As much as I love to travel, packing was not always my forte. I often found myself forgetting important items, bringing clothes that didn’t go with each other or overpacking stuff I never used or needed during my trip. I also found myself frantically searching the bottom of my carry on for important stuff at the airport. Since Oliver was born, I’ve had to rethink my strategy and I’ve become a really efficient packer and traveler (toot, toot). Read ahead for tried and true packing and travel hacks that save time, space and stress!

1. Plan your outfits

Stay with me on this one. I usually write down the minimum number of outfits I will need and the activities I plan to do (i.e. hiking, sight-seeing, weddings, etc.) to make sure I have the right outfits for the occasions. I then lay each outfit out (with the corresponding shoes, handbags and accessories) and take photos of them to keep on my phone that way I can flip through pictures to help me decide what to wear while on my trip. This keeps me from packing anything that I don’t have an outfit planned around.

For baby, this is so much easier since I plan his outfits ahead of time. Check out this blog post on how to keep baby’s clothes organized so that you’re never searching for tiny socks at the bottom of the suitcase. This is seriously the best method and has saved me so much time and energy.

2. Make a list!

If you’ve ever gotten to the airport and forgotten something really important then lists become an absolute must. My list usually consists of obvious items (pj’s, panties, etc.) but more importantly, I list the essential things I can’t pack until the last minute (i.e. phone chargers, laptop, passport, etc.). Chris always laughs at me for doing this but right before walking out the door, I go through the list to make sure we have each of those items packed and checked off.

3. Carry-Ons

I absolutely hate going through the airport with heavy, bulky carry-ons but I also want to have everything handy during travel (first world problems, I know). I take the least amount possible in my carry on (which usually doubles as a diaper bag for me). Be sure to keep necessities on hand in case there are flight delays or your luggage gets misplaced. I am obsessed with my ToteSavvy Insert Organizer because it keeps everything in its place and easily accessible. Honestly, I never leave home without it!

4. Global Entry

I’ve written about this before (here) but I think this has been a life- and time-saver. Read about the perks and benefits of this customs program in this post. It’s one of the best travel hacks I can recommend!

5. Wear the Heavy Stuff

If you are pushing the weight limit on your luggage, wear the heavy items on your flight. Generally this will be shoes (boots), jeans and coats.

6. Compartmentalize

If your hotel room looks like a hurricane went through it from the moment you arrive, packing cubes are for you. They’re a great way to keep like items together and keep you organized. I like to keep tops together, bottoms in a separate cube, underwear and so on. Another really neat option are packable shelves that you can just hang in the closet once you arrive at your destination!

7. Tech Case

If you travel with a lot of electronics (laptops, iPads, camera, phones, Go Pros), a tech case is worth it to keep all chargers and cords in one place. This one is a sturdy, chic option.

8. Organize Accessories

I use this neat jewelry organizer. You can also get creative with it, like utilizing stick wrap to keep jewelry from tangling or stringing necklaces through straws to keep them from tangling. I like having all of my accessories easily accessible in one place.

9. Extra Bags

To keep dirty clothes separate from clean clothes, I like to pack a laundry bag. Another option is using the bag that hotels provide for dry cleaning or a regular trash bag. I also like taking a waterproof bikini bag in case I have to toss any wet clothes in my luggage.

10. Unused Space

Pay attention to empty space. Roll belts up and place them in the collar of button-ups. Place socks or breakable items (i.e. perfume bottles) inside shoes. Place bras or rolled up tops inside hats to save space and keep the hat’s shape in tact.

11. Toiletry

Depending on the length of the trip I may just buy shampoo, conditioner and body wash at our destination but my make-up and skin care are usually very particular so I want to make sure I bring those. There are many options if you don’t plan to take the full size bottles. I always keep empty travel containers handy for trips or purchase travel-sizes of my favorite products. This neat Casper & Coal Travel Cosmetic Bag keeps all products organized upright and easily accessible!

12. Download Media

Download playlists, movies, books and podcasts onto your electronic device of choice. Most airplanes have wifi but it can be a bit shaky at times. It’s best to go prepared so be sure to download all of the entertainment you’ll need to get you through the flight.

13. Shoe Bags

I put all my shoes in shoe bags that I’ve collected throughout the years and they come in so handy to keep the shoes separate from the rest of my clean clothes and to my protect shoes. If you don’t have a bunch of shoe bags lying around, there are other options such as large ziplock bags or shower caps. These waterproof shoe bags are a great investment if you travel often.

14. Pack Snacks

I always pack lots of snacks for baby but I like to pack healthy snacks for Chris and I as well. Airport and plane food isn’t always the healthiest so I like to have options handy. Fruits, nuts and veggies are my go-to.

15. Wine

When we go to Europe, we like to bring back a few bottles of wine back with us. I like to use this trick with socks.  Wine Skin is another great option!

16. Photograph Travel Documents

Take pictures of all your important documents such as passports, ID’s, itineraries, hotel confirmations and addresses and keep them on your phone. It helps to have photos of them in case anything should happen.

17. Google Flight Status

Simply type the airline name and flight number (i.e. United UA5065) in google to check the status of your flight quickly and easily.

18. Pack an Empty Water Bottle

Humidity levels are significantly lower in planes so staying hydrated is especially important (helps avoid jet lag too). I usually have baby with me and can’t leave cups full of water where he can access and then topple over, so I bring a water bottle and make sure to take sips constantly and refill it often.

19. Keys

Only pack the keys you need. For me, it’s usually just my house key. Leave the rest of the keys at home. You don’t want to risk losing them or carry extra keys around needlessly.

20. Avoid Leaks

I always place cling wrap under the lid of toiletries and liquids  to keep them from leaking. If you don’t have cling wrap, plastic bags work too!

21. Delicate Garments

Silk dresses or delicate fabrics can be rolled between sheets of white tissue to protect them and help keep them from wrinkling. Be sure to hang these up as soon as your arrive at your destination.

There you have it! My favorite travel hacks. Do you have any great tips for savvy travelers? I’d love to hear about them! Let me know!