Travel Tips - How/What to pack & stay organized.

[Michellynn]

I’ve noticed several people posting organizing tips in various other threads (such as what to pack, etc.) However, I haven’t necessarily seen one dedicated to overall how to pack in an organized fashion that immediately lends itself to being organized in your room (be it a stateroom, hotel room, or wherever your destination may be).

So, I thought I’d start a thread with some of my own tips, and invite others to contribute there own as well.

With that said, let me jump in with some I’ve picked up over the last few years, that I have found immensely helpful to travel in general.

1. Invest in some compression bags, and/or compressible packing cubes.
http://www.target.com/p/embark-compression-bag-family-pk-clear/-/A-14011402
http://www.amazon.com/Samsonite-Lug...d=1408876529&sr=8-1&keywords=compression+bags
http://www.amazon.com/Baggallini-Co...ned&sr=8-2&keywords=compression+packing+cubes

a. I typically use the plastic compression bags for my larger pieces of clothing (pants, skirts, shorts, tops, etc.). I buy the ones that remove air by simply rolling the end or pushing down on the bags to squeeze out the air. You would be amazed at how much space this can save in your suitcase.
I also tend to pack an empty compression bag where I put all my dirty laundry each day, and I keep it in the bottom of the closet. At the end of the trip, just pull it out, compress the air out and pack it up. Dirty laundry nicely separated, and easy to grab when you get home to drop into the laundry as you unpack.
Extra benefit to using the bags, you can pack your shoes anywhere you can fit them in the suitcase without fear of dirty soles rubbing off on clothes.
b. I use the compressible packing cubes for my intimates and socks/hose. These are more convenient for daily unzipping and zipping as I pull out what I need each day. They are also perfectly sized to slide right into any hotel drawer for easy access. You can pack these quite full, then close them up on the top. Then you can compress them down further to take up less space in your suitcase, by closing the second compression zipper that is along the side.

2. Use hanging organizers whenever possible to pack toiletries. Simply pull them ouot of your luggage and then hang neatly away in the closet or from the hooks on the back of a bathroom door (most hotels have hooks on the back of the door). I prefer the Vera Bradley ones (there is an outlet near me)..but there are plenty of other cheaper brands out there. Just be sure to look for the ones that actually have a hook for hanging, as opposed to just a loop (the hook will work in the closet and many more places than just the hanging loop which will only work on a pre-existing hook, such as the one on the back of bathroom doors)
http://www.amazon.com/Vera-Bradley-...r=8-3&keywords=Vera+Bradley+hanging+organizer
http://www.amazon.com/Baggallini-Lu...=1408877449&sr=8-27&keywords=travel+organizer
http://www.amazon.com/Household-Ess...-Grooming/dp/B0000CNR1L/ref=pd_bxgy_hpc_img_y

3. Use smaller organizer pouches in different colors to pack smaller items (ziplock bags work as well for some things). I will group similar items in a single pouch and then keep different colors for different things (all camera batteries and charger cords in one bag, “just in case” cold/headach/sea sickness medicine in other, etc.)
a. Jewelry organizer
http://www.amazon.com/Vera-Bradley-...r=8-1&keywords=Vera+bradley+jewelry+organizer
http://www.qvc.com/Gold-&-Silver-Safekeeper-Jewelry-Case-by-Lori-Greiner.product.H164598.html?sc=H164598-SRCH&cm_sp=VIEWPOSITION-_-3-_-H164598&catentryImage=http://images.qvc.com/is/image/h/98/h164598.001?$uslarge$
b. Small pouches
http://www.amazon.com/Vera-Bradley-...521&sr=8-7&keywords=vera+bradley+cosmetic+bag
http://www.amazon.com/Travelon-Pack...qid=1408878471&sr=8-1&keywords=travel+pouches
http://www.amazon.com/Vaultz-Storag...qid=1408878471&sr=8-3&keywords=travel+pouches


