As spring travel is now in full gear, I’m already feeling anxious about filling my luggage for future trips. I tend to overlook items all the time.
something
— whether it’s a hairbrush, phone charger, or a dress I purchased specifically for a trip (yes, I’ve left behind all these items recently). This year, I’m resolved to become better organized.
I contacted five professional organizers (along with one seasoned traveler) to get their top innovative tips for organizing when traveling.
Certainly, people often advise “make a checklist” and “utilize packing cubes,” yet the following professional tips take things further. Experts recommend becoming well-organized prior to traveling so you minimize the time spent searching through your luggage during holidays—this includes preparing outfits, assembling a must-have items pouch, and employing a medication dispenser for storing accessories neatly.
1. Create a comprehensive packing checklist.
Follow the lead of Lindsay Melvin, who owns
Orchid Organizing
, and maintain different versions of a packing list in your notes app—consider options like a weekend escape, business travel, a day at the beach, or an international journey. By doing this, you’ll be consistently ready and less likely to experience stress during the packing process for any trip.
Categorize the items into essentials such as clothing, toiletries, accessories, technology, and documents. Include check boxes next to each item for easy tracking.
“Creating a reusable packing list allows you to refine it after several trips, making it increasingly personalized and helping ensure you leave nothing behind,” explains Beata Kozlowski.
Tidy Step by Step
.
2. Prepare a bag for the initial 24 hours.
Regardless of whether it’s a packing cube or a small compartment inside your carry-on, make sure to pack all essentials needed for the initial 24 hours of travel—a fresh outfit, personal care items, and anything else necessary to cope gracefully should your baggage be delayed. As Kozlowski points out, “Losing your luggage at the beginning of a journey can be extremely stressful; therefore, being well-prepared can greatly alleviate this concern.”
3. Always utilize packing cubes.
Nearly all organizers highlighted the significance of using packing cubes—though their methods for sorting items vary. According to Kozlowski, “Packing cubes make the biggest difference in maintaining organization during extended trips. Without them, my luggage ends up chaotic regardless of how much effort I put into staying organized.”
Many individuals sort their packing cubes based on garment categories such as shirts, pants, underwear, and small essentials. However, Melissa Klug, who owns a travel goods store, suggests an alternative approach.
Home By Eleven
, employs packing cubes to organize outfits for each day separately. ‘Prepare your attire beforehand and simply remove the packing cube containing all necessary items—from undergarments to outerwear.’ This way, you will conserve precious time daily instead of rummaging through your luggage.
Push it even more: “I suggest developing a paper key (usually placed right at the beginning), which enumerates the contents of each section,” suggests Kozlowski.
4. Store your jewelry in a pill case.
Turn a
travel pill organizer
into a jewelry box. The majority of plastic boxes occupy little space and offer at least seven compartments for storing various pieces such as rings, earrings, and necklaces.
5.
Maintain a ready-to-go travel kit along with a tech pouch.
Tonia Tomlin suggests preparing a readily available travel drawer or container filled with extra necessities such as travel-sized toiletries, minimalistic makeup, small first-aid supplies and medications, along with sleep masks and earplugs.
Sorted Out
When it’s time to pack, simply move everything from one bag into your carry-on or personal item.
Content creator
Jeanelle Teves
recommends the same, and additionally maintains a digital “go bag” equipped with chargers (such as an
portable option
) and some adapters for traveling abroad. That way, I always ensure everything is ready ahead of time.
6. Roll, don’t fold.
By tightly rolling clothing, you can maximize the space in your luggage. This method also helps avoid folds and wrinkles, particularly beneficial for pieces such as T-shirts.
7. Assign a laundry bag.
Utilize an unused packing cube or purchase a collapsible laundry bin for stowingdirty garments. This keeps your fresh and soiled attire separated, aiding organization during travel and simplifying the unloading process upon return.
8. For attire, opt for a consistent color scheme.
Opting for neutral tones and coordinating colors or prints will simplify mixing and matching your outfits during travel. As Elsa Elbert, the founder of , explains, “I begin by selecting a single color scheme for my entire journey. This approach makes it simpler to combine all packed pieces and reduces the quantity of clothing I have to take.”
Composed Living
.
9. Insert some socks inside your shoes.
This straightforward organizational technique not only helps you conserve space but also stops your sneakers or boots from getting squished when traveling. Should odor be a concern, include a dryer sheet to maintain freshness.
10. Bring along an empty gym bag or carrying sack.
It’s wise to include an extra collapsible duffel or tote in your luggage when shopping is anticipated during your travels. As suggested by Kozlowski, “Stow your garments in the duffel for the journey back, and place more fragile keepsakes inside the suitcase.”
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