@jodeej, I have an awful time packing for a vacation, so this was a monumental task for me!

My husband and I were living in Gift of Life for the 8 weeks leading up to my transplant. We both knew that if I needed anything, that he could easily retrieve it. I got my call at 6:42 AM as we were getting ready to meet the shuttle for my dialysis treatment. My mind went blank, and I don't even recall if I took my bag or not! I always carried my ID, lip gloss, hand cleaner, Kleenex, comb, and cell phone in my jacket pockets, so I know that I had those with me. But, I did not need any of them because I was immediately admitted, had dialysis, and prepped for the surgery. My bag, wherever it was, contained a CD player and CD's, a puzzle book, notepad, pencil, hand lotion, slippers, robe. I did not need them;-)

My husband, caregiver, always carried our laptop with him, a paperback book, a jacket (hospitals are always cold!), cell phone and charger. So that is what he had when we got the call.
I think that the best thing he did to prepare in advance was to purchase our 1st laptop (in 2009). He had that loaded with whatever he could think we would need, and some favorite music.

I need to add this background information: We arrived in Rochester, in late Feb 2009 via air ambulance. I had only the hospital gown from my local ICU department. He was allowed 1 small suitcase, so half of his stuff and all of mine got 'dumped' before leaving the hospital. As far as the personal items, we could purchase them if needed. Our son had to ship winter coats etc to us! My transplant was in April 2009 for liver and kidney.
Rosemary