Multi-purpose items to pack for your trip

[timzagain]

A spin-off discussion on the various what-to-pack threads on the DISboards.

What multi-purpose items do you pack?

Here are a few of mine (I'm sure I'll remember more later)

1) Conditioner - also used for shaving, or can be diluted in spray bottle to be used as a detangler

2) Clothespins - for hanging clothes in the shower; can also be used to keep snack bags closed for freshness

3) Ziploc bags - for everything under the sun. A ziploc bag became an ice-pack for an injured ankle on a recent trip

4) Flip flops - for the pool/ beach and as slippers in the hotel room

5) Water bottle strap - I have used one as a neck strap for DD's underwater disposable camera

6) Witch hazel - good for insect bites, cuts and scrapes. Also works well as a toner for the face

7) Velvet drawstring bag - good for transporting jewelry, but can also be used as an evening bag

Any other ideas? Please feel free to add to the list

 

[sullins5]

Baby Wipes/ and or antibacterial wipes...they are great for removing a quick spill/stain on a shirt, to wipe off strollers, handles, counters, etc. we love them!

Also a 'sack pack'...you know the smaller than a backpack bag. We use these to shop with, to run down to the pool with, to carry camera's, water, or anything else. And I have a Nike/and Adidas, so when I'm not using them, they fold up really tight! Also for carrying clothes to the laundry or from, just a great 'bag' to have for any necessities!

CBR in Oct 09 for our 25th...Whoo Hoo!

 

[Puget Peach]

Use for clothes pins, clip the curtain gap in your hotel room, clip together cards to your pocket (KTTW, Credit, ID),close snack bags, and most important - clip the hood of your poncho so it won't blow off your head

 

[NMMickeymom]

THis last trip we purchased one of the super absorbant towels from REI. It was great for the pool, wiping an attraction seat, or sitting on at a parade.

 

[Shagley]

I always get the individual packs of tissues that are sold at Dollar Tree (they come in packages of 8 individual packs). Each tissue is really large and thick, so they can be as tissues, napkins, or toilet tissue.

Also, Aloe gel is great to have along for sunburns, cuts, scrapes or blisters. and it also feels good on sore feet after being in the parks all day.

 

[superminnie]

Conditioner as shave gel, that's a good one, I never would have thought of that.

 

[Sweety_tweety]

Clear deodorant can also be used to prevent blisters. It is cheaper than Body Glide.

 

[timzagain]

Conditioner as shave gel, that's a good one, I never would have thought of that.

I learned that tip on a frugal living website years ago - since then I've been shaving exclusively with conditioner!

 

[timzagain]

I love DIS Boards - so many great ideas!

Shagley - thanks for the tip about the aloe vera gel and sore feet. I never heard that one before - I'll definitely give it a try

Sweety-Tweety - I always wondered if the stick deodorant worked have worked as a substitute for body glide. Thanks

 

[rmonty02]

Pack an "S" hook or two. These can be used for strollers, which you can then hang your bags or other strappy things. Come in very handy after an evening of shopping. Can be found at a baby super store...we all know the one...right?

 

[timzagain]

Pack an "S" hook or two. These can be used for strollers, which you can then hang your bags or other strappy things. Come in very handy after an evening of shopping. Can be found at a baby super store...we all know the one...right?

Carbiner clips work well too - I have quite a few of different sizes stashed in our suitcases. I also get the carbiners with either a key ring or a bottle opener or some other useful gizmo attached!

A few other multi-purpose items to pack

1. Rubber bands - use as a substitute for elastic ponytailers, Use thick ones to hook 2 drawer pulls or cupboard knobs together to prevent curious little ones from playing with drawers and cupboards. They can also be used to secure bags of unfinished snacks
2. Bungee cords with the hooks on either end - can be used to secure cupboards, to secure backpacks etc to roll aboard carry on luggage to give shoulders a rest etc
3. A wide mouth bottle or jar - use to transport things you don't want crushed in your luggage. Then you can use it as a shaker to mix powdered drink mixes (Gator ade, Crystal light etc) Use a recycled bottle/ jar that you can discard as necessary at the end of the trip

 

[duffy]

On our last trip I squirted sun lotion into a small bottle that I took with us each day into the park. (I had to refill it almost every day!) Before we left home, I wrapped some duct tape around the bottle a few times. Good thing I did, because my nicece started to develop blisters on her heels. I just tore off a piece of duct tape and stuck it on her heels instead of moleskin. It worked great!

Then there's all the traditional ways to use duct tape, of course. I once tore my shorts right on my hip, and just slapped a piece of tape on it to keep my dignity intact.

Wrapping a round object with a few feet of duct tape took up practically no space in the luggage, either.

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

Liking the ideas!

We put a few Bounce sheets in a ziploc bag, use them for laundry, to put inside smelly shoes, anti static for hair, dust the laptop, etc. If we have a smelly rental car they help w/ that too.

 

[3mickeymom]

Love these multi purpose ideas!!

 

[3mickeymom]

that I keep some items(like clothespins and hooks) in a ziploc in my luggage at all times. I never unpack them so they are readily available. I will be adding some items to my bag like hair elastics, rubberbands and I love the duct tape idea.

 

[pktbMouse]

Liking the ideas!

We put a few Bounce sheets in a ziploc bag, use them for laundry, to put inside smelly shoes, anti static for hair, dust the laptop, etc. If we have a smelly rental car they help w/ that too.

dont forget these are great insect repellents too...especially for kids and babies that you dont want to put deet on to. I own a wedding business in Houston and this is what all the brides use..it smells a lot nicer too

 

[pktbMouse]

Not exactly multi purpose ..OT...but the Body shop sell this awesome peppermint foot lotion that I always take with me...it really cools those hot feet after a long day, I love it!

 

[timzagain]

Another multipurpose item to pack - petroleum jelly

Here are some of the uses:-

1. As a substitute for Body Glide - DH swears by it!
2. For lips - as a lip balm or gloss
3. To tame flyaways when DD's are wearing ponytails (a minute amount goes a long way!)
4. To mositurize the skin - youngest DD's dry skin took a real beating in our 2007 trip. After we tried just about everything else, I had her apply petroleum jelly to wet skin at night only - during the day, it would have been too hot and sticky. Again, a little goes a long way. It worked very well.
5. As a lubricant for stubborn stroller or suitcase wheels! On a trip with my then 3 month old DD, one of the wheels on the stroller kept sticking - petroleum jelly saved the day and we never had to apply lubricant to the wheel again!

 

[DisGal520]

Instead of clothes pins, I toss a couple binder clips into the suitcase. They are stronger and smaller than clothes pins and will hold curtains closed, poncho hoods snugger. Attach little jewelry bags to inside of purse with them. One gets devoted to holding all the receipts (think money clip).

Also clip them to each side of the drapes during day and attached a string of decorations to them. Voila - no tape on the windows. (We also use suction cups to hold things on window decorations.)

PS - this is a great thread! thanks OP.