When packing for a trip, finding the most practical and effective way to organize toiletries is often the biggest challenge to face. In fact, many people tend to overload their suitcase and carry more things than necessary. Also, if you're traveling by air, following the airport security protocol to the letter can make the whole process even more difficult. Packing as few products as possible is always a good strategy, but finding an effective way to organize them all and prevent them from opening can save you more of a headache once you get to your destination.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Develop an Effective Baggage Preparation Plan
Step 1. Review the products you usually use in your daily life
To make sure you are bringing products that you actually need, and avoid overloading your suitcase, think about your habits regarding skin and body care in general. Make a mental note of all the products you use. Only pack the items in question to avoid carrying items you don't actually need.
Don't forget to include tools that might come in handy, such as cotton balls or Q-tips
Step 2. Eliminate unnecessary items and don't give yourself the same luxuries you give yourself at home
When traveling, you don't necessarily have to bring all the products you use in everyday life. For example, even if you use hairspray every day to tame your hair before going to work, you will hardly need it during a relaxing beach holiday. Exclude any products you don't strictly need.
Keep in mind that most hotels offer shampoo, conditioner, and soap, so you don't always need to bring these products
Step 3. Include additional products based on travel destination
You will only need to make substitutions if you visit a place with a different climate than where you live. For example, if you have to travel to another hemisphere, the season will be different. In cold, dry climates, you will therefore need a more full-bodied moisturizer. On the other hand, in hot and sunny areas you will need high sun protection.
Step 4. Check the airline's regulations in order to know and confirm the rules to be observed regarding hand luggage
If you are traveling by air and want to pack personal care products in your hand luggage, it is important to consider the airport security guidelines to determine what you can bring and how to pack it. Most airports allow you to transport liquid products, sprays, gels, creams and toothpastes in containers of 100ml each, placing them in a plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1l.
Read the rules of the airport you are leaving from to know the specific guidelines and make sure you organize your products correctly for security checks
Step 5. Invest in a beauty case divided into compartments
If you have a specific toiletry bag to store all your personal hygiene products, the preparation of your luggage will become much easier. The beauty cases divided into compartments are particularly convenient because they allow you to organize items in an orderly manner. Furthermore, since the bottles will not be placed directly in the suitcase, you will also avoid product leaks and spills.
Part 2 of 3: Save Space in Your Suitcase
Step 1. Search for multipurpose products
If you choose products that you can use in different ways, you will save space in your suitcase. For example, you could opt for a shower shampoo or use sunscreen to moisturize your skin as well.
Step 2. Use product samples or mini-sizes
Carrying regular bottles of shampoo, facial cleanser and other products can take up too much space in your suitcase. Instead, opt for samples or mini-sizes, so that you don't carry more product than you need.
- Many brands of skincare, hygiene and makeup products give samples to their customers. It is therefore a good idea to keep them all in a dressing table drawer to keep them organized. This way you can simply browse them before your trip to find the ones you need.
- Many stores sell personal care products (such as shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and toothpaste) of the most popular brands in a travel version. In this way you will be able to buy the mini-sizes of the products you usually use.
Step 3. Transfer the products to travel containers
If you don't have samples or mini-sizes of your favorite products, take travel containers and pour a small amount from regular bottles. Some cosmetic bags are sold together with small containers, which are used precisely for decanting beauty and skin care products in preparation for a trip.
You can also keep vials and jars of samples or other mini-sizes after you run out of them. Rinse them well and pour in the products you can't do without on the go
Step 4. Try sharing products with your travel companions
If you are traveling with friends or family, it is not necessary for each traveler to bring their own products separately. Share them with your travel companions to save space in your suitcase. For example, you could bring toothpaste and shower gel, while your friend shampoo and conditioner.
Just make sure the products are sufficient for each member of the group. A tube of travel toothpaste won't be enough if you're going away for a week with four other people
Part 3 of 3: Keeping the Suitcase Tidy
Step 1. Choose solid products whenever you can
Liquids tend to spill and leak out of bottles, so it's best to avoid them whenever you get a chance. For example, bring a pack of wipes instead of liquid eye makeup remover. You can also buy a stick of shampoo to replace the liquid one.
Step 2. Place the liquids in a plastic bag
Even if you are not traveling by plane, it is still preferable to put liquid products in a plastic bag. In this way, even if a product spills or leaks from the bottle, it will remain inside the bag and will not dirty the rest of the luggage.
Step 3. Secure the caps with a piece of masking tape
Since luggage is slammed into airplanes, cars or trains, it often happens that the caps of the bottles open, spilling the product all over the suitcase. Secure them with a piece of masking tape to prevent this from happening.
Step 4. Make cushions inside the suitcase using cotton
If you are concerned about product bottles breaking in your luggage, it will help to create cushioning. Wrap fragile containers with cotton balls or pads to protect them from cracking. Among other things, these articles may also come in handy during your trip.
Step 5. Avoid placing toiletries in the outer baggage compartments
Products that are placed in zipped outer pockets are more prone to damage if the suitcase is slammed during the trip. This means that the bottles can break or squeeze, spilling the contents into the luggage. Place the packages in the center of the suitcase and surround them with soft clothing.
