While it’s tempting to run out and buy the latest and greatest gadget that promises to store and organize everything you need exactly how you want it in your suitcase, the truth is it doesn’t exist. And, frankly, it’s not necessary.
With a little scrounging and creativity, you can find exactly what you need to pack your perfect suitcase around your home — and save some money, to boot! Read on (and watch the video!) to learn our favorite travel packing tips that will help you do just that.
Bread Bag Clips for Cord Storage
If you just stuff all of the cords for your electronic devices into a pouch without separating them somehow, you’ll end up with a tangled mess! Believe it or not, bread bag clips and twist ties are the perfect solution. First, neatly wrap each charging cable, headphones cord, etc., separately. Then use a bread bag clip or twistable bread tie to keep them that way inside your pouch.
Carabiner Hair Tie Holder
It’s great for holding your keys, but it’s even better for holding your hair ties while keeping them easily accessible. Slip all of the hair ties that you need for your trip onto a carabiner and toss it into your suitcase.
Tackle Box of Odds and Ends
Your fishing lure storage containers work well for corralling many different travel necessities. How often do you go fishing, anyway? Swap out your plastic worms and bobbers for bobby pins, cotton swabs, nail file, tweezers, razor, etc. Just be sure to thoroughly wash the container first.
Socks for Flexible Earring Storage
To keep earrings organized and safely stowed while you travel, simply secure them to a sock and roll it up for extra padding.
Ranger Rolling
Going a step beyond regular ol’ rolling, this smart packing technique involves rolling clothes (either individually or in a small set such as a t-shirt with a pair of shorts, underwear and socks stacked on top), and then tucking it within itself to keep it from unrolling. Check out this article with video to learn how to ranger roll your clothes.
Dryer Sheets Inside Shoes
Keep unpleasant odors out of your luggage by stuffing dryer sheets inside your shoes. Be sure to bring a few extra dryer sheets for when you pack up to return home.
Drinking Straws for Necklaces
Your reusable straws are the perfect anti-tangle necklace holders. Slide a straw onto a necklace and then clasp the necklace closed to keep the straw in place.
Empty Deodorant Cash Stash
When traveling, it’s a good idea to keep your money in more than one place in case you lose your wallet. So the next time you run out of deodorant, save the container. Give it a thorough cleaning and repurpose it into a secret cash stash!
Paperclip Luggage Lock
If you don’t have a luggage lock, a paperclip will do the trick of keeping your zippers zipped in a pinch. Just loop the paperclip through both zippers to secure them together. After you return home, remember to give your whole luggage a thorough cleaning to get rid of germs (and keep them out of your house). Here’s what you need to do.
