What to Pack for Rehab: A Practical Checklist

Quick answer: Pack roughly a week of comfortable, modest clothing, basic toiletries (alcohol-free), prescribed medications in original bottles, your insurance and ID cards, a few comfort items (journal, photos, books), and any hobby supplies you enjoy. Skip alcohol-based products, anything sharp, expensive jewelry, electronics with cameras (often restricted), and anything controlled or prescription that is not yours. BetterChoice provides bedding, towels, basic toiletries, and on-site laundry. Call (725) 550-5655 for our specific list before you arrive.

The night before admission is rarely calm. Patients are nervous, families are emotional, and someone always asks, around 10 PM, "Wait — what are they actually allowed to bring?" To take some of the guesswork out of it, here is the practical packing list we use at BetterChoice Treatment Center. Specifics vary slightly by facility, but the framework holds across most accredited residential programs.

Clothing for Roughly Seven Days

Most facilities have laundry on-site, so you do not need a separate outfit for every day of treatment. Aim for about a week's worth of comfortable clothes you can rotate.

• 5 to 7 t-shirts or casual tops
• 3 to 4 pairs of pants — a mix of jeans and something more comfortable like sweatpants or leggings
• 1 to 2 pairs of shorts (Las Vegas summers are real)
• Undergarments and socks for 7 to 10 days
• 1 light jacket or hoodie — air conditioning runs cold
• Pajamas / sleepwear
• 1 swimsuit (we have a pool)
• Workout clothes
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes (sneakers)
• Sandals or slides for around the residence
• 1 modest "nice" outfit for family days or graduation

Skip clothing with drug or alcohol references, revealing cuts, or aggressive imagery. Most facilities have a modesty dress code.

Toiletries and Personal Care

Bring travel sizes if possible. Most facilities require that anything liquid-based be unopened or alcohol-free.

• Shampoo and conditioner (alcohol-free)
• Body wash or soap
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Deodorant (non-aerosol preferred)
• Hairbrush / comb
• Hair ties
• Razor and shaving cream (some facilities check these in and check them out daily)
• Skincare basics
• Feminine hygiene products
• Contact lens supplies if applicable

Mouthwash, perfume, hand sanitizer, and any product containing alcohol are typically not allowed. Most facilities have a small store or will provide alcohol-free alternatives.

Medications

Bring all current prescription medications in their original, labeled bottles. Do not bring loose pills, mixed bottles, or weekly pill organizers — they will not be accepted. Bring a written list of dosages and prescribing physicians. Our medical team will review everything on admission and decide what continues, what gets adjusted, and what gets discontinued.

If you wear glasses, bring them. If you have a CPAP, bring it. If you have a knee brace, EpiPen, inhaler, or any medical device, bring it.

Documentation

A short list of paperwork dramatically smooths the admissions process:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
• Insurance card
• List of current medications and dosages
• List of allergies
• Emergency contact information
• Any relevant legal paperwork (court orders, custody documents)

Comfort Items That Help

The first few nights in any new environment are hard. A few small comforts make a real difference:

• A book or two (non-substance-themed)
• A journal and a pen
• Photos of loved ones (no glass frames)
• A small pillow or blanket from home
• Headphones (wired — wireless are sometimes restricted)

What NOT to Pack

This is the list that surprises people most. Most facilities will confiscate or check in the following on admission:

• Phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches (electronics policies vary; ours allows limited supervised access during designated times)
• Anything containing alcohol — including mouthwash, perfume, cologne, hand sanitizer
• Aerosols
• Sharp objects beyond approved razors — knives, scissors, multi-tools
• Medications not in original labeled bottles
• Over-the-counter medications unless cleared in advance
• Energy drinks or supplements containing stimulants
• Weapons of any kind
• Tobacco / vape products if the facility is non-smoking (we permit limited tobacco use in designated areas; ask in advance)
• Anything illegal — including substances and paraphernalia
• Provocative clothing
• Large amounts of cash
• Valuables you do not need (jewelry, expensive watches)

Money and Phones

Most facilities discourage bringing significant cash. A small amount for the on-site store is usually sufficient. Phones are typically collected on admission and returned for short, supervised windows. This is not punitive — it is part of the structure that lets the brain disengage from old patterns.

