How to Pack for Travel
Packing for a trip can be one of the most stressful parts of travel. And I’ll be honest, for me, it usually is. I all of the sudden think I need the two pairs of pants I never wear and the impractical shoes… just in case. But why??
I have learned that if I don’t save my packing for the very last minute and I take a few minutes to think about where I’m going, why I’m going, and what I will be doing, the process actually goes a lot smoother! So whether you're heading out for a weekend getaway, a business trip, or a month-long vacation, the challenge is always the same: how to fit everything you need into your luggage without overpacking, underpacking, or arriving with wrinkled clothes and missing essentials.
The good news is that with a few tricks, some smart products, and a little planning, you can pack like a seasoned traveler and feel confident about your trip.
Start with a Packing List
One of the most common mistakes travelers make is throwing things into their bags without a clear plan. This often leads to forgetting essentials or packing unnecessary items. The best way to avoid this is to create a packing list.
Organize Love Pro Tip:
Use a packing app like PackPoint. These apps can customize your list based on the weather at your destination or the type of trip you’re taking (business, leisure, etc.). They are simple to use and most of them have a free version. If you need something simpler, open a new note and create a bullet list that can easily be checked off. And for my tactile friend, grab a notepad and start writing! There really is no wrong way to do this.
If you travel a lot, create a template that has the essentials you never travel without. Creating categories is always helpful and from there, you can add in things specific to each trip.
Use Packing Cubes to Stay Organized
If you want to avoid the chaos of rummaging through your suitcase looking for that one item, packing cubes are a game-changer. These simple, lightweight zippered pouches help you categorize and compress your clothing, keeping your suitcase organized and providing a home for all of your items.
Product Suggestion:
The Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes are a top favorite among frequent travelers. These cubes come in different sizes to fit everything from socks to shirts to pants, and they help maximize your luggage space. But do a little research — there is no shortage of packing cubes and you can easily find ones that fit your style and needs.
Organize Love Pro Tip:
Use different colors or labels for each cube (e.g., one for tops, one for shoes, and one for toiletries) to make it even easier to find what you need without opening every cube.
Roll Your Clothes, Don’t Fold Them
A tried-and-true method for saving space and preventing wrinkles is rolling your clothes instead of folding them. This works especially well for soft items like T-shirts, jeans, and lightweight sweaters.
Product Suggestion:
Consider a compression packing cube if you're short on space. TravelWise Compression Bags or similar products allow you to roll your clothes tightly while compressing them, so you can fit more into your suitcase.
Organize Love Pro Tip:
For delicate clothing or items that wrinkle easily (like button-down shirts or dresses), try placing them in a garment bag or hanging them in the top section of your luggage to keep them from getting crushed.
Pack Smart with a Toiletry Bag
Toiletries are often the trickiest items to pack. From shampoo bottles to toothpaste to makeup, it’s easy for your toiletries to spill, leak, or take up more space than necessary. The solution is a toiletry bag that keeps everything in one place and easy to access. The other thing to remember is, if you don’t have a 5-step skincare routine at home, you’re likely not going to on vacation either — don’t overpack your toiletries. Remember the tried and true things you use often. Worst case scenario, you take a quick trip to the drugstore for something you forgot but desperately need… but chances are, that won’t happen.
Organize Love Pro Tip:
To avoid leakage, seal all your liquids in zip-top bags and ensure all lids are tightly closed. Consider transferring your liquid toiletries into travel-sized bottles, which are often more compact and fit better in your bag. I also like a zippered toiletry bag that has clear plastic sections that add another layer of protection against spills.
Don’t Forget Your Tech Gear
In today’s digital age, packing for a trip isn’t just about clothes and toiletries—it’s also about packing your tech essentials. Whether you're carrying a laptop, tablet, phone, camera, or all of the above, staying organized is key to avoiding the dreaded tangle of cords.
Product Suggestion:
A cord organizer like the BAGSMART Electronics Organizer can keep cables, chargers, and small electronics neatly packed and easy to find. The Nomatic Tech Organizer is another excellent option with a sleek design and compartments for everything from earbuds to power banks.
Organize Love Pro Tip:
If you're traveling internationally, don’t forget an universal power adapter and a portable power bank. These can be life-savers when you’re in an airport or a hotel with limited charging outlets.
Minimize Shoes, Maximize Function
Shoes are often the bulkiest and most difficult items to pack. But with the right approach, you can minimize the number of pairs you bring without sacrificing comfort or style. Pack versatile shoes like comfortable walking sneakers that can double as workout shoes or dress shoes, and flip-flops that work for the beach, pool, or quick outing.
Organize Love Pro Tip:
Always use shoe bags to keep your shoes from dirtying your clothes.
Wear Your Bulkiest Items on the Plane
Whenever possible, and to save space in your luggage, wear your bulkiest items (like jackets, sneakers, or hats) while traveling. This not only frees up space in your suitcase but also makes it easier to carry your bag through airports.
Organize Love Pro Tip:
If you're traveling with a bulky jacket or sweater, layer it over your clothes before boarding the plane. A lightweight, packable jacket is especially useful for this trick.
Pack an Extra Foldable Bag
If you’re traveling to a place where you’ll likely do some shopping, make room for a foldable, reusable tote bag. These take up almost no space when folded but can be a lifesaver for extra storage on the return trip.
Product Suggestion:
The Foldie Travel Bag is a great option. It folds down to almost nothing but can hold a surprising amount when expanded— even a zippered spot at the bottom that can hold shoes!
Don’t Overpack! Stick to Essentials
This is a hard one, I get it! But in my never-ending quest to build the perfect capsule wardrobe, I try to pack things that can easily be swapped with one another. Make it a game — see how many outfits you can get out of just a few items of clothing. It's tempting to bring a different outfit for every occasion, but overpacking leads to heavy luggage and unnecessary stress. It also causes decision fatigue, which is not what a vacation is about! Focus on packing versatile, neutral pieces that can be mixed and matched to create different outfits.
Organize Love Pro Tip:
Stick to a color scheme: Choose a color palette that allows you to mix and match tops, bottoms, and accessories.
I almost always travel with a scarf/blanket that I can use on the plane and wherever I’m going. You’d be surprised how many times this has come in handy for me.
Final Thoughts:
Packing doesn’t have to be a stressful, last-minute scramble. By using these tips and incorporating smart products into your routine, you can travel light, stay organized, and make the most of your suitcase space. Whether you’re heading out on a weekend trip or a long international adventure, packing with intention and efficiency will help you arrive at your destination feeling ready to enjoy the experience—without the hassle of excess baggage. And remember, most places have stores where you can buy anything that you forget and can’t live without.