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Traveling can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! Organizing my stuff in advance simplifies my life before and during my trip. These are my top five tips!
5 Tips to Stay Organized While Traveling
Written By: Emily Souza Rutkowski
Staying organized allows me to spend less time trying to find things, and more time enjoying the journey. Here’s what helps me:
Efficient travel wardrobe
visit the Essentials Packing List for product details
The easiest way to keep your stuff together is to bring less of it!
I use Travel Fashion Girl’s Essentials Packing List as the base for every trip. I’ve created a personalized version that includes my personal items (phone, charger, laptop, etc). I reference it while packing, which keeps me from forgetting key items and helps restrain my tendency to overpack.
Haven’t heard of a capsule wardrobe? Learn the secret that’s revolutionizing the way women pack!
Use organizers
Packing Cube Set | Mesh Organizers | Rebecca Minkoff Backpack
There are many resources on Travel Fashion Girl that discuss the benefits of packing cubes, so I won’t try to recreate the wheel here–but it is worth noting how much packing cubes can help you organize your stuff.
I like to use a small cube for my undergarments, pajamas, and socks. I use two more to separate my tops and bottoms, and an additional cube for my young daughter’s clothes. Another option is to group outfits together within cubes.
Here’s how to organize your packing cubes and pack in 15 minutes or less!
I also like to use small pouches within my bags to keep non-clothing items organized. For example, I have a tech pouch that holds my phone charger, adapters, fitbit charger, and earphones. I also have a purse pouch with essential items I carry with me.
Mesh pouches are great because you can see exactly what’s in them. Using pouches like these ones also makes it easy to change bags/purses–you can just grab the pouch(es) you need and you’re ready to go.
Of course, finding a bag with built-in organization options works well, too. Put all the pockets in your bag to good use!
Watch these videos to see exactly how I organize my bag!
Compartmentalize everything
Similar to having a place where you put your car keys in your daily life, designate places where your travel essentials “live”.
I always put my phone in the same pocket in my purse, and the top inside pocket of my suitcase is where I store my glasses and book. By doing this, I always know where to find these key items.
This video shows you how to travel luggage free with a well organized purse!
Keep your travel details handy
Moleskine Journal | Clear Document Folder
Keep your travel details easily accessible. You can do this with an app like TripIt, by syncing files to the cloud with Dropbox or Evernote, or go low-tech and keep an index card or small notebook.
I personally like to keep information about my itinerary, accommodation, confirmation numbers, and other logistics on a small notecard so I don’t have to worry about having internet or enough power on my phone or tablet.
Whichever method you prefer, having these details in one place saves the hassle of searching for key information when you are standing at a reception desk or trying to figure out when you need to be at the airport.
These are some of our favorite travel resources!
Unpack, but keep things contained
Upon arrival at your accommodation, unpack and organize your stuff so it’s easy to find. Put your toiletry bag in the bathroom and hang up the clothing that needs to be hung.
Be careful not to spread out too much—the more stuff you have laying in multiple locations, the easier it is to misplace something.
Want to unpack and pack in seconds? Learn more about The Pack – a genius suitcase organizer!
These are the things that help keep me feeling calm and prepared.
How do you stay organized while on the road? Share your tips in the comments!
For more packing tips, please read:
- 10 Step Packing Guide to Stop Overpacking
- 10 Step Guide to Packing for Any Trip
- 10 Toiletry bags for Travel
- TThe Best Luggage Organizers
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Author Bio: Emily is a lifelong travel fanatic who is constantly making additions to her “upcoming destinations” list. (Yes, she is also a list person.) She is currently based in the Netherlands, where she lives with her husband.
I love the idea of packing cubes! I had never heard of them until reading this post. They would make life so much easier, especially when traveling to multiple destinations on the same trip. My travel recommendation is downloading a to do list app before you leave so you can keep track of of everything that needs to get done, such as last minute purchases. I prefer the to do list app Bzzy (https://getbzzy.com/) because it is easier to prioritize tasks and access it on a mobile device when traveling so you do not forget anything.
After traveling around the world in two months, with all four seasons, I found your website. Although I’ve always thought packing cubes useless, on my last six week trip to Italy, my Florence Duomo rental apartment had only bookcases, so the four cubes I did take became my drawers. Luckily I had arranged makeup and tech necessities in mesh envelopes, a fave. These handy organizers have taught me to use a small, see-through, zip-top plastic envelope in my purse when not traveling.
While fitting everything into a carryon remains difficult, I strive to learn from your suggestions and look forward to your posts. Thanks!
Sounds like some great ideas to stay organized! And happy to help you on your packing lighter quest!
Great article! I kept reading about packing cubes on this site but wasn’t convinced so bought some cheap ones from Amazon to try them out and I’m now a convert and wouldn’t travel without them!
That’s awesome Rachel! Thanks for reading and I am so happy you found the info useful!
Love these tips TFG! My flight is delayed right now, and being organized and using the compartments in my bag is helping me keep my sanity 🙂
Oh dear! I hope it wasn’t long! Thanks for the note! Love it!
I always look forward to your posts!!
Thanks Tiffany! Thank you for reading!