Most people think travel packing tips are about what’s on your packing list and whether you should fold or roll your clothes. And don’t get me wrong, those packing hacks are definitely helpful. But travel bag organization is more about creating systems. With the right packing hacks and tactics in place you will not only save space, you’ll also find it easier to keep things neat and tidy throughout the trip.  Learning how to pack efficiently can prevent a lot of stress and overwhelm, giving you more time to enjoy yourself on your away-from-home adventures. 

So here are all the packing hacks for traveling that really help keep your bags organized, and set you up for a successful (and tidy) trip. 

Does Travel Bag Organization Really Make A Difference?  

Everyone understands the benefits of keeping your house clean and organized. You want your space to be a safe haven. A clean slate to live in, relax in, and enjoy day to day. This is why we have systems like laundry baskets, spice racks, and dressers. The more well-oiled your in-house systems, the easier it is to ensure that everything goes where it belongs.  

But when it comes to travel, most people assume you can just toss everything in a bag till you get to your destination. And when the trip comes to a close, what do you do? You toss it all back in, somehow shove your souvenirs in the crevices, and zip it back up to tackle when you get home. 

The problem with this packing tactic is that you forget to consider all the in between moments. Like when you’re late for your dinner reservations and fishing through your travel bag for the shirt you packed for the occasion. Or you know you put the tickets somewhere yesterday but can’t find them in any of your piles around the room. When your sweater smells funny because you accidentally set your wet shoes and socks on top of it last night. 

I know the last thing you want to do at your destination is cleaning, folding, and organizing. But you’ll be surprised how much time and stress you save by taking a little extra time to learn how to pack efficiently. Using these travel packing tips will only enhance your trip. It will reduce stress and make it easier for you to fit in everything on your itinerary. 

Here are our top 5 travel packing tips that will help you stay organized while out adventuring. 

Create a Digital Packing List To Use And Reuse 

It can get tiresome to create a new packing list for every trip. Especially when you generally always bring the same items. So streamline your travel bag organization by keeping a digital packing list! This way you can bring it out anytime you’re on a trip, and ensure you never forget anything again.

I love to use the notes app on iphone, or the google keep app on android. The great thing about both apps is the option to “show completed” items. I love to use this feature at the end of my trip to make sure all my things are coming home with me. Just deselect the items you’ve crossed off to re-add them to your list. 

If you don’t already have a tried and true packing list, check out our ultimate guide to packing lists for every occasion. 

How To Pack Efficiently With Packing Cubes 

If you haven’t ever used packing cubes before, you are in for a real treat. See, let's say you fold or roll your clothes up and stick them directly into your travel bag all together. This is a travel bag organization disaster. They can easily become unfolded, roll around, and other items can slip in between the fabrics and get lost. Instead, organize your clothes into outfits, and close each one into a packing cube. This makes getting ready day-of a breeze. Just grab and dress! 

Gravel’s packing cubes come with the extra bonus of folding closed with velcro, rather than a zipper. This way you can adjust the cube to fit whatever you pack, keeping your things as secure as possible. Even if the luggage crew at the airport decide to get a little rough! 

Bring A Bag Or Two In Your Travel Bag

Probably the most underrated packing hack for traveling is to bring extra bags in your bag. A laundry bag for your dirty clothes as you wear them. A reusable trash bag for trash, of course. Especially if you’re backpacking somewhere and need to pack out your garbage with you. A tote if you’re going to be touring, exploring, or shopping. Maybe even a little fanny pack or day bag for your wallet, sunscreen, and chapstick. The more light-weight containers you have for your things, the less time you’re going to be spending shuffling through a big mess of items searching for what you need. 

Unpack At Your Destination 

In theory it may seem like keeping everything in your suitcase at your destination is more efficient. It’s all in one place, you’re saving time by not unpacking, and it’s ready to zip up and go when you are. In reality, this system isn’t ideal. If you have drawers at a hotel or airbnb, it’s better to put them to good use. This way everything has its place, and you don’t have to be rifling through one big container on the daily. Put everything in an assigned spot and keep it there throughout your trip. You'll know exactly where everything is and can quickly grab them when the need arises.

If the type of traveling you’re doing doesn’t include a dresser, I would suggest bringing the Gravel duffle bag with you. This bag was made with travelers like you in mind. It zips completely open long ways so you can see everything all at once. You can also customize it with dividers to keep things super tidy and snug. It’s small enough to fit the carryon measurement standards, and folds down small when empty so you can store it away easily when not in use.

The Toiletry Bag You Didn’t Know You Needed 

In case you haven’t already gotten the message, I’ll say it again. The best travel packing tip is to give everything a place. Even your smallest of items: your toiletries. You know the drill on a trip, you spend ten minutes every morning digging through your toiletry bag just to find your chapstick. I mean, if you haven’t had to dump the whole thing out to find a single Q-tip, have you ever even travelled? 

Gravel’s toiletry bag has 6+ pockets built right in for each of your bathroom items. It also comes with an adjustable hideaway strap so you can hang it up on a towel rack or bathroom hook so everything is even more visible and accessible. Save yourself some time by taking this durable, waterproof toiletry bag around the world with you, and keeping your things where they belong. 

Travel Smarter By Staying Organized

I know the last thing you want to be doing to prepare for your trip is learn how to pack your travel bag. But I promise you too will swear by these packing hacks, travel packing tips, and strategies for travel bag organization. Your trip will run smoother. Your home away from home will stay clean and free of stress. And you’ll be better able to actually enjoy the things that matter out on your long-awaited adventure. 

To enhance your adventures even more with the best travel gear, consider browsing our online shop for premium toiletry bags, travel blankets, and more. We also offer the Gravel Travels blog, featuring more travel tips, destination guides, and travel stories from around the world.

Happy travels!