Packing Hacks You Never Knew

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Packing can the most daunting part of your travel planning & preparation. Whether you’re packing for a trip to the beach or the mountains, it can be hard to think of everything you need…and THEN you have to figure out how to FIT IT ALL into your luggage!

I’ve searched for the best packing secrets to make this task easier for you ( and save you some serious time). These vacation packing tips and hacks are sure to help and save you some serious stress & frustration!

Alright, let's dive in so we can make this whole process a LOT easier for you!

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1. ALWAYS Use A Packing Checklist

This is my first tip for good reason! Having a checklist that you can refer to over and over again is a HUGE time (and sanity) saver! That is why I created this FREE packing checklist! I've included one checklist with all the basics you'll need for every trip, plus a warm-weather checklist for beach trips, etc., and a cold-weather checklist for skiing, etc.

You can save them to your desktop and print them out before every trip. No need to spend time worrying that you might forget something or feeling overwhelmed trying to remember ALL THE THINGS. Grab it by clicking the image below – it's FREE!

Space-saving Travel Tips

2. Roll Your Clothes

Ok, this one may not be TOP secret…you may have heard it before. But, have you actually tried it yet? If not, you need to. Rolling your clothes absolutely will save you a ton of space, especially when you roll them & our them in packing cubes…check out #5 below. Worried about wrinkles? Keep reading…

3. Leave Your Hair Dryer Behind

Check to see if the place you are staying has a hair dryer. If so, leave yours behind. They are bulky and can take up a lot of space. If you have to pack one, get a travel-size one so it takes up less space, like this one:

4. Reduce Shoes

I love shoes as much as the next girl, but they can take up a LOT of space when packing. Plan several outfits to go with each pair of shoes so you can cut down on the number of shoes you need to pack.

If you are looking for the perfect pair, here are all of my top recommendations for exploring the streets of the city and for hiking.

5. Use Packing Cubes

I like to use a different color cube for different types of clothing. All my undies, bras, and socks go in one, shorts & skirts in another, and so on. These are the ones I have (I absolutely LOVE this brand). You can get all 5 in one color or a mix of colors.

6. Stuff Your Shoes

Believe it or not, there is actually quite a lot of space in some of your shoes (especially boots). Use that space! Stuff your shoes with socks, underwear, swimsuits, anything small that can be rolled up nice and tight.

7. Use Travel Sized Containers

Just because you can’t live without your favorite conditioner doesn’t mean you need the entire bottle for your week-long vacation. Use TSA-approved travel-sized containers for shampoo, conditioner, lotion, etc.

You can see the ones I have here (along with my other toiletry favorites). I like that the bigger ones are silicone, have a hard rim around the top for easy filling, & can be set down right-side up or upside down. The small ones are perfect for eye creams, moisturizers, etc.

8. Only Take What You Need

This one seems to be common sense, but it's really easy to get into the “but, what if…” mindset and start throwing in a bunch of random things that are unlikely to be needed. Think through what you will be doing, and where you will be going, and pack accordingly.

9. Consider A Down Jacket

If you need a jacket, down jackets are great for traveling. Not only are they warm and cozy, but they can be rolled up nice and tight & they are super lightweight. This is the one I have & love:

10. Consider A Travel Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe just means that you have some basic key pieces of clothing in a similar color palette that can all be paired up and mixed & matched to create many different outfits. HERE is an example capsule wardrobe. This can be a great space saver when packing.

11. Use Vacuum Storage Bags

One way to make sure everything is as compact as possible is to use vacuum storage bags. They are perfect for traveling because they come with a hand pump (no vacuum needed). Just make sure you weigh your bag!

12. Only Pack for 1/2 Of Your Trip

If you REALLY want to cut down on the amount you pack, only pack for 1/2 of your trip. Some outfits can be worn more than once without washing (ex. That outfit you put on just to go to dinner).

But, if you need to wash, you can always find a local laundromat, hotel laundry room, use a laundry service (or just book a VRBO with a washer & dryer – that's what we do)!

👍ARE YOU TRAVEL OBSESSED? Join ‘Our Travel Obsession' Facebook group!

