Finding room for everything you want to take on a trip can be a frustrating task to say the least. Broken nails from zipper tugging, last-minute editing of the travel wardrobe and doing a full body dive onto the top of my suitcase to get it closed when vacuum bags didn’t quite do the trick have all been part of my flight prep on more than one occasion. Even with streamlined packing protocols, one last-minute itinerary change can result in the need for additional supplies, business clothing and even professional equipment. Following are a few of my go-to ways to carve out needed space in my travel bags.
Art: Recently, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the packing solutions I’ve found while shopping for art supplies. For example, I’ve always felt the travel-sized bottles of hairspray for sale at department stores were a little large and clunky for streamlined packing. I lucked into a miniature one years ago via a hotel amenities kit, but lately it’s showing signs of being on its last leg. That’s when I pulled a mini mister out of my bag of mixed media tools. Available in a three pack for less than $5 from a company called Ranger, these compact spray bottles are super slim, tall enough to hold a reasonable amount of product and extremely lightweight.
Similarly, the double-ended permanent black marker I carry in my mobile art studio is not only a space-efficient creative supply, it pulls double duty for treating shoe scuffs, addressing packages I need to mail from the road and other related tasks. I’ve also found structured, zippered sketch pencil cases can make excellent makeup bags for those looking to keep their cosmetics within a certain size allotment.
Function: Wanting to accessorize on the road is all well and good, but when luggage space is at a premium it pays to be creative with where and how you store them. For instance, scarves are a favorite low-space accessory favored by road warrior fashionistas. However, if you want to add that pop of color and still have room for a necessary backup hard drive, tying the scarf onto the handle of your tote as a fashion statement can give you the best of both worlds. This same strategy can also be used by backpackers wanting to bring along a couple of bandanas to use as wash cloths, napkins and hair wraps.
A decorative clip-on wrist strap attached to the zipper pull of a clear bag of travel liquids not only makes it easier to grab off the conveyor belt at airport security, it can also be switched over to the zipper of a small clutch purse, turning it into a wristlet for any special occasion where that might be required.
Another area where function can play a strategic role in your packing efforts is how much attention you pay to categories of items and how they are stored. Rather than separate pouches for miniature headphones, ear plugs, aspirin and bobby pins for instance, consider storing them all together in one pouch to save on both space and organizational frustration. When I started combining categories in this way, the reduced number of storage pouches created enough room for me to bring along additional backup medications such as allergy pills, a larger supply of antacids and emergency throat lozenges.
Products: While I am more than willing to decant when necessary, one way I remain as ready as possible to hit the road is by purchasing many of my day-to-day liquid products in sizes that already meet the standard airline security restrictions. This limits the number of products I need to decant as much as possible, and helps synchronize my travel life and stationary down time just as much as my capsule wardrobe, smaller tech gear and portable office setup. Examples of toiletries I no longer have to decant include night serum oil, foundation, blurring primer, toothpaste and concealer. My husband spends a few extra bucks a month to incorporate the same strategy with shaving cream.
Streamlining your travel packing protocols to fully integrate with your day-to-day life is about more than just finding room for the items you’ll need. It’s about not having to change up your systems and routines any more than necessary. Whether it’s choosing to use product brands at home you can easily find abroad, making your portable work setup the same one you use at home, or developing plug-and-play storage systems you can use with a variety of bags and suitcases, being precise and mindful with the items you bring along can go a long way toward reducing travel stress and making life on the road more enjoyable.
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