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It’s that time of year again when long weekends are spent in the sun and summer Fridays become part of the corporate vocab. That’s right, it’s the unofficial start of summer. For so long, Memorial Day Weekend often signaled the end of school and the start of summer break. Now, it just means I’m going to be living out of a suitcase for a few months. And while I’d like to think I’ve matured since the all-inclusive, binge-drinking, MDW bikini days, my packing habits certainly haven’t.
What can I say? I’m a procrastinator. I tell myself that I work well under pressure, but really, I’m just too lazy to be bothered until 30 minutes before I have to leave for a flight, train, or car ride. Because I’m a last-minute packer, I always end up bringing 15 bathing suits, 10 pairs of shoes, 100 pairs of underwear, and enough anxiety to run a small town into the ground—and that’s just a 5-day trip. Thankfully, I’ve found a few tricks through the years that have helped transform my suitcase from a dumpster fire to feeling like I (sort of) have my shit together.
These Packing Cubes That Will Keep Your Shit Organized
Once you try packing cubes, you’ll literally never go back. It’s a game changer if you’re the kind of person who tends to overpack. (It’s me, I’m her.) It helps organize the different types of clothing you’re bringing, while the compression lets you pack twice as much shit in one carry-on. That’s a win-win.
BAGAIL Compression Packing Cubes, $29.99, Amazon
A Toiletry Bag For Your TikTok-Influenced 10-Step Skincare Routine
The only time I’m actually proud of the way I store my beauty products is when I’m traveling. When I’m home, I pretty much just throw everything under the sink in such a disorganized way that I’ll be swearing, “My sister must have stolen it!” when I can’t find my favorite lipgloss. This solves that issue and makes it easy to ensure I have every step of the 10-step skincare routine I learned on TikTok with me at all times.
BAGSMART Toiletry Bag with Hanging Hook, $29.99, Amazon
Travel Containers So You Don’t Risk Losing Your Full-Size
Speaking of my 10-step skincare routine, there’s literally no way in hell I’ll be risking an explosion of my new vitamin C serum on the plane. Plus, if I put all my full-sized skincare products in one carry-on, that’s all I’d be packing. This set offers so many different container options, from sprayers to jars. The possibilities are endless.
Morfone 16 Pack Travel Bottles Set, $22.58, Amazon
A Cord Organizer, So You’re Not a Hot Mess On the Plane
This might feel a little high-maintenance, but I’ve never been more thankful for this organizer than when I’m sitting in a coach seat made to fit a toddler, rifling through my bag and looking for a phone charger. You’ll thank me later, I promise.
FYY Electronic Organizer, $12.99, Amazon
Travel Jewelry Box Upgrade From a Ziploc Bag
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always packed my jewelry in a ziplock bag. And every time, while trying to untangle a bangle from a necklace, I would swear that I’d never do it again. I’ve finally come to my senses and purchased this jewelry case. It’ll keep your jewelry more organized than Khloé Kardashian’s pantry.
Travel Jewelry Case, $50, Shop.Betches.com
A Laundry Bag To Keep Your Clean Shit From Smelling
No one talks about the struggle of packing your shit up at the end of the trip. I would venture to say it’s one of the most depressing times of life. Let’s not forget the struggle of keeping clean and dirty clothing separate. Kind of like the packing cubes, this helps organize your dirty clothes and keep them away from your clean ones, so they don’t infect your entire suitcase with the smell of BO.
JHX Dirty Clothes Bag, $14.99, Amazon
First Class Crew, And I’m Not Referencing The Pilot
I’m not stepping foot into an airport unless I have a sweatshirt packed. It’s a staple you should always ensure has room in the carry-on. Not only does it provide warmth on the AC-ridden plan, but it serves a dual purpose when you roll it into a ball and use it as an in-flight pillow. Alternatively, throw it on as an airport outfit featuring the personality of first-class travel, without sacrificing the humor and budget of economy. You’re welcome.
Shop it: First Class Crew, $50, Shop Betches
