Packing with Purpose: How to Travel Like an Organizer

Summer travel — we love it, we dread it, we overpack for it every single time. Between the frantic packing, last-minute Target runs, and the inevitable 'Did I leave the stove on?' moment halfway to the airport, it’s no wonder a vacation sometimes needs… a vacation.

Lucky for you, we’ve got our tried-and-true tricks (and favorite links) to make the whole adventure a lot smoother…spiders in the luggage not included. So grab your packing list, your favorite snacks, and that random thing you swear you’ll need but never actually do (we see you, travel yoga mat). Let’s get you packed, prepped, and ready to roll — stress-free(ish)!

Pack with Purpose: Systems that Start at Home

Now, let me clarify a couple of things before we proceed.. This blog isn’t a step-by-step guide or a packing list. While there are numerous online resources available if you’re looking for something more structured, this ain’t that. We want this to be a resource that gives you tools to create systems that work for you as you leave and return home, and part of that process is making it your own. So instead of giving you a pre-planned packing list, I want to talk you through what it looks like to pack the Type A way.

Just like when we’re setting up a closet or a drawer, we are going to start by creating zones in your suitcase. Please trust me on this! There’s nothing worse than trying to rush out of a hotel early in the morning and realizing your pants are buried in your backpack because you tossed them in at the last minute. So instead of scattering your clothes into any crevice they’ll fit, we’re going to use a packing cube and create a designated zone in our suitcase for all our clothes.

These packing cubes are about to be your best friend! Doesn’t matter if you roll, fold, or scrunch your clothes; if they are in a cube, they’ll fit in a suitcase! There are several ways to utilize a packing cube. One way is to use the cubes to separate outfits by day; everything you need, from shirts to accessories, goes in one cube. That way, even if you’re tired or haven’t had coffee, you don’t have to guess what you planned to wear. It’s all right there, ready to go. Another option is packing all like items together—all pants in one cube, all shirts in a cube, etc. That way, when you’re choosing your outfits, everything is separated and easy to sort through. I hate when I get home from a trip and realize I didn’t wear half of my clothes because they were buried in my suitcase. Packing cubes help keep you organized and your suitcase accessible. 

Now you may be asking, “Alex, what if all my pants don’t fit in one packing cube?” And to that I say—remember I love you, okay—you’re overpacking... Unless you are traveling for more than two weeks, everything should fit into a standard-size packing cube and suitcase. Sorry for bursting your bubble, but if it doesn’t fit in the suitcase, it’s time to reevaluate what you’re packing. Do your best to rewear things and recycle what you have planned for different outfits. Trust me, you’ll be thankful that your suitcase doesn’t weigh over 50lbs when you have to carry it from the airport to the hotel.

Now that I’ve hurt your feelings, it’s time to move on to toiletries. Is this your least favorite part of packing, too? I always feel like I have too many liquids until I reach my destination and realize I've forgotten something important, like contact solution. This zone can be tricky, but here’s what I’ve learned…

If you’re flying internationally and not checking a bag, head to Amazon and purchase a pack of these Mesh Water-Resistant Pouches. Alternatively, a great option is a box of quart-sized Ziplock bags. Both of these options are tried and true when going through TSA. My hack for ensuring you don’t forget anything, and making sure everything you need fits in the bag is packing early. Living out of your toiletry bag a few days before your trip ensures all your daily essentials actually make it into the bag. Plus, it gives you time to rethink what you don’t need, which helps prevent overpacking. It will save you so much stress on the day of your flight if you’ve been living with limited space before you leave.

Another great option is a hanging toiletry bag. Bags like this are great if you have limited space when you’re traveling. There are many options online for bags this size, but this one is my favorite because it has a detachable quart-sized pouch at the bottom. All your liquids fit in that compartment, and you have two other pockets for your non-liquid essentials. Ensuring that all your toiletries fit into one bag will keep that zone from becoming overwhelming. It is too easy to continue to throw things in your suitcase as you're packing. But creating a designated space for them will keep it in order and prevent stains and spills from wrecking your vacation.

The last category that can get people in trouble is their electronics. This is another zone that can easily get out of hand if you don’t start the process intentionally at home. The best habit that I’ve learned is putting all your devices, from your Kindle to your laptop, and chargers together as you pack. Does it seem a little overwhelming? Chances are, you are overpacking, and not everything in that pile needs to come to the beach with you. Evaluate what types of chargers each device needs; there will likely be some overlap. Then decide if all of those devices need to come with you. If you have to work on the trip, bring the laptop. But if this is meant to be an unplugged family trip, you should be able to access everything important from your phone, and the laptop can likely stay home.

