What to Bring to Rehab: A Packing List

June 5, 2019

Harmony Place Team

Inpatient rehabilitation at a treatment center can mean days or weeks away from home. You’ll need to pack necessities, from clothing to medications, to help you stay comfortable throughout your treatment.

However, it’s important to note that most rehabilitation or treatment centers have very strict policies on what you can and can’t bring to rehab. These policies are meant to keep you, your belongings, and your fellow patients safe.

Before you attend rehab, your treatment center should provide you with a checklist of items to bring. If you are unsure what to bring, you should always ask before you arrive as policies may change.

What to Bring to Rehab?

You should pack items for rehab as if you are going on a trip and staying in a hotel. In general, rehabilitation centers recommend you bring the following items for your stay:

A list of who you want involved in your treatment. Include names, addresses and phone numbers of any sponsors, loved ones, or healthcare providers your treatment center may need to contact during your stay.
Jewelry you wear every day, like a wedding ring or watch.
A list of any medicines you take as well as any prescription medicines you take in the correct, labeled pharmacy bottle. Liquid medicines should be new and still sealed. Any over-the-counter medications should also be new and unopened.
A small amount of cash (less than $100) in small bills or change for runs to the store or trips to the vending machine
Your credit or debit card to pay for any medicines you take for treatment
Your insurance cards and a picture ID
A calling card (if you cannot have your phone and your facility does not provide free long-distance calls)
A notebook or journal
Pictures of your loved ones
Self-help or recovery paperback books (many facilities provide reading material)
Glasses or contacts as needed
Personal hygiene items like deodorant or shampoo that are new and unopened
Shaving razor or electric razor and shaving cream
Unopened cigarettes (if your facility allows smoking on the premises)
Hobby items, such as knitting or sketching, as approved by your facility

You should bring items you use every day and help you feel clean, comfortable, and confident. Remember that some items may not be allowed in your facility because they interfere with treatment.

Clothes to Bring to Rehab

You also need to bring clothing for your stay. Some facilities have dress codes you will need to follow. Always ask about your facility’s dress code if you are unsure what to bring.

You may want to bring clothing items such as:

Comfortable every day shoes
Shoes for sports or walks
Flip-flops for the shower
Slippers to keep your feet warm inside
T-shirts or tops with sleeves and/or cardigans to wear over sleeveless tops
Pants, shorts, or skirts that comply with the dress code
Gym clothes for yoga, workouts, or other forms of exercise
One or two nicer outfits for occasions like Family Night
Socks
Underwear
Swimming trunks for men or one-piece bathing suit for women
Bath robe
Pajamas
Seasonal clothes if it is cold, such as a coat or sweater, hat, and gloves

You should have access to laundry services at your facility, so you don’t need to bring clothes for every day of your stay. Simply bring enough clothes for about week or so.

Remember, you want to feel comfortable throughout your stay. Focus on bringing clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident.

What Documents Should I Bring to Rehab?

When preparing for rehab, it’s important to bring key documents that will help the admissions process go smoothly. Start with a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to confirm your identity. You’ll also need your health insurance card so the facility can verify your coverage and handle any claims. If you have access to recent medical records, including details of past treatments, mental health history, and any hospital or outpatient discharge papers. A full list of current medications is essential, along with the original prescription bottles that clearly show your name and dosage instructions.

Be sure to bring emergency contact information, including names and phone numbers of family members or other key people. If you’re involved in any legal matters, such as probation, custody agreements, or court-ordered treatment, you should bring copies of those legal documents as well. Some programs may require a referral from a doctor or counselor, so check with the rehab center ahead of time. If your stay in rehab will affect your job or school responsibilities, it may also be helpful to bring proof of employment or school enrollment, or contact information for your HR department or academic advisor.

What Not to Bring to Rehab

When you arrive at your rehabilitation center, staff members will search your belongings to make sure that you aren’t bringing anything into the center that doesn’t belong. In general, you should leave the following items at home:

Drugs, alcohol, or drug and alcohol paraphernalia
Jewelry you don’t wear every day
Other valuables you don’t want lost
Your cellphone, laptop, tablet, smart watch, radio, or other electronic equipment
Large amounts of cash (over $100)
Any medicines not on your medication list
Lots of décor or small items for your room
Explicit reading materials or materials that aren’t allowed (may include some fiction and non-fiction, magazines, etc.)
High heels or overly dressy clothes
Musical instruments or devices
Any weapons, including knives and guns
Pornography of any kind
Mouthwash and perfume that contains alcohol
Herbs or supplements not prescribed by your physician
Clothes that violate the dress code
Any pets, even fish or lizards
Board games, cards, and video games
Candles or incense

You also won’t need to bring linens like pillows or blankets. These will be provided for you.

In addition to packing before you go to rehab, it’s important you have everything taken care of at home. You may need to pause your mail or arrange its pick up, coordinate care for your pet, and arrange for someone to look after your home and yard. Work with loved ones to ensure these tasks are taken care of before you come to rehab so you don’t have to worry while you are away.

