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Have you ever arrived at your destination only to find that an essential item was left behind? Or struggled to close a bursting suitcase for the return trip?
Staying organized while traveling can be tricky, so here are a few tips and tricks to keep things in order.
1) Categorize and contain your clothes.
Group clothes together as outfits or by category (e.g. pants, tops, shorts, etc).
Utilize packing cubes to help keep items contained and neat - you don’t want the soles of your shoes touching your clean clothes (yuck). Color coded packing cubes are especially useful for families traveling together. Assign a color to each member of the family for easy sorting in a combined suitcase.
Are there any specialty items you will need for activities during your trip? Are you going hiking and need to pack your boots? Planning to lounge by the pool? A list of what you plan to do will help you remember clothes for each occasion.
2) Group all the little essentials.
Group your toiletries and bathroom items together and place them in a toiletry bag or dopp kit. Travel size bottles are a handy way to bring your favorite products with you!
Pro tip: Save time packing for your next adventure by topping off your travel bottles when you return and leaving your travel-size toiletries packed.
Store any medications or vitamins together. A Stasher bag is perfect for these small items.
Gather any bedside items needed for restful sleep while away. I like to keep a zippered pouch with an eye mask, travel white noise machine, 3 in 1 travel charger, and glasses case always packed and ready to go so I don’t risk forgetting any of these essentials.
Don’t forget accessories! A travel jewelry case is very handy for keeping your bling protected and tangle free.
Put on-the-road or at-the-terminal essentials in an easy to grab zippered pouch that can slip into your purse or carryon. These might include: headphones, chapstick, hand sanitizer, snacks, and anything else you will want access to while you are en route to your destination.
3) Do a final walk through before closing your bag.
One of the most helpful things I’ve learned to do is to walk around all the spaces I use for my morning and evening routine and touch everything to make sure it’s packed. The underwear drawer is essential to any morning routine. Did I pack underwear? I always open this bathroom drawer while getting ready in the morning. Does it contain toothpaste? Medications? Did I grab everything I need from that drawer for my trip? You get the idea! Do the same thing for your evening routine and it’s unlikely you’ll leave an essential item behind!
4) Give items a home at your destination.
Do a quick unpack when you arrive and move things to their new “home”. For example, take your toiletries to the bathroom, store clothes wherever you will be dressing, find a good spot for any snacks, etc. With color coded packing cubes, it will be easy for each family member to grab his/her stuff. Living out of drawers or a closet will keep your things more organized than living out of a suitcase.
Don’t forget those pesky dirty clothes! Store worn clothes together in one spot, that way no socks will wander off during your trip. I recommend a travel sack for dirty laundry or a clean/dirty underwear pouch.
Staying organized while traveling will give you peace of mind to enjoy your trip! What are your favorite travel tips?
Written by: Hannah Moore
