Free Packing List Template - 31+ Best Documents (Excel, Word, PDF)

A packing list template is a document that contains information about the contents of a package being carried or delivered. The packing list term is used in several concepts. Such as the use of packing list terms in a tourism agency and transport agency is different. Thus, the packing list template is frequently used by tourists and businesses. However, the packing list includes the save details in all types of applications. It shows what list of things along with quantity, weight, and volume if required.

What is the packing list?

Bill of parcel
Unpacking note
Packing slip
Delivery docket
Delivery list
Manifest
Shipping list
And customer receipt.

A packing list for the tourism agency works as a checklist. It helps the tourists to make sure everything necessary for the tour has been packed and nothing got missed. Also, tourists can verify their luggage at any transition stage during the tour. So, nothing gets dropped at any place of temporary stay. Thus, the packing list template is available on the internet to edit and customize as per requirement. You may also like a shipping label template.

While the packing list in the shipping or transport industry also works as a checklist. However, the use of this packing list is way more important than the tourism packing list.

The packing list is an essential part of the shipping documents. It is included in the set of documents sent to the customer bank and along with a container to the port and customer. So, the port custom clearance officer may know what’s inside the consignment.

Further, if the consignment opts for the customs examination process. The consignment items are verified against the packing list to maintain transparency.

Similarly, a copy of the packing list is left on the inside gate of the container for the customer. So, when the customer breaks the seal to open the container, the packing list can be used to verify the unloaded material with the packing list.

Essential Components of a Packing List

The purpose of the packing list to give detailed information about the package or consignment to the concerned authorities such as the transport agent, custom officer, clearing agent, and customer.

Thus, it is important to include detailed information about the material and packing of the package in the packing list.

So, details about the item’s description, quantity, weight, and volume are included on the packing list. Though, the volume parameter of packing type boxes and pallets is required to mention on the packing list for shipping agent freight calculation in case of loose cargo. The packing list also includes the specific part number of the item being ordered as per the supplier product catalog. You should also check the customer database template.

How to Create a Packing List Template?

The packing list can be created using MS Excel or Word. Most commonly, the MS Excel tool is preferred to create a packing list. It’s a very simple tool that provides the best controls and formulas to assist in the calculation process. You may also see a grocery list template.

Thus, a detailed description of every single item of a consignment is required to create a packing list template. Also, the business has to analyze how to customize the packing list accordingly to business requirements.

If a business supplies small items that are packed in the form of pallets. The business has to mention the quantity and weight breakup of each pallet in the form of a unit product. So, the summed-up quantity and weight of each pallet must show the total ordered quantity and weight of the product excluding packing material weight.

How do you make a packing list template?

When making a travel or movie packing list, here are the steps you must follow;

Start by doing research

Before you start creating a cruise packing list or something similar, you should ensure that you know the following;

Where you’re going
How long your trip will be
What are the weather conditions
The directions to reach at your destination

It’s better to shelve the trip to a later date in case you don’t have the information to one of these things or more.

Use a blank template

You just have to start with a blank template. You can use it to make a hiking, camping or beach packing list. A blank document is easier to edit, remove or add information. It is suggested to start with a title to make things clear for you. You might want to split the page into equal sections if the trip is for your entire family one for each member of your family.

Consider the format to use

This includes the form of presentation of details. Specify whether you want to use bullet points or make a list for each of the items. Write a title at the top to lessen confusion if you are making a series of lists.

Plan what clothes to bring

This is based on the purpose of your trip. For example, in case, you’re making a camping packing list, you need to bring a shirt, and a pair of pants, a pair of socks, underwear, and even pajamas when you are going for seven-day trip.

Plan your toiletries

It is suggested to bring your own body wash, shampoo, and other bathroom items if you plan to spend a week somewhere. Consider skipping the shower in case it were only for one night. Also, if you’re spending the weekend at your destination, keep in mind to bring some toilet paper.

Bring the things that entertain you while on the trip

A one-night stay would only need some precise readings such as a magazine. But, you can bring books and other items to keep you entertained if you’re making something like a college packing list.

Sleeping items are essential too

Pack things such as extra sheets for your bed, these may prove useful in case something happens. Bring along a sheet or two and rotate every other week in case you plan to stay for a longer period of time.

Never forget the financial or identification items

If your trip involves going abroad, here the items included are your wallet and passport. But, you might not need money for a one-night stay as you won’t have time to purchase anything.

Health and first-aid items are necessary

If you’re taking maintenance or prescribed medications, these are particularly important. In addition to this, if the need arises, the things like a first-aid kit, bandages, pain relievers, and motion sickness medications can help you out.

