This post is part of the Problogger and Virgin Australia top travel tips competition.
Never is the difference between my husband and my personalities more apparent than on the day before a holiday.
Mr (not so) Organised’s packing technique involves something along the lines of grabbing the closest 5 pairs of board shorts, a random assortment of t-shirts, a pair of thongs, a handful of boxers, a can of deodorant and a toothbrush, and throwing them all in a bag.
Done.
I watch from the side of the bed as he throws things in randomly and feel my blood pressure rise. No list, no matching of outfits, no careful organisation of the bag. It’s a total nightmare!
I’m a list writer, and when I travel I become a list obsessed maniac. Everything is accounted for and then perfectly packed, utilising all available space in a beautifully organised arrangement.
To be honest, between the two of us we probably balance out to somewhat of a normal person when it comes to packing. Obviously my technique is far superior 😉 so today I’m going to share with you some of my best packing hacks, tips and tricks for organised packing.
Packing hacks for an organised suitcase
Are you sick of digging through your luggage trying to find what you need, only to pull out crumpled clothes and then not be able to fit it all back in? How would you like a perfectly organised suitcase with everything packed neatly and easy to find?
These simple packing hacks will help you stay organised while you travel, plus fit more luggage in less space.
Roll don’t fold
Rolling clothes when packing helps save space in your suitcase and also prevents wrinkles and crease marks on your clothing. Start by laying your item flat and folding it into as much of a rectangle as possible. Then roll it up in a tight roll.
Pack by outfit using this clever packing hack
Keeping with the theme of rolling your clothes, I would like to introduce you to possibly the most genius of packing hacks around. I call it outfit in a sock. It is most useful for children’s clothes as grown ups tend to have bulkier outfits, although it can work with a top or light skirt. I use this technique to pack my boys clothes when we travel and I then put them in zip lock bags and write on the outside with a marker to show what is inside and who it belongs to.
Try out this genius packing hack. I even use it for spare kids clothes in the nappy bag,
Packing cubes are your friend
These things are magical! Basically they let you pack multiple mini bags within your bigger bag without losing valuable space. Packing cubes are great for separating clothing for different travellers sharing a bag, or for keeping outfits contained and ready to go.
These are the Ikea packing cubes and they are just $9.99
Genius jewellery packing hacks
What do you get when you combine a straw with your favourite necklace? This genius jewellery hack! Just thread your necklace through the straw and pack into your bag. No more tangles.
Use this simple packing hack to stop chains tangling.
Pill containers are perfect for organising earrings.
Prevent spills with smart make up storage
Top all your bottles with cling wrap and then put the lids on to prevent leaks.
Stop bottles leaking on the plane with cling wrap.
No more broken make up.
Great for overnight travel.
Repurpose old sunglasses cases
Those old sunglasses cases make the perfect packing hack for cords, headphones and chargers. The hard cases are best as they protect your electronics from any pumps in transit.
Keep your bras in shape
Fold bras in half, fold the cups into each other and then stuff them with your underwear! No more misshapen bras.
Save space and keep your bras in shape.
Don’t forget the shoes!
Wrap your shoes in shower caps to prevent marking your clothes. Plus put breakables inside or stuff them with socks to utilise all available space.
No more risk of damaging clothes with your heals!
Ohhhhh my lord, you really are a genius. I am sitting here gobsmacked at EVERY SINGLE HACK. Bloody hell, they are amazing. That sock thing – genius….. I am totally giving that a go, and the shower cap – eeeek, not to mention the sunnies case – um, yes – I have millions! And look at the contact lens container. I am beyond excited about all of these tips!!!!! This is a winning entry…. surely!!! Well done, I love it.
Haha, thanks so much 🙂 Glad you like them!
I’m bookmarking this for that one day when I will travel!
For a moment there I thought you fitted a tshirt in a sock!
With bras is it a good idea to fold them? Something I’ve always wondered.
I did fit a T-shirt in a sock… sort of! The sock folds over the tshirt once it is rolled 😉 I only ever fold bras in the middle which I think is fine. I’ve certainly never had a problem 🙂
Okay these are awesome. I will be using these in three weeks time, thank you!
Have a fabulous time away!
Some great ideas here Michelle, and I particularly like the one with the shower cap.
I use that all the time for the kids shoes in my everyday bag too! So easy
What great packing hacks!! I’ve never heard of cling wrapping bottles but will most certainly be gettin’ on that! Congrats on making it to the top ten for the comp!! Good luck for the announcement and hope our paths cross at Problogger! x
I really like this packing hack, its very helpful. You can properly organize your things during the packing.
Hi Michelle! How lovely to have a visit from another fellow Aussie blogger. I love all your packing hacks. I use a few of those already and will definitely use the others from now on in. Thank you so much for linking up to Thriving on Thursdays. I’m featuring this post at tomorrow’s party. Hope to see you again some time!
Anne @ Domesblissity xx
You had me at sock, genius, congrats on your top ten. Zoe ××
Great tips! I love your ideas. Using pill box for jewellery is a fantastic idea. I am going to visit Hungary next weekend. I am so glad that I have found your tips on time. You make my packing easy job. Thank you so much. Best regards!
Thanks Sadie. Have a fabulous time in Hungary!
I’m a huge fan of the packing cubes, I keep one in my carry on and I put everything I may need during the flight to saVe me having to reach up into the overhead bins and having a handbag taking up valueable legroom. I put any liquids in a sandwich bag within the cube.
Cool hacks for a traveller like me, i also put roadeavour ID tag in my suitcase so i can easily be familiarized my luggage.
The first time I read this, I find it hilarious. But, as soon as I go on reading, I find them unusual yet cool hacks. I suck at folding (common for us men lol) my shirts, now it is easy using that cool hack of yours. Rolling it instead of folding. The hack that interest me was the shower cap as I need to bring extra shoes during my travel. Now packing and travelling will not be that hard, thanks to you Michelle. Great job 🙂
Amazing hacks Michelle!!! I like your “outfit in a soc”k hack very much. I find it hilarious but really it is amazing.
Great tips Michelle!!! Your “shoes in shower caps” hack are amazing. After reading your article I have tried this. Now packing shoes is not that hard for me.
Wonderful article Michelle!!! I love it. I like your “Packing Cubes” idea. I will definitely try this while travelling.
Thanks Pam 🙂