Practical Notes for Las Vegas

Our facility at 198 Ebb Tide Cir, Las Vegas, NV 89123 has an outdoor pool, walking paths, and fitness amenities, and the Las Vegas climate runs hot most of the year. Pack with that in mind. We also provide transportation from McCarran (Harry Reid) International Airport — call (725) 550-5655 in advance to coordinate.

One Last Thing

You do not need to pack perfectly. If you forget something, you can almost always get it shipped, ask a family member to bring it on the next visiting day, or buy it through the on-site store. The most important thing you bring is yourself — willing, on time, and ready to begin.

Why the Packing Question Matters More Than It Seems

Packing for rehab is not a logistics question; it is the moment when an abstract decision becomes physically real. For many patients, the night before admission is when reality hits hardest. Having a thoughtful, practical packing list takes one source of anxiety off the table and lets the patient (and the family member helping them) focus on the bigger emotional work.

The list below reflects what BetterChoice provides on-site, what is allowed and not allowed for safety and program reasons, and what tends to actually be useful versus what gets shoved in a corner of the closet.

Clothing — About a Week's Worth

Pack for 5 to 7 days. We do laundry on-site (washers and dryers available, or staff-assisted depending on your stay), so there is no need for a 30-day wardrobe. Aim for comfortable, modest, climate-appropriate items:

• 7 to 10 t-shirts or casual tops (long sleeve and short sleeve)
• 2 to 3 pairs of jeans or casual pants
• 2 to 3 pairs of athletic or yoga pants
• 1 light sweater or hoodie
• 1 jacket appropriate to the season
• A week of underwear and socks
• 2 to 3 pairs of pajamas (modest — shared common areas)
• A swimsuit (one-piece for women, modest trunks for men) for pool use
• 1 pair of athletic shorts
• 1 outfit slightly nicer than casual, for family visits or any structured outings

For Las Vegas specifically: summers are extreme, so light, breathable fabrics matter. Winters are mild but evenings get chilly; bring a sweater or light jacket year-round. The facility is climate-controlled, but a hoodie for evenings outdoors is worth packing.

Footwear

• 1 pair of comfortable closed-toe shoes for daily wear
• 1 pair of athletic shoes for fitness sessions
• 1 pair of sandals or flip-flops for pool, shower, and casual indoor use
• Slippers for evenings (especially in cooler months)

Avoid heels or fashion shoes — they will not get worn.

Toiletries — Alcohol-Free

Most facilities, including ours, restrict alcohol-containing products for safety reasons. Some patients in early recovery have used mouthwash, hand sanitizer, or hairspray as alcohol sources. Bring or replace with alcohol-free alternatives:

• Alcohol-free mouthwash (Listerine Zero, Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection, etc.)
• Hand sanitizer-free hand soap
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner (we provide basics; bring brand preferences)
• Soap or body wash
• Deodorant
• Hairbrush, comb, hair ties
• Razor (electric preferred; some facilities restrict disposable razors)
• Skincare basics (moisturizer, sunscreen — Las Vegas sun is intense)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Contact lenses and solution if applicable
• Glasses (bring a backup if possible)

Avoid: aftershave or perfume containing alcohol, hair products with high alcohol content, mouthwash with alcohol, hand sanitizer, beauty products that are not labeled alcohol-free.

Medications

Bring all prescribed medications in their original bottles with the prescription label clearly visible. Include:

• Daily medications (cardiac, diabetes, blood pressure, thyroid, mental health, etc.)
• Inhalers, EpiPens, or other emergency medications
• Vitamins or supplements you take regularly (these will be reviewed by our medical team)
• A written list of medications, doses, and prescribers

Our medical team will review all medications on intake and securely store them. You will receive your medications at scheduled times each day from nursing staff.

Do NOT bring: any controlled substances that are not currently prescribed to you, expired medications, anyone else's medications, or medications without original packaging. If you have a medication concern, our admissions team will work with your prescribing physician to coordinate.

Documents

• Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
• Insurance card (front and back) — bring or have a clear photo on hand
• Prescription card if separate from medical insurance
• A small amount of cash or a credit card for prescription co-pays, optional outings, or commissary
• A short list of important contact phone numbers (in case your phone is restricted early in stay)
• Any custody or legal paperwork relevant to your situation (court orders, EAP referral letters, etc.)