4. Get travel sizes and kits that you permanently keep in your suitcase or travel organizers. This makes packing for trips much faster, and less likely that you will forget something from trip to trip.
a. Foldable travel toothbrushes are particularly convenient. not to mention tidy (wipe with a tissue after every use before folding away to prevent moisture from being trapped once it is folded). http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Soft-...=1408878610&sr=8-3&keywords=travel+toothbrush
b. I’ve bought multiple sets of empty travel size containers, and fill them with any specialty creams or face soaps I need to take. They take up much less space (and wieght) than full size containers. http://www.amazon.com/Travel-Smart-...=1408878651&sr=8-2&keywords=travel+containers
c. Buy a small pack of laundry sheets to do laundry. Smaller than a deck of cards, it is incredibly light weight and will provide plenty of sheets for several trips worth of laundry (multiple loads each trip). http://www.amazon.com/Travelon-Laundry-Soap-Sheets-50-Count/dp/B000Y0CL8K
d. Get a drain cover for the bathroom sink. Lets you do a small amount of laundry by hand in the sink. http://www.amazon.com/Do-it-Rubber-...qid=1408878768&sr=1-4&keywords=travel+laundry
e. Keep shout wipes in your toiletry kit or handbag. If treated quickly, small stains and spots will come out of clothes without actually having to wash the whole garment. http://www.amazon.com/Shout-Stain-R...=1-1-catcorr&keywords=shout+wipes+travel+size
f. Small sewing kit, again no bigger than a deck of cards, can often come in handy for multiple uses (usually has some safety pins, and small scissors included, in addition to varying colors of thread). I do also tend to pack an extra small baggie of safety pins, as well as fabric tape (which well fix a hem simply by using it with an iron) http://www.amazon.com/Singer-Sewing...=1408879111&sr=8-4&keywords=travel+sewing+kit & http://www.amazon.com/Dritz-222-20-...F8&qid=1408879460&sr=8-4&keywords=fabric+tape
g. Small tin of fashion tape. I actually use this in my daily life at home (keeps loose necklines or gaping shirt fronts in place, very quick hem fix, anchor a wrap skirt, etc) http://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Fas...F8&qid=1408879460&sr=8-2&keywords=fabric+tape
h. Moleskin sheets. I have had someone in my travel party use these on EVERY vacation trip I have been on. If shoes start to rub a sore spot, simply cut a strip and place over the sore spot to prevent further irritation. http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Scholls-Mo...id=1408880984&sr=8-4&keywords=moleskin+sheets

Essentially, my mantra is to pack everything in a way that makes it easy to pull out of the suitcase and store away quickly when I arrive. During my stay, everything already has it’s designated space and is easy to get to. Then when it is time to repack, it is just as simple to toss back in the suitcase just as neatly. Hence why I use all the pouches and hanging organizers.

So how about everyone else? Clever suggestions for how to pack and stay organized on trips? I’m always evolving and finding new things as I travel each year….so I’d love to hear what other people do.

 

[Gigi22]

I use a different color packing cube for each person traveling. Then I can easily cross pack luggage, ensuring that if a bag is lost, there will still be enough clothing in the remaining bags to clothe us all for a couple of days.

 

[xlxo]

For those that pack too much.... consider packing a luggage scale to avoid luggage weight surcharges at the airport.

 

[tinkerone]

I use a different color packing cube for each person traveling. Then I can easily cross pack luggage, ensuring that if a bag is lost, there will still be enough clothing in the remaining bags to clothe us all for a couple of days.

i do this as well however i have a black set that is used to pack dirty cloths that have to go back with us. that way when i get home its easy to toss the dirty stuff, plus the packing cube, right in the washer and there is no sorting needed. everything else from the coloured cubes get put back into drawers because i know its all clean. easy peasy.
as odd as it sounds to some, folded dirty clothes take much less room than dirty clothes that are just tossed into a bag.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I don't use packing cubes but I do roll everything which makes it easy to fill in any empty spaces and by rolling instead of folding, there's fewer creases & less wrinkling.

As for toothbrushes, I go to the dollar store and buy cheap ones that I don't feel guilty to throw away at the end of a trip. I choose different colors that are everyone's favorites so we all know which is who's. I use a cup or glass provided in the cabin (or hotel room) as a toothbrush holder and just put them in heads up.
It skeeves me to pack up a used toothbrush then unpack it and use it again so for any changes in location I buy another set, such as staying at a hotel the night before a cruise, then we have 2 sets. They're 2 in a pack at the dollar store so for $2 more I know we're all getting clean toothbrushes when I unpack each time. I know it's a little neurotic but it works for me.

Also I have found as kids get older, and their clothes get bigger, it's harder to find drawer space for everything. So now I put everyone's shirts on hangers in the closet, even a simple t-shirt. This really takes up the least amount of space. Our boys are 14.5 and close to 18 so their clothes are same or slightly smaller than dh's. I miss those days of being able to roll up 6 little pairs of size 4 shorts and fit them in a drawer.

 

[tinkerone]

I don't use packing cubes but I do roll everything which makes it easy to fill in any empty spaces and by rolling instead of folding, there's fewer creases & less wrinkling.

As for toothbrushes, I go to the dollar store and buy cheap ones that I don't feel guilty to throw away at the end of a trip. I choose different colors that are everyone's favorites so we all know which is who's. I use a cup or glass provided in the cabin (or hotel room) as a toothbrush holder and just put them in heads up.
It skeeves me to pack up a used toothbrush then unpack it and use it again so for any changes in location I buy another set, such as staying at a hotel the night before a cruise, then we have 2 sets. They're 2 in a pack at the dollar store so for $2 more I know we're all getting clean toothbrushes when I unpack each time. I know it's a little neurotic but it works for me.

Also I have found as kids get older, and their clothes get bigger, it's harder to find drawer space for everything. So now I put everyone's shirts on hangers in the closet, even a simple t-shirt. This really takes up the least amount of space. Our boys are 14.5 and close to 18 so their clothes are same or slightly smaller than dh's. I miss those days of being able to roll up 6 little pairs of size 4 shorts and fit them in a drawer.

i agree with the toothbrush bit. just as an fyi, most hotels will give you complementary toothbrushes if you ask at the front desk. they are pretty much one or two time use ones but you can always ask for more.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

i agree with the toothbrush bit. just as an fyi, most hotels will give you complementary toothbrushes if you ask at the front desk. they are pretty much one or two time use ones but you can always ask for more.

