How to Prepare for Your Mayo Clinic Stay: A Patient’s Checklist

🏥 How to Prepare for Your Mayo Clinic Stay: A Patient’s Checklist

Visiting the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re traveling from out of town for an extended stay. Between scheduling appointments, packing, and arranging accommodations, it’s easy to overlook the small things that make a big difference in your comfort and peace of mind.

At LIV Properties, we’ve welcomed hundreds of Mayo Clinic patients and caregivers. This guide shares what to pack, how to plan, and where to stay — so you can focus on what matters most: your health and recovery.

🧳 1. What to Pack for Your Mayo Clinic Visit

When preparing for treatment or consultation, pack as if you’re combining a hospital visit with an extended stay. The goal is comfort, convenience, and flexibility.

Essentials:

Appointment letters and insurance cards
Comfortable clothing and layers (Rochester weather changes fast!)
Medications and medical records
Chargers and personal electronics
Toiletries and small personal items
Snacks and reusable water bottle

Optional Comfort Items:

A favorite pillow or blanket
Books, headphones, or a tablet for waiting times
Slippers or cozy socks for your stay

💡 Tip: Many patients are here for several days or weeks. Pack for relaxation, not just appointments.

🏡 2. Choosing the Right Place to Stay Near Mayo Clinic

The right accommodations can make a huge difference in your experience. Many patients find hotels too restrictive for longer stays — which is why furnished rentals have become the preferred option.

Why patients choose LIV Properties:

6 blocks from Mayo Clinic
Fully furnished, turn-key condos
Full kitchen for preparing meals
In-unit laundry
Premium bedding and blackout curtains
Covered parking included
Peaceful residential setting ideal for recovery

“LIV” means life in Swedish — because your stay should feel like living, not lodging.

🗓 3. Plan Your Schedule Ahead of Time

Mayo Clinic appointments are carefully organized, but it’s still smart to plan for breaks and flexibility.

Tips:

Use the Mayo Clinic Patient App for appointment times and updates
Allow extra time between visits — schedules can change
Keep notes on questions for your doctor or care team
Bring a notebook to record follow-up details
Plan short walks or rest breaks throughout the day

☕ 4. Getting Around Rochester, MN

Rochester is compact and easy to navigate. If you’re staying near downtown or with LIV Properties, you’ll be just a few minutes from everything you need.

Transportation Options:

Walking or Driving: Most accommodations are within 5–10 minutes of Mayo
Shuttles & Rideshares: Mayo and local providers offer convenient patient shuttles
Parking: LIV Properties includes covered parking for all guests
Groceries: People’s Food Co-op, Hy-Vee, and Aldi are nearby

🌿 5. Rest, Recover, and Explore When You Can

Rochester has a peaceful rhythm — with great coffee shops, green spaces, and friendly locals. When you feel up to it, take a walk or grab a bite at a local favorite.

Local favorites near Mayo Clinic:

Colorway Coffee – bright and calming atmosphere for mornings
Chester’s Kitchen & Bar – fresh comfort food and outdoor dining
Quarry Hill Nature Center – nature trails and scenic views
Downtown Farmers Market – fresh local produce and handmade goods

Even small moments of normalcy can help your stay feel more balanced and healing.

💬 Final Thoughts

Preparing for a Mayo Clinic visit takes planning — but where you stay can set the tone for your entire experience.

At LIV Properties, we’re proud to host patients and caregivers who come from around the world for Mayo Clinic care. Our fully furnished condos are designed for comfort, privacy, and peace of mind, so you can rest easy knowing every detail is taken care of.