13. Use Pill Organizers For Vitamins

We all do our best to stay as healthy as we can, especially when traveling. Get everyone a pill organizer (again, in a different color) and fill it up with whatever vitamins, probiotics, or prescriptions they might need.

Carry-On Packing Tips

If you need a great carry-on bag, check out our article: The BEST Carry-On Bag for a Woman

14. Keep Chargers Organized & Easy To Find

Sunglasses cases are perfect for storing charging cables & ear pods. Buy one in a fun bright color so it will be easy to spot in your carry-on bag.

If, like me, you have too many cables to fit in a sunglass case, get one like this that is slim & doesn't take up much space.

15. Pack Essentials & A Change of Clothes In Your Carry-On

Just in case your checked baggage doesn’t make it to your destination at the same time you do, make sure you have any medications you need, hotel and rental car information, one change of clothes, and anything else you can’t live without for 24 hours, in your carry-on.

16. Knives Must Be Checked

Many men routinely carry a pocket knife day-to-day. When hiking, I recommend having a Swiss Army Knife in your backpack for emergencies. Just make sure you put any knives in your checked baggage, not in your carry-on.

17. Pack Several Pens

I’m not sure why flight attendants don’t have pens to pass around when it’s time to fill out those customs forms, but they never seem to. Over the years, I’ve learned to pack not one, but several pens because, guaranteed, someone close to you will ask to borrow one & it’s just easier to have a few so everyone isn’t waiting on the same pen.

18. Keep Chargers Packed

Consider buying an extra of all the chargers you need for your various devices, plus headphones. Pack them in the bag you always take as a carry-on & leave them there. Then, you never have to worry about packing them, they’ll be ready when you are.

19. Travel Entertainment

Some trips start off with a long commute to your destination. Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, make sure you have plenty of entertainment options for everyone within reach. Check out this article for some great ideas for games & other things that will help the whole family pass the time on a long trip.

20. Always Put Valuables In Your Carry-On

Unfortunately, things can and do get stolen from luggage in transit. Luggage locks are easy to break into, provide a false sense of security & they scream “HEY! There’s good stuff in here!”

General Packing Hacks

21. Invest In Light-Weight Stand Out Luggage

It never ceases to amaze me to see how many plain black bags there are in the baggage claim area. I’m all for standing out when it comes to luggage. Choose a bright color, or interesting pattern or really go bold and show your personality.

I have a really fun (and maybe slightly obnoxious) suitcase and I LOVE it! I have never seen another one like it in the airport. It is really easy to see and no one else is likely to mistake it for their own. HERE is a luggage set that is similar and will stand out.

Got kids? – check out my top pick for fun ride-on luggage for little ones & best teen luggage!

PRO TIP: Hardside vs. Softside Luggage. I always recommend and use harside luggage for my checked bags. It will get scuffed up (as you can see), but it is MUCH better at protecting the items inside when the flight crew throws bags around and tries to stuff them into tight spaces. Either one will work as a carry-on.

22. Pack Heavy Items Near The Wheels

Ever hit a bump while pulling your suitcase behind, only to have it get all wonky on you and fall over? Pack your heaviest items close to the wheels and it will be much more stable!

23. Use A Straw For Your Necklaces

Stringing your necklaces through a straw will ensure you won’t arrive with a tangled mess. Some people recommend packing jewelry in plastic wrap, but I’ve tried it & I don’t recommend it. It can get all wadded up and if you use the Press & Seal kind, it can damage your jewelry.

24. Put A Dryer Sheet In Your Suitcase

Having a dryer sheet in your bag will help keep everything smelling fresh & clean!

25. Pack Wrinkle Release Spray

Hanging any wrinkled clothes in the bathroom with you while you shower will get out most wrinkles. But, if you are in a hurry or forget, wrinkle release spray can be a lifesaver!! I never leave the house without one of these travel-sized wrinkle release bottles.

26. Put Breakables In Socks

Avoid breaking that bottle of your favorite perfume by rolling it up in your socks. This can also be done with small breakable souvenirs you bring home such as Christmas ornaments or shells from the beach. For added protection, pack them in socks & stuff them (gently) inside your shoes.

