You've booked the hotel and flights, reserved your rental car, and even decided which tours and activities to do on your vacation. Now, it's time to pack. With these professional organizer travel hacks, you'll have everything you need for a stress-free vacation.
Many people tend to overpack their suitcase when they're going on a trip. But this can lead to stress at the airport if your bag is overweight and potential difficulty finding the items you need in your overstuffed bag. On the opposite end of the spectrum, being underprepared is no fun either—having to buy a phone charger at the airport or looking at a dreary forecast and realizing you didn't pack a raincoat can be frustrating.
Luckily, professional organizers have plenty of travel tips for everything from the pre-packing stage to carrying your souvenirs back home. These simple tips can reduce travel stress and help you enjoy your trip, knowing you have everything you need.
Keep reading for the best professional organizer travel hacks. If you're looking for even more travel tips, read up on the things experts say you should always do when you check into a hotel and the travel mistakes that can ruin your vacation, according to the pros.
1. Write a master packing list.
Take a cue from Lindsay Melvin, owner of Orchid Organizing, and keep variations of a packing list in your notes app — think weekend getaway, work travel, beach vacation and international trip. This way, you're always prepared and won't feel as anxious when packing for a trip.
Organize the list into essential categories: clothing, toiletries, accessories, tech and documents. Add checkboxes, so you can mark these off as you go. "What's great about a packing list is that you can iterate over multiple trips — it'll get more customized and help you forget less each time," adds Beata Kozlowski of Tidy Step by Step.
2. Pack a first 24-hour bag.
Whether it's a packing cube or smaller bag within your carry-on, set aside everything you'll need within the first day of your trip — a change of clothes, toiletries and any necessities required to handle luggage delays with grace. "Lost luggage is a terrible way to start a trip, so staying prepared can significantly reduce stress," says Kozlowski.
3. ALWAYS use packing cubes.
Almost every organizer stressed the importance of packing cubes — although how they categorize them differs. "I find that packing cubes are the most impactful thing in keeping orderly over a long trip," says Kozlowski. "Without them, my suitcase falls into disorganization no matter how hard I try."
Most people categorize packing cubes by clothing type: tops, bottoms, undergarments and accessories. Instead, Melissa Klug, owner of Home By Eleven, uses packing cubes to separate outfits by day. "Plan outfits ahead of time and just pull out that packing cube with everything you need — from underwear to a jacket." You'll save valuable time every day not digging through your suitcase.
Take it one step further: "I recommend creating a paper legend (I generally just lay it at the top) that lists what's in each cube," adds Kozlowski.
4. Pack jewelry in a pill organizer.
Turn a travel pill organizer into a jewelry case. Most plastic cases take up minimal space and provide at least seven sections to store all of your jewelry, including rings, earrings and necklaces.
5. Keep a pre-packed travel kit — and a tech pouch.
"Create a ready-to-go travel drawer or bin with duplicates of your essentials: travel-size toiletries, minimalist makeup, mini first aid items and medicines, sleep mask and ear plugs," says Tonia Tomlin of Sorted Out. When it's time to pack, all you have to do is transfer everything inside to your carry-on or personal item.
Content creator Jeanelle Teves suggests the same, and also keeps a digital "go bag" packed with chargers (including a portable option) and adapters for international travel. "That way, I'm never scrambling to gather items at the last minute."
6. Roll, don't fold.
Tightly rolling clothes allows you to fit more into your bag. It also prevents creases and wrinkles, especially for items like T-shirts.
7. Designate a laundry bag.
Use an empty packing cube or invest in a collapsible laundry bin to pack away dirty clothes. Keeping clean and dirty clothes will help you stay organized on a trip, and make it easier to unpack once you're home.
8. When it comes to clothing, stick to a color palette.
Going for neutrals and complementary colors or patterns will make it a breeze to mix and match outfits while traveling. "I start by choosing one color palette for the whole trip — it makes it easier to coordinate everything I pack and limits the number of items I need to bring," says Elsa Elbert, founder of Composed Living.
9. Stuff socks into your shoes.
Not only will this simple organizing method help you save space, but it'll prevent your sneakers or boots from being crushed during travel. If you're worried about scent, add a dryer sheet to keep things smelling fresh.
10. Pack an empty duffle or tote bag.
It's always a good idea to pack an empty duffel or tote bag that can easily fold in your suitcase if you plan to shop. "Put your clothes into the duffel on the return trip and your delicate souvenirs in the suitcase," says Kozlowski.