Items for the outdoors

If your vacation involves spending time outdoors like in a swimming pool, at the beach or going camping, your list should contain a section for these items. For such outings, sunscreen is a requirement. Furthermore, to make your outdoor experience more enjoyable, you can bring sleeping bags, a tent, beach towels, and other items. You can involve items such as a flashlight and insect repellent.

If you are traveling with infants or children, think about what to bring

You have to make this section only for trips where you travel with young children or babies. Diapers, wipes, baby powder, a sippy cup, and even a stroller are the usual necessities to include.

Double-check your list

To make sure you have written down everything you need, go over your list again. On the list, remove anything that you think you won’t use. When you are planning a long trip, keep in mind that there are always convenience stores along the way to your location. You can purchase what you require from such shops.

The uses of a packing list template in business:

For your business, you can also use a packing list template. For example, this document is a special template for shipping that you have to fill up before shipping your merchandise. In addition, the packing list serve the following purposes;

You can use it as a bill of lading and for your shipment, as a source of details.
By using it, you can tally the items at the different shipment stages easily.
It is useful to automatically calculate your shipment’s total weight.
It is also essential for customs clearing at the airport. This document makes everything easier for you.

The businesses also use it for their customers to know that they got the goods they ordered. Packing list is the best way to provide the information. There are some more benefits of a packing list in a business:

The items that you’re about to dispatch, you can use it to take note of them.
For customer, the packing list make it easier to check the list of goods that they received.
Use it as proof that your customers got the goods that they ordered.

Tips of Packing list:

It can be quiet exciting to go on a holiday or moving to a new city. However, it begins with packing which is the most strenuous of tasks. Definitely, designing the packing list can make the ordeal easier. Let us discuss some tips that will simplify the entire packing list creation process;

At first, make main categories for all the things that should be packed. It would be suggested to list these on the basis of the priority.
Check each item. After that, decide which category you have to put it into.
For the items that do not fall under any category, you can also make a section named Miscellaneous.
Finally, review the list time. The things that you might have left out add them.

printable suggested packing list template

Why packing list is important?

There are various reasons why a packing list is important that are described below;

For the product, it gives a count that is being released.
For the inland bill of lading, it acts as proof.
For a certificate origin, it shows the details needed.
In the automated export system, gives the detailed information required by the electronic export information section.
The goods that are deemed hazardous or dangerous acts as proof of a material safety data sheet.
It helps you to make a booking with the international carrier.
For the buyer, it acts as a guide while counting the product they received.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the packing list?

A packing list is a shipping document that has detailed information about the contents of a package. It comes with delivery packages, generally in an attached pouch or within the package itself. This list is made by a seller. Other names of the packing list are;

1- Bill of parcel
2- Unpacking note
3- Packing slip
4- Delivery docket
5- Delivery list
6- Manifest
7- Shipping list
8- And customer receipt.

What should a packing list include?

You should include detailed information in a packing list such as date, the contact information of shipper and exporter, receiver contact information, the destination address of shipment, the total number of packages, a thorough description of each package, the volume and weight of each package and whole shipment, a reference to the line product on the commercial invoice and any other additional information you want to add.

What is an export packing list?

An export packing list is a detailed document that is used during international trade activities. It has information about the contents of the package. It is usually attached to the outside of the shipment. This document is needed for all the sea freight and air freight. The packing list contains the following information;

1- Quantity
2- Description
3- Weight

In the export packing list, pricing information is not needed.

How do I create and print a packing list in QuickBooks?

There are three steps that you have to follow for creating a packing list in QuickBooks;

Step#1: Firstly, at the top menu bar go to Customers. Then, click Create Sales Orders.

Step#2: Next, click on the dropdown to the right of the Template and choose the Intuit S.O. Packing Slip.

Step#3: After that complete all fields and provide the relevant information. Then, click Save & Close.

To print a packing list in QuickBooks follows the following steps;

Step#1: Firstly, choose Sales from the left menu. Then, select Customers.

Step#2: To display a list f customer’s transactions select their name.

Step#3: Then go to the transaction list tab; choose the box next to each invoice. You can also select the sales receipt for which you want to print a packing list.

Step#4: Next, from the dropdown select the batch actions and then select print packing slip.

Step#5: When the print preview screen appears then chooses the printing options, preview, and print.

Why packing list is important?

There are various reasons why a packing list is important that are described below;

1- For the product, it gives a count that is being released.
2- For the inland bill of lading, it acts as proof.
3- For a certificate origin, it shows the details needed.
4- In the automated export system, gives the detailed information required by the electronic export information section.
5- The goods that are deemed hazardous or dangerous acts as proof of a material safety data sheet.
6- It helps you to make a booking with the international carrier.
7- For the buyer, it acts as a guide while counting the product they received.

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Free Printable Packing List Template (Excel, Word, PDF)