Thanks, I'll try that next time. I'll still pack our own as I can't go on vacay and assume one will be provided but certainly for 1 night/morning I could stand a hotel cheapie.

 

[Robin"D"]

For those that pack too much.... consider packing a luggage scale to avoid luggage weight surcharges at the airport.

A digital luggage scale....

We pay enough to the airlines, no need to pay them anyone....

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/stor...LbKGgIIm_D_BwE

Works well very accurate and portable

Hope this helps

Robin & Angel "D"

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

A digital luggage scale....

We pay enough to the airlines, no need to pay them anyone....

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/stor...LbKGgIIm_D_BwE

Works well very accurate and portable

Hope this helps

Robin & Angel "D"

I agree though your link doesn't work.

Here's the one I have
http://www.amazon.com/Balanzza-Digi...902180&sr=8-13&keywords=digital+luggage+scale

Mine is older and different shade of green but basically same style. I love it. It was only around $15 at Kohls.com on sale and with a 30% off coupon. I liked it so much I bought ones for a friend & my mom too.

 

[Robin"D"]

I agree though your link doesn't work.

Here's the one I have
http://www.amazon.com/Balanzza-Digi...902180&sr=8-13&keywords=digital+luggage+scale

Mine is older and different shade of green but basically same style. I love it. It was only around $15 at Kohls.com on sale and with a 30% off coupon. I liked it so much I bought ones for a friend & my mom too.

Good Link, that's ours...love it, and it has saved us many times flying.

Robin & Angel "D"

 

[tinkerone]

heres a link to the one i have. it is soooo easy to use (as shown in the video). i did not pay this much but if i had to replace mine, i would pay it in a heartbeat.

http://shop.heys.ca/products/xscale-lite

 

[xlxo]

I like my digital scale too.... just remember to have spare batteries. The batteries go dead at the most inconvenient times.

The first weight surcharge you avoid pays for the scale. Often airline weight surcharges justify getting a second suitcase abroad. Yes, they sell them on the boat.

 

[MandyMommytoReaghan]

Great ideas! :good vibes I have a list that I always break out when we travel. The digital luggage scale is must when flying. I always mix my families clothing. Even though we all have our own suitcase, I put outfits for everyone in all the suitcases. I learned the hard way on a trip to St. Thomas I have looked at buying packing cubes, just wasn't 100% on them yet.

 

[Michellynn]

I like my digital scale too.... just remember to have spare batteries. The batteries go dead at the most inconvenient times.

Yep, completely agree with the recommendation for a luggage scale. I pack mine in my carry on after weighing my luggage for the trip out. To save the battery, I will pull it out and put it in backwards/upside down to prevent it from accidentally turning on while in transit.

 

[MnMzMoMi4LiFe]

I recently brought this handheld scale from ebags.com and I REALLY like it. It's compact and weighs your luggage in both pounds and kilos. It comes in a cylindrical tube which you can throw into your suitcase if you wanted but it is so small on it own you can throw it into your toiletry bag.

 

[Michellynn]

I like my digital scale too.... just remember to have spare batteries. The batteries go dead at the most inconvenient times.

The first weight surcharge you avoid pays for the scale. Often airline weight surcharges justify getting a second suitcase abroad. Yes, they sell them on the boat.

Yep. Sometimes the excess weight charge can be more than just paying for a second bag (depends on the airline).

 

[wrighter]

Wonderful suggestions here! Thank you!

 

[ludari]

After taking eight cruises (6 with DCL) I have fined tuned my packing list with the help of a packing app. I also use compression packing cubes from eagle creek to keep things organized and not really for compression but it's good to know I have the option. Clothing that is light weight, wrinkle and stain resistant and UV protection is a plus. I have gotten my items to fit in just a carry-on for practically any length of cruise (remember you can do laundry on board). Next week I leave for a month long land/cruise vacation and the only addition to my carry-on is a small messenger bag for my documents and electronics. My biggest issue is having to pack two pairs of shoes which take up a lot of space (dress, tennis and Keen sandals). I typically wear the heaviest pair of shoes when I travel to save space/weight in my suitcase.

 

[Meredisney]

I actually created a Cruise Daily Planner in Microsoft office.

I love these boards and all of the people who provide the helpful information....but I have trouble organizing all of it! So I created a planner a while back to help me. I find it really helpful when I start making reservations for excursions, spa appointments, specialty restaurants, etc. so that I can keep my days planned out. I also use it as my packing list.

 

[MarJose]

I use Dot&Dot packing cubes and packing folders to organize my clothes and compress them to save space in my luggage and keep them wrinkle-free. I also have their travel bottles to bring my own shampoo, lotion, sunblock, etc. as I don't like using hotel stuff. What I like with the packing cubes is that I can just grab one cube in case I exceed my baggage allowance. I also bring a travel scale to monitor my baggage weight for when the hotel does not provide one. Travel wallet to hold my passport, tickets, cards and money. A powerbank to charge my gadgets when there's no outlet available.