Moving to a Sober Home? Here's What to Pack

If you’re ready to move to a sober home, you may be feeling excited because you will be in a safe and secure environment surrounded by compassionate professionals. Alternatively, your emotions could be more complicated. 

For example, you might be feeling nervous about the change. No matter what your emotional state is, knowing what to expect before heading out the door can help you prepare, relax, and have a better experience during your sober living stay.

To help you pack and prepare, this article reviews the things you should (and should not) bring with you to sober living. It is not an extensive list, however. Make sure to consider what to bring a good deal in advance of moving into the sober living home.

That way, if you forget an item initially, you may remember it in time to bring it with you.

4 Necessary Items to Bring to a Sober Living Home

Various items can help you in your recovery journey, and a few are absolutely necessary for your time at a sober living facility.

#1: Suitable Clothing

Your experience in a sober living home may include a variety of activities. You want to make sure that you bring clothing and other items that will help you feel comfortable as you participate. Also, before throwing your clothes into the bag, remember to choose clothing suitable for the climate. Consider the length of your stay so that you do not bring too many or too few clothing options.

Do not forget to include items such as pajamas, socks, underwear, and weather-appropriate jackets or coats. You may be spending some time indoors and outdoors, so remember to bring appropriate footwear like sneakers or boots.

#2: Toiletries

There may be opportunities to obtain toiletry items in a sober living house, but you might prefer to bring your own. You can add your toothbrush, hairbrush, deodorant, razors, lotion, sunscreen, shampoo, and conditioner if you do not want to worry about getting them once you are there. Additionally, if you have any customized personal items like prescription sunglasses, contacts, or retainers, make sure to bring those with you.

#3: Important Documents

Make sure to bring with you a list of phone numbers of your emergency contacts and other individuals who know your situation. Do not forget to add your physician’s information.

Bring any identification documents you have, such as a birth certificate, driver’s license or state ID, and insurance cards. Along with these verification documents, you can consider writing down all your medical conditions that the sober living center should be aware of. You might also bring a few photos or personal paperwork from your employment if you need additional verification or information for the sober living home.

#4: Things Which Relax (Or Inspire) You

While these are not strictly necessary, it is a good idea to bring a few items that will help you relax. Imagine you are taking a vacation on a beach or other soothing environment. What would you want to have with you? How would you fill your downtime?

Items like puzzles, books, art supplies, or journals can inspire you and improve your experience at sober living. All of these activities provide great outlets to keep your mind focused on your treatment plan without overextending yourself or requiring you to overpack.

What to Avoid

There are items you should not bring to the sober living home. Each sober living home has its own policies and procedures. Talking with the home before entering can help you make a list of items that you should avoid bringing. For example, most sober living homes will advise you not to bring technology like computers, video games, or tablets.

They will also likely say that any substances, paraphernalia, or weapons and sharp objects will be taken out of the bag if you try to bring them into the house. Also, you may want to avoid bringing any food or drinks, incense or candles, and any small valuables, as these items may be taken from you or get lost.

Talking To Someone About Your Next Steps

The goal of sober living is to help you develop a lifestyle best suited for you in a substance-free environment. If you are looking to obtain long-term abstinence, sober living homes are great places to begin accomplishing your goals. 

Sober living homes will help you identify any triggers, address signs and symptoms, give you the ultimate support, and help you stick to each step of your treatment plan. The sober living home will celebrate each milestone you make in your journey and give you the confidence to continue your commitment.

In your path to long-term sobriety, understanding the ins and outs of a healthier lifestyle can help you develop a more restorative and purpose-driven focus. Staying at a sober living home can give you a transformative experience of this kind of life at a crucial point in your recovery journey. To make the most of this experience, bring items with you that are appropriate, comfortable, and respectful of you and others around the home.

For more information on what to bring with you to sober living, reach out to The Forge Recovery Center. We want you to be confident in your progress and will help you at every step. With our team and guidance, you can build your healthier lifestyle free from substance use. Talk to a Forge Recovery Center expert today!

Written by

Brian Moore

Content Writer

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

May 12, 2022