This is an exhaustive packing list
Trust me

This is with the idea in mind of spending a semester/school year in Madrid, less time obviously will require less things
1. You need a packing list of what you’re bringing, so you don’t forget anything, but also so you don’t go wild.
2. Everything is easier if you’re working inside of a color family, then everything you bring can mix&match.
I pack all in black, white, grey with occasional orangey-tan or baby pink. I also have a red wool scarf I wear all winter that is a nice pop. I talk about dressing to belong here.
3. If you’re buying a suitcase, don’t buy black. EVERYONE ELSE will have black. You need to easily recognize your bag. Mine is baby pink, yours can be red. Don’t get plain black.
Pivoting bags are especially easy. Don’t forget to tag your luggage.

COLOR

•a towel
•gloves
•an umbrella
•as many pairs of underwear as you own (or 15 pairs, whichever you hit first)
your preferred deodorant (the liquid ones sold predominantly across Europe I hate, you’ll want a stick one)
•if you’re picky about hair products, those, too (my hair is very, very dry and both coconut oil and Moroccan Oil products are much more expensive in Spain)
•a few pairs of shoes that are comfortable to walk in for extended periods of time (I’d say four pairs if you’ll be there for 6 months)
-suggestions: a pair of boots, a rainboot (really), sandals with a back strap, some sort of informal shoe (a sleek athletic shoe, sneaker, or loafer)

REMEMBER: color family makes the below not feel limited, because mix & match

one light jacket (leather, denim, or a trench coat)
one coat
a winter scarf
a light scarf (for cool spring nights)
2 dresses (one nice/one simple)
2 button ups you can dress up/down
2 heavy sweaters (it does get cold in the winter in Madrid)
4 long sleeve tops
4 short sleeve tops
2 tank tops (again one nicer than the other)
2 pairs leggings
Pants: if your thighs touch, 5 or 6 pairs. If your thighs don’t touch, less. The only reason I make this stipulation is because as you walk EVERYWHERE in Europe, your thighs may rub and rip your pants, so you’ll need back-ups. Maybe you’re ok with buying new pants in Europe, I just had a hard time finding ones that fit right.
2 skirts (if you wear them normally at home, if not skip it)
As few accessories as you can manage- Madrid women don’t accessorize heavily, I tried to follow suite

• toothbrush (you can buy toothpaste there)
• if you’re not picky about toiletries buy them there, if you’re like me and wildly picky about what you put on your body, pack ’em
• regularly used electronics and their chargers (don’t pack stuff you don’t use at home, you sure won’t use it in this entertaining city)
• vitamins, if you take them, as they can be pricey in Madrid
• makeup carefully packed DON’T check it, something will be confiscated
• a swimsuit (just in case)
• regularly used personal items and medications (tweezers, tampons, nail clippers)
• VOLTAGE ADAPTER
• sunscreen, if you’re so inclined, its hardish to find most of the time
• a cross body purse
• I brought a photo of my little brother in my favourite picture frame, to feel at home

 

Pack liquids in bags. I am a makeup junkie, so everything gets stuck in makeup bags, just of varying sizes. Normal people, please feel free to use Glad bags.

**DO NOT** bring

flip flops
high heels

On fitting everything into an easily carried bag:

roll, don’t fold
&
fit little things inside your shoes

Carry on considerations:

a scarf (as recommended above), to stay cozy on the plane
You could use a water bottle
Passport & medications in their bottles
the light jacket you’re bringing- airplanes and airports can get cold
your laptop, if you’re bringing it
a journal or a book, if you’re inclined
wallet

***A cute post on what a well packed bag looks Cup of Couple.
Also, this Instagram account is a great follow, they live in Madrid part of the time and make great restaurant recommendations.