Comfort and Recovery Support Items

• A journal and a pen (highly recommended; daily journaling is a core practice)
• Books — recovery literature, fiction, anything that interests you
• A few photos of family, friends, pets, or meaningful places
• A small comfort object (small blanket, stuffed animal, religious item) — anything that grounds you
• Prayer beads, religious texts, or spiritual reading if relevant
• Earplugs and an eye mask for sleep
• A small pillow if you prefer your own (we provide bedding)

Hobby items are encouraged within reason: knitting and crochet supplies, sketchbook and drawing materials, watercolors, a guitar (if practical to transport), a deck of cards. Anything that gives you a healthy way to occupy free time is welcome.

What Not to Bring

• Alcohol or any product containing alcohol (mouthwash, hand sanitizer, hairspray, perfume, vanilla extract)
• Drugs, drug paraphernalia, or unprescribed medications
• Sharp objects beyond a single razor (no scissors, knives, weapons of any kind)
• Aerosols (some facilities allow them; ours is selective — call to confirm specific items)
• Electronics with cameras may be restricted; smartphones are typically secured at intake and used at structured times
• Expensive jewelry or sentimental items you would be devastated to lose
• Large amounts of cash
• Outside food or drink (we provide meals and snacks)
• Clothing with drug, alcohol, gang, or sexually explicit imagery
• Revealing or extremely tight clothing (modesty standards apply in shared spaces)
• Pets (we are not a pet-friendly facility; service animals are accommodated case-by-case)
• Tobacco products beyond what our policy allows (call to confirm; smokers can typically bring up to 30 days of cigarettes)

What We Provide On-Site

• All bedding, linens, and towels
• Basic toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste)
• All meals and snacks
• Beverages (water, juice, coffee, tea)
• Laundry facilities
• Fitness equipment and yoga supplies
• Pool and outdoor recreation areas
• Therapeutic supplies for art, music, and group activities
• All medical supplies and prescribed medications during your stay
• Access to phones for scheduled calls

A Few Practical Tips

Pack in a soft duffle bag or suitcase, not a hard-sided trunk. Storage space is limited.

Label valuables. A small inventory of items on your phone is useful in case anything goes missing.

Leave room. Patients often acquire books, gifts from family during visits, and treatment workbooks during their stay. Leaving 20 percent of bag space empty is wise.

Pre-arrange any unusual needs. Special dietary requirements, religious accommodations, accessibility equipment, custody-related logistics — call us in advance so we can prepare.

Tell our admissions team about anything you are uncertain about. "Is this allowed?" is always a fine question.

Common Questions About Packing

Can I bring my laptop? Typically yes for structured use during free time after the initial stabilization period. Cameras may be restricted; check with our admissions team.

Can I bring my phone? Phones are secured at intake and returned for structured use after the first few days. This is for clinical reasons during early treatment, not punitive.

Can my family bring me things during visits? Yes, with prior approval. Books, additional clothing, comfort items can be brought in by family.

What if I forget something? Most things can be brought by family during visits or purchased through the on-site commissary. Do not let a forgotten item delay your admission.

Can I bring snacks or my favorite drink? No outside food or drink at intake. We provide meals, snacks, and a range of beverages.

What about my service animal? Service animals are accommodated. Call our admissions team in advance to coordinate logistics.

Do I need to bring a hair dryer? Yes, if you use one — we recommend bringing your own. Same for curling irons or other styling tools.

Are there any specific dress code rules? Modest, comfortable, no offensive imagery, no extremely revealing clothing. Common-sense daily wear is fine.

Where We Are

BetterChoice Treatment Center is located at 198 Ebb Tide Cir, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Our private estate is roughly 15 minutes from Harry Reid International Airport, 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, and within easy reach of Henderson, Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Boulder City, and the broader Clark County area. We coordinate confidential transportation for clients arriving from anywhere in Nevada or out of state.

How to Reach Us

Our admissions line is staffed 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Call (725) 550-5655 for a confidential conversation, a free insurance verification, and a same-day intake assessment when appropriate. There is no obligation, no judgment, and no pressure — just a real conversation about whether we are the right fit for what you or your loved one needs.

Related Reading

• How to Choose a Detox Center in Las Vegas
• Inpatient vs Outpatient Rehab in Nevada
• Detox vs Rehab: What's the Difference and What Do I Need?
• Life After Rehab: The First 90 Days