items include:

• Loose-fitting shirts
• Elastic-waist pants or shorts
• Comfortable underwear
• Non-slip socks
• Slip-on shoes with supportive soles
• Lightweight sweater or zip-up jacket

Avoid clothing that is tight or difficult to manage after surgery.

Personal Care Items

Many hospitals provide basic toiletries, but you may prefer to bring your own.

Consider packing:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hairbrush or comb
• Lip balm
• Facial tissues
• Deodorant
• Glasses or contact lens case (if needed)
• Hearing aids and batteries (if applicable)

Choose travel-size items to save space.

Electronics

Bring only the essentials.

Helpful items include:

• Mobile phone
• Phone charger (a longer charging cable can be especially useful)
• Tablet or e-reader (optional)
• Headphones or earbuds

Label your devices if possible and keep valuables to a minimum.

Medications

Follow your hospital's instructions regarding medications.

Bring:

• A current list of medications
• Information about allergies
• Medical devices you routinely use, if instructed

Do not take medications during your stay unless directed by your healthcare team.

Recovery Planning

Before leaving home, make sure you've already:

• Prepared your recovery space
• Arranged transportation home
• Scheduled help from family or friends if needed
• Reviewed your discharge instructions
• Planned easy meals for your return

Preparing before surgery makes the transition home much smoother.

What Not to Bring

To help keep your belongings safe, avoid bringing:

• Large amounts of cash
• Expensive jewelry
• Valuable electronics you don't need
• Irreplaceable personal items
• Strong fragrances or scented products if your hospital discourages them

Hospitals often have limited storage space, so pack only what you'll need.

Before You Leave Home

Take a few final moments to:

• Double-check your hospital paperwork.
• Charge your phone.
• Lock doors and windows.
• Set up pet or child care if needed.
• Confirm transportation arrangements.
• Make sure someone knows your expected return date.

A little preparation today can make tomorrow much less stressful.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I pack my hospital bag?

Many people pack their hospital bag several days before their scheduled surgery so they're ready well in advance.

Will I need recovery products at the hospital?

Most adaptive daily living products are primarily used after you return home. Ask your healthcare provider if there are any specific items they recommend bringing with you.

How much clothing should I bring?

For many planned surgeries, one change of comfortable clothing for your trip home is sufficient. Follow your hospital's guidance if you expect a longer stay.

Should I bring my medications?

Bring an up-to-date medication list unless your hospital specifically instructs you to bring the medications themselves. Always follow your healthcare team's instructions.

Quick Hospital Checklist

Before you leave, make sure you've packed:

• □ Photo ID
• □ Insurance card (if applicable)
• □ Hospital paperwork
• □ Medication list
• □ Emergency contact information
• □ Comfortable clothing
• □ Slip-on shoes
• □ Non-slip socks
• □ Toiletries
• □ Phone and charger
• □ Glasses or hearing aids (if needed)

Preparing for a Smooth Recovery

Packing your hospital bag is only one part of preparing for surgery.

Taking time to organize your home, plan for daily activities, and understand what to expect after discharge can make recovery feel more manageable.

Explore our additional recovery resources for guidance before surgery, after you return home, and throughout your recovery journey.