After you decide what actually needs to come with, it’s time to pack. Your electronics will most likely end up in your personal item on the flight, so it’s best to make sure everything is easily accessible. Having a landing zone for your cords and devices keeps things from getting tangled or lost in your bag or anywhere along the way. All of these travel cases have multiple pockets to ensure that everything is visible and conveniently stored. Organizing everything into cases will also make your life easier as you’re moving through the TSA, and you don’t want to hold up the line as you dig through your bag 🫣.

Choose Your Tools Wisely: The Best Bags + Gear

Before I start telling you the Type A recommended travel gear, it is always in your best interest to use what you have before committing to buy new luggage. The right luggage is an investment and should last you a very long time. So, if you have suitcases that are still in good condition, great! It is also the best practice to evaluate if your luggage is serving you well. On your last flight, did you fight with the handle that wouldn't go down? Or break a zipper when trying to fit everything? Your luggage shouldn’t be adding to the stress of traveling. You should be able to rely on your bags and not be worried about what condition they will be in on the luggage carousel. 🧳

If you’re looking for a new travel bag, here’s the Type A breakdown. Luggage should be: durable, compartmentalized, and lightweight. We already talked about packing solutions that can make your clothes, toiletries, and electronics easier to travel with, allowing you to keep everything compartmentalized and organized. But the bag you put those solutions into also plays a big part in the travel process.

Durable | Travel can be rough on your luggage — think airport handling, rainy sidewalks, busy restrooms, and crammed overhead bins. Choosing a durable suitcase means you won’t have to worry about zippers breaking mid-trip or wheels giving out halfway through the terminal (speaking from experience, tripping over your bag because it stopped rolling is the worst thing to happen since flight delays). Investing in something sturdy protects not just your belongings, but your sanity.

Compartmentalized | Built-in compartments (or even just a thoughtfully designed interior) help you stay organized without needing to overthink. Instead of dumping everything into one big open space, you can separate shoes, dirty laundry, or even snacks. It’s like having a mini organizing system on the go, which means faster unpacking, fewer forgotten items, and no digging for that one tiny charger!

Lightweight | A lightweight suitcase makes everything easier, whether you’re lifting it into a car, dragging it across cobblestones, or navigating airline weight limits. The less your suitcase weighs, the more flexibility you have to pack what you need (or bring a few souvenirs home). Lightweight doesn't mean flimsy; it means smart design that lightens the load without sacrificing strength.

We always look for luggage that works with us, not against us, structured, lightweight, and built to last. These are the suitcases and bags we reach for again and again. My number one pick is the Away Carry-On, and while it is an investment, it has everything we’re looking for! Not only is it extremely lightweight, but it also has all the compartments I could ask for. Like a standard carry-on, the Away Carry-On has the common shell compartments, but they have three zipper pouches in the middle to hold shoes or toiletries. This bag also has a combination lock to keep your items safe and a water repellent shell to keep things dry. I’ve put this suitcase through the ringer, dragging it through harsh Minnesota snow and on the NYC subway, and it’s survived it all!

Another great option is the Samsonite Carry-On. This luggage, while slightly more compact than the Away option, has an expanding zipper for you to be able to hold more items. It also has a TSA-approved combination lock to keep your bag secure. This bag doesn’t have as many compartments as the other, but it is an amazing option!

If you’re looking for a checked bag, I continue to recommend the Away Large Checked Bag. It’s a favorite for a reason. But if you’re hoping for something more budget-friendly, there are a couple of great options worth considering. The Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Luggage set includes both a carry-on and a checked bag. It’s a durable option with thoughtful features like an expanding zipper, built-in lock, and a scratch-resistant shell. Another solid choice is the COOLIFE Luggage set, which also includes two pieces. This is the most affordable option I’ve found that still feels lightweight and well-compartmentalized. The carry-on even has a handy front pocket for your laptop or tablet, and the main bags include zippered compartments for easy organization.

Now that the important things are packed, have you thought about your personal bag? This is always the last thing I pack, shoving whatever didn’t fit in my suitcase at the last minute. Finding the right personal bag is just as important as a suitcase. Why? This is the item that is going to be on your person the entire trip, and nothing will get on your nerves as much as a backpack that pulls on your neck or a duffle that falls off your shoulder.