You should also ensure that any alcohol, drugs, or paraphernalia is removed from your home. You won’t want to see these items when you return.

What May Rehab Provide?

Typically rehab may provide the following though this may change depending on the rehab.

Basic bedding, towels, linens, and blankets
Toiletries like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste
Laundry facilities and detergent
Meals and snacks
Recreational equipment

Can I Bring My Phone or Laptop to Rehab?

This will depend on the rehab as some will allow limited use of electronic devices. Contact Harmony Place to learn more about these items.

Can People Bring Me Things in Rehab?

Yes, in many cases, outsiders such as family and friends can bring you things while you are in rehab, but there are usually strict rules in place. Each rehab center has its own policies, so it’s important to check with the facility first. Some common guidelines include:

Items must be approved by staff before being delivered to ensure they are safe and allowed.
Packages may be searched to prevent prohibited items from entering the facility.
Food and drinks are usually not allowed unless they are medically necessary and pre-approved.
Clothing, books, or toiletries may be allowed, especially if you forgot something or need replacements.
Deliveries might be limited to certain days or visiting hours.

Can I Bring My Pets to Rehab?

Most rehab centers do not allow pets, as they can create safety, allergy, and distraction concerns. However, there are pet-friendly rehab centers that do allow emotional support animals or even companion pets under strict guidelines. If having your pet is important to your emotional well-being, ask in advance whether accommodations can be made and if documentation is needed.

Can I Bring My Children to Rehab?

In general, children are not allowed to live with you during treatment, especially in traditional inpatient rehab programs. Rehab is designed to provide a focused, structured environment for recovery, which can be difficult to maintain with young children present. However, some specialized programs do allow mothers (or fathers) to bring young children, especially in family-focused or women-only facilities. These programs may offer childcare, parenting classes, and family therapy.

Rehab centers prioritize safety and focus on recovery, so even gifts with good intentions may be restricted. Always call ahead to ask what’s permitted before someone brings or sends anything. Would you like help writing a checklist for friends or family on what they can bring?

At Harmony Place in Woodland Hills, California, we provide a relaxing, comfortable environment for rehabilitation and recovery. Contact us today at 855-652-9048 to learn more about our services and how you or your loved one can prepare for a successful rehabilitation from drugs and alcohol. Check out our inpatient rehab treatment center in Los Angeles.

Chris P

I've been to 12 rehabs over the last 20 years and NO other place has touch like Harmony Place! From the owner right down to the cleaning lady, everyone here is kinda and warm. God has blessed this place and I feel privileged to have come through here. I recommend anyone who is going through their struggle with mental health or substance abuse to pick up the phone and come! You won't regret it!

Joseph S

This place is incredible, kind, loving, patient, rigorous, educative, caring and the best place for recovery. Ill be part of the alumni crew

Monica G

I had very good experience at Harmony Place From first day I came, staff was very kind and make me feel welcome and safe. Everyone was friendly and always try to help me. The therapists are very good and caring. They listen to me and help me understand my problems better. I learn many things from them and feel stronger because of their support. The nurses also very nice and professional. They always check on me and make sure I am okay. Food was good and facilities were clean and comfortable. It help me feel more relaxed and focus on my recovery. Management also doing very good job. Everything was organized and you can see they really care about patients. I am very thankful for this place and all the people who work here. I recommend this center to anyone who needs help.

Denton

Awesome place great people u want to check this place out most definitely 😜

Tyler

A treatment center where the owners truly care about your recovery and after care.. cannot recommend enough

Jodana S

If you want to detox painlessly this is the place! The staff is A1. They truly care about us. The groups are awesome . Residential is crazy awesome! You live in a mansion. With a private chef who makes the best food. Community meeting that gets results fast, they care about your opinions. Pool and Jacuzzi are beautiful. If your struggling with addiction this is the house you should come to. I LOVE HARMONY PLACE!!!!! Thank you to all the staff they go above and beyond to make this experience comfortable therapeutic. Don't spend another day in your addiction come to Harmony Place right now!

Cass

I’ve been to 4 treatment centers before Harmony Place, and I can tell you without a single doubt that this is the absolute best by FAR. The past ones were luxury Residential Treatment centers that just treated every single client the same not tailoring to each individual, and were basically just in it for the money, dropping the ball each time. I can also tell you that I’ve never met the CEOs, but here, David comes to the facility almost every single day, and makes sure he get to know every individual here. He is incredibly kind, and was even willing to transfer me to another facility with a higher level of trauma therapy due to me having a lifetime of trauma and PTSD that just is going to take a long time to tackle. He truly cares about all of the clients having all of the tools that we need before getting released to the real world. No more of other CEO would ever be willing to miss an opportunity at making more money and even paired with my IMPECCABLE case manager to find a different facility that was more trauma based. My case manager, Sam, goes absolutely above and beyond in every single aspect. She makes sure you have a smooth transition into aftercare, provides out of this world advice when it comes to sobriety, and takes the time out of her day to make sure that FMLA and short-term disability are completely taken care of during your stay. I’ve never met a case manager that could ever compare to Sam. Ever. I feel lucky to have met her, genuinely. Marissa, my therapist, is SO SWEET, actually listens to you, and provides advice and therapy tailored to each individual’s experience. She’s handled every mood I’ve been in, never judged me, and allowed me to feel safe enough to tell her things I’ve never told any person or therapist in my 29 years of life. I’ve been going to therapy for the past 15 years, and none of those therapists even come close to how amazing she is. I’ve been to 4 other treatment centers in my life and none even come close to Harmony Place. The facility is clean, organized, and high-end. I would recommend Harmony place to my family, friends, and anyone seeking treatment. I feel SO BLESSED to have landed in their hands. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE IN THE CLINICAL STAFF BEYOND WORDS. I love you guys ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. I feel more confident than ever in my Recovery.