27. Always Pack A Travel Journal

Each evening, add a few notes about where you went, what you did, where you ate, and funny or interesting things that happened. Years from now, you'll be able to re-live that trip! Get kids started with their own travel journals when they are young or make it a family activity each evening during your trip.

Here are great options for adults and for kids.

28. Weigh Your Bags Before You Leave The House

No one wants to pay the hefty fines airlines to charge you for an overweight bag. You also don’t want to have to hold up the line & open your suitcase and try to move things around to lighten the load (while everyone watches). Save your sanity and weigh the bag before you go. You can hold the suitcase and step on your bathroom scale, then subtract your weight or buy a portable luggage scale (that way you can take it with you and weigh it again before you head home).

29. Put Plastic Wrap Over Liquids

Open up your shampoo (or any other liquid that might leak under pressure) and put a small piece of plastic wrap over the opening, then put the lid back on. This will seal it up so you won’t have any leaks.

30. Leave Room For Souvenirs

If you have all of your bags jam-packed, there won’t be any space for anything you buy while on vacation. Make sure you leave a little room. If you know you are planning to bring back several things, consider packing a fold-up travel duffle bag. This one folds up nice & small and comes in many fun colors & patterns!

31. Wear Your Heavy and/or Bulky Items

Taking your favorite pair of hiking boots or a bulky ski jacket? Consider wearing these items on travel day & save space & to keep from weighing your suitcase down.

32. Pack a Water Bottle

You can't take a full bottle through security, but you can take an empty one & fill it at the water fountains once you get through. Grab one for each person in your family. I like this one because it has a flat bottom (unlike many travel collapsable bottles) & it has a clip so you can easily attach it to your carry-on or personal item.

33. Always Pack a Few Empty Plastic Grocery Bags

Ever had to pack a muddy pair of shoes or wet beachwear? Throw those items in a plastic bag when packing up to return home & you'll keep everything else from getting filthy and wet.

Traveling as a family? Click HERE to see get Pro Packing Tips Every Family Needs – more packing pointers specific to families and traveling with children.

So, did you learn a few new packing secrets? Use these packing tips for your next trip and start off your vacation feeling like a packing rockstar! Check out my article The ULTIMATE Vacation Packing List so you know exactly what you need to pack!

If you loved this post, check out these as well! Want To Be Healthier & Happier? Plan A Trip & Airplane Etiquette: Rules To Fly By

Until next time…

About The Author

My mission is to inspire and empower families to prioritize travel now, creating unforgettable memories and deeper connections with their loved ones.

I provide guidance and practical solutions to help busy parents integrate travel into their lives, fostering joy, fulfillment, and stress-free adventures. Don’t wait until it’s too late; the time to travel is now.
Learn more about me & My Travel Obsession here.

My Favorite Travel Booking Apps & Websites

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⭐MY TRAVEL OBSESSION:

• Products & Services – My Travel Obsession's travel planning products, services, and freebies!
• What To Pack – See all of my personal favorite travel items.
• Travel Resources – Resources that I use most when planning, booking & traveling.

🏡FOR FINDING GREAT PLACES TO STAY:

• VRBO – My #1 recommendation for family-friendly lodging options.
• Expedia – My favorite for hotel bookings.

🚗FOR CAR & RV RENTALS:

• Discover Cars & Sixt – My favorite sites for rental cars worldwide.
• Turo.com – Rent a car from an individual owner – It's like VRBO for cars!
• RVShare – Rent an RV for your next family road trip!

🚁FOR ACTIVITIES, EXCURSIONS, & TOURS:

• Viator & Get Your Guide – The best sites to find and book activities & excursions.
• Gypsy Guide – An AWESOME audio tour app. ALWAYS check to see if they have a tour available.

🩺FOR TRAVEL INSURANCE:

• SafetyWing – The lowest-cost travel insurance out there. Several options starting as low as $42 for 4 weeks of coverage.

✈FOR FINDING GREAT FLIGHT DEALS:

• Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) – My #1 recommendation for saving big $$$ on flights. Sign up for a free 14-day trial.

🥾FOR HIKING:

• AllTrails – THE APP for hikers. I recommend paying for the pro version so you can use the navigation feature while hiking.

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