I have a question for you.
Is shampoo provided as an amenity at American homestays? Yes or No?
The Answer is…
No, it is not.
Shampoo is to be brought with you.
There are other items besides shampoo that you should bring with you. Many may not know what these items are so I made a list for you.
This list is quite important, so it is recommended to read it through the end to those who are planning to do a homestay.
Things You Have to Prepare
Let's pick up what items you should prepare yourself.
- Body Soup
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Body Towel/Scrubs
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Cleanser, toner, make up remover, etc..
- Shaving foam
- Shaving razor
- Hair iron
- Hairbrush
At an American homestay, it is common to share a bathroom with family members and guests.
In some cases, previous guests may have left their shampoos and other items, but it is best to bring your own necessary amenities.
Hair dryers will be shared with other guests or family members, so bring or buy your own if you need one.
You can find a hair dryer for $10 or so if you go to Target.
Convenient Items to Have
One of the convenient items to have at a homestay would be slippers.
Many Americans don't take off their shoes indoors, so they walk around with shoes on. But wouldn’t it be unpleasant to put on your shoes again right after a shower?
Or some would feel reluctant to walk with bare feet on the floor that has been stepped on with dirty shoes.
That's why it is recommended to bring your own indoor footwear. As a matter of fact, you can even bring beach sandals as indoor footwear.
I have summarized other things that you should bring. Check here ↓
Homestay, convenient items to have and unnecessary items
Homestay, convenient items to have and unnecessary items
Unless you are particular with certain items, most things can be procured locally.
Bring only the minimum necessary items when you fly to the United States because you can get charged an additional fee for overweight baggage or they may ask you to reduce your luggage.
Shampoo and Body Soap
Bring a travel size for shampoo and body soap. Then you can buy more locally.
The above mentioned list of items can be bought from supermarkets or drugstores. If you want products made in Japan, you can buy them at a Japanese market.
However, products made in Japan are commonly expensive (> _ <)
Extra Items that are Useful
Ladies! We recommend that you bring as many menstrual products, face lotion, milky lotion, and cleansing products as possible.
Toners, especially are not sold abundantly in the United States compared to Japan (> _ <)
To this day, I get my basic cosmetics sent from Japan.
Also, the quality of American menstrual sanitary items are not good.
Things you should bring if you are concerned.
Bath towels can be borrowed from the host family.
If you want a new towel for yourself, you can bring a bath towel.
Things that should be confirmed in advance
Some hosts ask you to bring your own laundry detergent.
It's a good idea to check in advance whether the host's house will lend you laundry detergent or prepare your own.
If you prepare your own, you can bring your own travel size or buy locally.
You can also buy this at supermarkets or drugstores.
Bring Clothes to the Minimum
There are many cute clothes at reasonable prices in Los Angeles, so it is recommended that you bring the minimum necessary clothes and buy them locally.
When I studied abroad, I packed about a year's worth of clothes in a suitcase or bag, but it was just heavy.
By the time I returned to Japan, I definitely had more luggage than when I arrived.
It will be difficult to bring them home, so be as light as possible when you come.
Summary
"I wouldn't like it if I didn’t have it, so I’ll bring it with me just in case.”
I understand how you feel, but you can obtain almost everything you need in Los Angeles.
You can bring a small amount of daily necessities that you can use for several days.
If you have any questions or concerns about homestay, please feel free to contact us.
English 
日本語