Similar to suitcases, a personal item should be durable and have different compartment options for you, making it versatile and easy to pack. A team favorite is the Calpak Luka Duffel. With nine pockets and a separate compartment for shoes, this duffel is the perfect weekender bag! The soft material makes this bag lightweight and easy to carry through the airport. Another great duffle option is the ETRONIK Travel Bag. This bag is more like a typical weekender bag, with interior pockets and a zipper compartment on the bottom for shoes or small items. It is the perfect size for the items you need on you during a flight. 

If you’re anything like me, you might prefer to use a backpack. While not for everyone, the right backpack makes a huge difference when you're navigating airports, exploring a city, or just trying to keep your hands free, which is a lifesaver when you're juggling coffee, passports, or kids. I also enjoy having more zipper compartments for separating zones. It’s a Type A thing 🤫

Take the time to consider how much space you need in your backpack; buying the correct size is going to be a game-changer. If you’re leaning towards a smaller laptop bag (that will still hold everything), the CALPAK Luka Laptop Backpack is a great option! This bag can hold a 15” laptop and has multiple pockets, in and out, including a separate shoe pouch. Similar to the Luka Duffle, the backpack is extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear.

Another small backpack option is the Coowoz Large Travel Backpack. Specifically designed to be a travel bag, this backpack has a 180° zip opening for holding large items, like packing cubes 😉. This is my personal pick because it also has a wet bag and a shoe compartment! It is available in larger sizes if this style (and price) is more up your alley, allowing you the freedom to decide how big you need to go. 

Or if you need a larger backpack option, the CALPAK Terra 26L Duffel Backpack is a fabulous option. Backpacks of this size are great for people who want to travel light, leave the carry-on at home, and function out of a single bag. Similar to the Coowoz bag, this backpack has a 180° zip opening that opens up to a duffle-sized compartment. There are an additional 7 pockets on the outside of the bag, including a laptop sleeve. I’ve used this bag for shorter trips, and it is the perfect size to be able to travel light and hands-free.

Coming Home: The Forgotten Side of Travel Organization

Now it’s time for everyone’s favorite part of traveling! Just kidding, I think it might only be my favorite. When getting home from a trip, I can’t sleep until I’m clean and my bag is put away. And the thought of unpacking right away might give you hives. So what’s the difference in how I unpack and how you unpack? 

Well, to start, before I head home, I repack. I know that sounds elementary, but it is a critical step in my travel plan. When I’m packing my suitcase, I again create zones in my suitcase. For example, all of my dirty clothes go into one or two packing cubes so that when I get home, I can just unzip the packing cube over the washer or my hamper. If I have delicates, those go in a separate packing cube. Doing this step before I get home ensures I’m not unpacking when I arrive, eliminating an extra task. All my toiletries, electronics, etc., get repacked the way I originally packed them—one zone at a time. That way, when I get home, it’s easy to unpack by simply returning each category to its place.

⬆️ And that’s the key to the next part of my unpacking routine: everything already has a place. Aside from any new souvenirs, I know exactly where everything belongs. From toiletries to suitcases, I’ve created a home for all things travel, which makes settling back in just as smooth as heading out. Before I put my luggage and bags away, I make sure they are clean so that they’re ready for my next trip. I wipe down the outside of hard-shell suitcases, clean out the inside of all bags, nest smaller bags inside larger ones, wash packing cubes, and refill my toiletry bottles. Creating this zone and ensuring that everything is travel-ready before it gets put away will guarantee that you feel settled when you come home and prepped for your next trip.

Luggage can be a pain to store. Shelves are either too big, leaving everything jumbled, or too small to fit even a compact carry-on. There is no “right” answer to the suitcase storage dilemma. Many of our clients shove their luggage wherever it fits, and it often isn’t the space that makes sense. If you have to move a bed or a clothing rack to access your luggage, it isn’t the best spot. But, if you have the flexibility to add a shelving unit into an existing space, we suggest something like an Inter-Metro shelving Unit. While utilitarian, it is our first choice considering that they are durable and heavy-duty, while also being customizable. These units can be put in a weatherproof garage or an attic space, giving you storage options where there previously were none. However, if you do have the storage space in a closet with easy access, storing luggage and travel items there is another option. The best practice is to organize in a way that makes your life easier. So if you feel like you’re fighting with your closet every time you need a suitcase, it might be time to find it a new home. 

Make Travel Less Chaotic and More Joyful

No matter where your summer travels take you, I hope this season brings you less stress and more ease. Traveling should be about making memories and being present in the moment, not wrestling with your suitcase. Hopefully, this guide helped you feel more prepared, but if you do forget something, find a little joy in that late-night search for socks in a brand new place. Those small detours often become the best stories.