With spring travel in full swing, I'm already stressing about packing my suitcase for upcoming adventures. I always seem to forget something — whether it be a hair brush, phone charger or a dress I bought specifically for a trip (yes, I've forgotten all of these things recently). This year, I'm determined to get more organized.
I reached out to five professional organizers (and one frequent flyer) for their most creative travel organization hacks. Of course, everyone always says "write a list" and "use packing cubes," but the below expert advice goes beyond this. The pros suggest getting organized before your trips, so you can spend less time rummaging through your suitcase on vacation — think outfit planning, packing an essential kit and using a pill organizer for jewelry.
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.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
