Travel has become such a routine part of my life that each time I walk into a hotel room, it feels like stepping into a familiar ritual. 

After years of refining my travel routine, I’ve discovered a few organization tips that aren’t in every travel guidebook, but they’ve made my journeys so much smoother. 

Here’s my roundup of lesser-known travel organization tips — straight from my personal travel playbook.

1. Know When to Unpack (and When Not To)

When I first started traveling frequently, I’d unpack my entire suitcase, even for a single night’s stay. Now, I have a rule: if it’s just one night, only the essentials come out. My toiletries are in a hanging toiletry bag that goes right by the bathroom sink — so convenient to grab in the morning. I’ll pull out my pajamas and an outfit for the next day, but that’s it.

For longer stays, I go ahead and unpack clothes that wrinkle easily or items I’ll need daily. It’s worth spending a few minutes arranging everything, which makes it feel more like a home base than a temporary stop. Keeping my suitcase on a luggage stand or shelf is another favorite trick; I feel organized without feeling like I’m constantly re-packing every time I reach for something.

2. Always Unpack These Essentials

Regardless of the length of my stay, a few items always get unpacked.

• Toiletry Bag: This is the first thing I grab as soon as I arrive. I use a hanging toiletry bag, which saves me counter space and keeps everything organized, so I’m not digging around for my toothbrush. It also helps me stay organized so that I don’t leave anything behind.

• Tech and Chargers: There’s nothing worse than hunting around for a charger when your battery is at 2%. Last week, I actually recommended a multi-port charging dock on my 11/11 shopping guide — it’s been so helpful. If you missed that article, check it out for other must-have travel items. I also keep a dedicated “tech bag” that holds chargers, my portable battery, and any adapters. This goes right on the nightstand or desk for easy access.

• One Change of Clothing and Pajamas: I always make sure my pajamas and a fresh outfit are accessible. I used to forget to dig these out, only to realize at bedtime that I had to unpack half my suitcase to find them. Now, they’re neatly tucked in an outer pocket or packing cube for easy access.

3. Laundry Hacks for Fresh Clothes

Whether it’s a quick overnight stay or a week-long trip, keeping clothes fresh in a suitcase can be a challenge. I’ve learned a few tricks along the way:

• Short Stays: For shorter trips, I keep a small lavender sachet tucked into my bag. The subtle scent makes my clothes feel just-washed, and it’s a tiny luxury that’s well worth it. Sometimes, I even use a dryer sheet, which is lightweight and keeps everything smelling fresh.

• Longer Stays: I bring a laundry bag or dedicate a packing cube to dirty clothes. It keeps them separate from clean clothes, and I know exactly where everything is when it’s time to repack. This little hack keeps my suitcase tidy and my fresh clothes from picking up unwanted odors.

4. My Essential Oil Travel Kit for Comfort and Cleanliness

I’ve become a bit of an essential oils enthusiast, and I never leave home without my small, trusty travel kit. Inside, you’ll find lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree oil — my go-to trio. Each oil has its purpose:

Room Refresher: Hotels can sometimes feel a bit stale, and a couple of drops of eucalyptus or lavender on a cotton ball works wonders. I’ll tuck it into the closet or place it by the bed to create a calming, familiar scent that makes the room feel cozier.

Clothing Freshener: If my suitcase starts to smell a bit musty, I place a few drops on a tissue and leave it in the luggage. It’s a simple way to make sure everything stays fresh.

Staying Relaxed: For longer flights or drives, I use peppermint oil to stay alert or ease any motion sickness. A quick dab on my wrists or behind my neck keeps me feeling energized. Essential oils are such a small addition, but they bring a lot of comfort to my travel experience.

Want to see how I created my essential oil travelling kit? Watch this video: 

5. The “First Out” Packing Method

When I’m arriving late at night or just staying for a quick stopover, I use what I call the “first out” packing method. I place my essentials for the first 24 hours — pajamas, a toothbrush, and the next day’s clothes — right at the top of my suitcase. 

It means I can grab what I need and get on with my evening or morning without having to unpack everything. This method has saved me more times than I can count, especially when I’m checking in after a long flight.

6. My Mini Portable Office Setup

As a frequent traveler, I’ve learned that all I really need for a quick office setup on the go is my laptop. But I still carry a small notebook for jotting down notes and quick sketches. There’s something irreplaceable about having a tangible space for ideas that digital just doesn’t quite capture.

I use a lightweight laptop that fits comfortably into my carry-on, and I have noise-canceling headphones for working in transit. My notebook, which I keep right next to my laptop, is my old-school companion, and I love having a space to map out ideas when inspiration strikes on the road.

Traveling often can feel repetitive, but these organization tips have brought so much ease to my routine. By keeping essentials in easy reach, adding personal comforts, and having a flexible mini-office setup, each journey feels smoother and a bit more like home. Give some of these tips a try — I promise they’ll make your next trip easier, too.

FAQ Section

• What are the benefits of a hanging toiletry bag?

It’s compact, saves counter space, and keeps everything organized in one place. Plus, it’s easy to check before you leave to ensure you’ve packed everything.

• Why do you carry essential oils while traveling?

Essential oils help make travel spaces feel more personal, bring comfort, and are useful for relaxation and alertness. A few drops of eucalyptus or lavender oil can transform any room.

• How do you keep chargers and tech organized on the go?

I recommend using a dedicated tech bag and, if possible, a multi-port charging dock. You can read more about my must-have tech travel items in my 11/11 shopping guide.

• What’s the “first out” packing method?

It’s a packing technique where you place your first outfit or essential items on top of your suitcase so you can quickly grab what you need upon arrival.

• How do you set up a portable office for travel?

All I need is a lightweight laptop and a notebook. For a more complete setup, consider a portable charging station and noise-canceling headphones.

Before you go…

MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW US FOR MORE GOOD IDEAS
Instagram | Facebook | Little Red Book | Wechat

You can also contact me or subscribe to my newsletter here.

---

PIN IT FOR LATER ↓