10 Products to Keep You Organized When You Travel

Note: Included below are links to all the products that are mentioned. However, these companies are not affiliates and we receive no compensation from any vendors. These links are all to items that we use on a regular basis and feel comfortable recommending.

If you have read any of our previous articles on packing, you may know that we like to pack as efficiently as possible, with the goal of getting everything we need in our carry-on luggage.  In order to meet that goal, it is essential to pack and stay organized throughout our trip.  In today’s post, we will be sharing 10 of our favorite products that keep us organized.  And, just to be clear, nothing on our website is sponsored, including this article!  We purchased all of these items ourselves and use them on every trip!

So, with that, here are a few of our favorite things!   

• Mother Lode Travel Backpack – We have been using the eBags’ Mother Lode Jr. Backpack suitcase for years and we still love it. Unfortunately, it seems like eBags has discontinued this model, but they still carry their very popular full-sized Mother Lode Travel Backpack.  This version is slightly larger than the one that we have been using, but still offers all of the same convenience and performance as the Jr. model.   The Mother Lode has a ton of pockets and we can fit an incredible amount of clothes and toiletries in this bag.  In fact, we are able to fit the same amount in this backpack as we do in our larger, more traditional Travel Pro roller bag.

We like the fact that this suitcase is a backpack and allows us hands-free mobility, especially when we are maneuvering through the crowded airport.  However, we know that some folks would prefer a more traditional roller bag.  If so, take a look at eBags’ Mother Lode 21” Roller Duffle Bag.  This bag has all the same features as the backpack version, but in a roller bag format. 

Regardless of the version you prefer, all of them include eBags’ lifetime guarantee.  So, you really cannot go wrong with any of these products. 

TIP: eBags has frequent sales, so keep an eye out for a sale to ensure you get the best deal!

• Packing Cubes – We have been using packing cubes for years with all of our suitcases. There are many different brands on the market, but we can vouch for the eBags version.  Their Classic Packing Cubes 3Pc Set fits perfectly in the Mother Lode Backpacks, as well as our Travel Pro roller bags.  We have been using the same set for close to 10 years and they are just like new. 

In the last few years though, we have been embracing compression packing cubes.  Compression packing cubes can hold even more than traditional packing cubes.   These cubes have two zippers, that allow the cube and it’s contents to be thoroughly compressed.  Compression cubes are terrific for any items, but especially those that are resistant to wrinkling.  Bathing suits, socks, undergarments, t-shirts and other knitted-type clothing are perfect for compression cubes.  We have used the Eagle Creek brand for a number of years and they are still in perfect condition.  However, there are now many of these types of packing cubes available on the market.

If you are interested on some additional ideas on packing, read our article “Tips for Packing Light – On Your Next Flight”.

• Leak Proof Bottles – When it comes to packing toiletries, we are obsessed with shrinking the amount of space needed for these items. Decanting products into smaller bottles is essential to minimizing space.  By the same token, we also want to make sure that our decanted liquids do not leak!  These bottles on Amazon have been the ones that we have been recommending for years.  The GoTube products are also quite good, but they are more expensive than the ‘generic’ version that we use.

• Toiletry Bag – We have one more recommendation from eBags and that is this Pack-It-Flat Toiletry Kit.  This toiletry bag fits perfectly in all of our suitcases, tote bags and backpacks.  As the name implies, it packs perfectly flat and can hold a ton of products!  Once you arrive at your destination, you can even hang the bag and have easy access to all of its contents. This bag is available in two sizes.  We have both.  There is not a huge difference between them, so we recommend opting for the larger one, just for the little bit of extra room it provides.

If you are interested is some more tips on packing toiletries, take a look at one of our most popular articles, “How to Pack for the TSA – Fitting it all in that Little Quart Bag”.

• Clear Zippered Bags – When flying, I carry a tote bag as my ‘personal item’. A lot of items go in that tote and I really hate having to dig around in that bag looking for all the items that I may need during a flight.  In order to keep some semblance of order in my tote bag, I use small pouches or sealable bags to keep everything organized.  These zippered bags are perfect for holding larger items and since they are clear, it is easy to see all of their contents.  These bags are advertised as being TSA compliant for liquids.  Frankly, I am not sure that they really are and I do not use them for that purpose.  They are however, fantastic for keeping luggage organized!

• Accessory Organizer – In addition to the clear bags we just discussed, I also use these accessory organizers by Travelon. These bags are intended to hold small items, and they are also clear, so everything is easily visible.  These pouches are thin and take up practically no space.  So, it is easy to slide them along the sides of a tote or carry-on bag.  I use them to hold things like earbuds, jewelry, medications, etc. 

• Pill Organizer – We take a number of medications and supplements on a daily basis. In the past we have traveled with rigid plastic pill organizers. When traveling for several weeks at a time, this style of pill organizer can take up a lot of precious space.  On a recent trip, we switched to this soft-sided pill organizer and it worked perfectly for us.  This organizer holds a lot of pills and as you use up the pills, the ‘footprint’ of this organizers gets smaller and smaller, freeing up space in your luggage. 

This little organizer comes with its own re-usable heavy-duty plastic envelopes for each day of the week for both AM and PM.  I actually used these very small, disposable plastic baggies to hold my daily pills and inserted them into the heavy plastic envelopes within the pill organizer.  In that way, I was able to load about 25 days of supplements into the organizer.

• Makeup Brush Holder – This little zippered case is intended to store makeup brushes while traveling and then transform into a free-standing container to hold them in an upright position once you unpack. This case works perfectly as intended.  However, I use it to pack ALL of my makeup and brushes when I travel.  I admit, it is tiny, but because I have really scaled back on the makeup that I take when traveling, this little case holds it all! 

If you are interested in some tips for minimizing the amount of makeup when traveling, you may want to take a look at one of our previous articles: “Tips to Minimize Your Makeup When You Travel”.

• Multi Charger – If you are like most people these days, you probably travel with a lot of devices that require frequent recharging. We travel with a couple of phones, tablets, camera and more, so having the ability to concurrently charge our devices is important to us.  We always pack this charger.  It is inexpensive and has been working well for several years.  There are tons of these chargers on the market though, so just pick one that best meets your charging needs.

• RFID Wallet & Change Purse – When traveling, we only take along the cards and cash specifically needed for the trip. Instead of a large wallet, I take this small RFID wallet. It holds all the cards that I need and even has space for cash.  This wallet is suitable for both women and men. It easily fits anywhere, from a purse to pants pockets, making it super convenient.  Plus, it also has some RFID-blocking capabilities, if you have concerns about that issue. 

 I also carry this change purse when traveling to foreign destinations.  I prefer to keep local currency in this wallet, just to keep in separate from any other currencies that I may be carrying.  This change purse has several zippered sections, so that I can keep paper currency and coins separated and easier to find. 

So, there you have it friends!  We hope you found this article helpful and that you will be able to incorporate some of these ideas into your future travels!  We are always on the hunt for products that will make packing easier or more efficient.  So, please feel free to share any ideas you may have in the comments section.

Until next time, safe travels!