Gabe H

Where to begin.. Harmony is a place that will forever be a part of my story as the first step in my recovery journey. I’m so grateful for this program. The staff is very friendly, and many of them understand what addiction is like, for they themselves have recovery stories of their own. They have an awesome team of therapists, group facilitators, nurses, RA technicians, medical and health professionals, a wonderful case manager for aftercare that cares deeply for your next steps; making sure you are set up for success. They have a wonderful admissions team (shoutout to Marielle who was so kind and understanding of my messed up situation). Everyone is very relatable and friendly. They invest heavily in the importance of diet and nutrition too - there’s a full time professional chef. I gained all the weight I lost and wanted back in the first two weeks lol. On top of the intensive programming they do throughout the day, they take us out to experience various kinds of outside groups to get a taste of the real world, and also take us on social outings during the weekend. If you’re serious about getting better this place will meet you where you’re at and prepare you to launch with a renewed mind and heart.

Monica P

I can't begin to explain just how amazing Harmony Place is. In fact, when we sit down with the owner, Jeff, and clinical director, David, on Monday mornings to have a house meeting, they ask us what they could be doing better. A bigger blender for smoothies is the ONLY thing we could come up with. Let me begin by addressing some negative reviews. If you notice many of them are from people, or are referring to people who have been asked to leave. It is because of harmony places protection of their clients that provide ideal conditions for healing and progress. There is a screening process that it is implemented where they make sure the clients they admit are ready to start a life of sobriety. Some people slip through the cracks. Some people find out a few days or weeks in that they've changed their minds. Some are inappropriate and break rules. It happens. When Harmony Place ask people to leave, It's because they are protecting the people who are here that want treatment. In effect, they're providing exactly what I needed for a genuine start to recovery. When I began my search for a treatment center, my requirements were that the facility's provide an environment in which its residents all want to be there and that it is ethically ran. I got that and so much more at Harmony Place. As well as a structured routine, they also provide a confidential and nurturing environment where one feels safe and where profound healing can begin. Their program offers a sound foundation where further progress in sober living is almost guaranteed. In group meetings, we enjoy getting to know ourselves again and with deeper understanding about why we are the way we are. We are provided with skills to handle real life. Its here that I've come to understand that its not addiction that has driven me to make a mess of my life. It is the trauma that I endured and not processing it correctly that lead to poor thinking patterns that opened the door to addiction resulting in poor life management. So we start at the bottom. Trauma. They help us understand that trauma has led to our own toxicity, what that trauma looks like and how to get out of our own way. Process groups help us learn how to take accountability and foster healthier relationships. I learned here that changing the way I think is absolutely possible and imperative to the healing process. Harmony Place offered me hope when I previously felt I was unfixable and a support team that truly loves me. Even after I leave here, I have contacts that almost demand I keep in touch and an alumni meeting where I can return to the facility on Thursday nights. I wasn't a 12 stepper when I came here but my first experience with it was not one where I was ready to stop using. I understand now that the steps will work for me. It's certainly is not the only modality that they teach. In one group, we are provided an opportunity to sit with a recently retired medical doctor to just ask questions. Another is with a nutritionist. There are a handful of people IN recovery that come to lead groups that are all accredited highly specialized where I felt understood and not judged. The knowledge I have gained here is life changing. It is also versatile and relatable for all types of people. my favorite group was dialectical behavioral therapy. There are breathing classes and sound bath groups and I started doing yoga in the morning. There's a dharma meeting they take you offsite that focuses on Buddhist values. A fantastic onsight chef provides three meals and you can have special requests. We facilitated our own Movie nights during free time. I cant forget to mention you get your own one on one meetings with your assigned primary therapist and there is comprehensive medical support complete with 24/7 nurses and a doctor that shows up throughout the week. If this is what you need to recover and you have mediCAL, cancel your mediCAL and get insurance Harmony Place accepts if you can. There are people to help you with that as well. Just call. Many, many thanks to the staff. ✔️Another life changed.🙏

Cody B

This is such an amazing place truly changed my life. I would recommend this place to anybody if they’re looking for a strong recovery house that truly cares about your recovery and not about just money So if you’re ready to change your life, don’t miss out on the greatness of harmony because this place is where it’s at