Packing toiletry kits & bags might feel like a game of Tetris — figuring out how to fit all your essentials while keeping your travel bag light and clutter-free. Whether you're heading on a weekend getaway or a business trip, knowing how to organise and pack your toiletries efficiently can save space and keep your items easily accessible.
Check out our guide below for simple, practical tips to help you pack your toiletry bag like a pro.
Choose travel-friendly toiletries
Less is more when it comes to packing toiletries. You don’t need your full-size skincare collection or an entire bottle of shampoo for a weekend trip. Opt for compact, travel-friendly products that save space and meet airline regulations especially if you're flying.
Most drugstores and beauty shops sell travel size versions of popular toiletries such as shampoos, body soap and toothpaste. These are lifesavers for short trips and take up way less space than full-size bottles.
But if you have specific products you love that don’t come in travel sizes, you can get a set of leak-proof travel containers instead. You can decant your favourite shampoo, conditioner or perfume into these smaller bottles instead of carrying around bulky containers.
Pro tip: Look for silicone travel bottles as they’re flexible, easy to squeeze and less likely to crack or leak than hard plastic ones.
Pack strategically
The way you arrange your toiletries inside your bag can make a huge difference in how easily you can access them and how well you avoid spills.
Instead of tossing everything into one big pouch, group your items into categories. Keeping similar items together like skincare products in one section and hair care in another, makes it easier to find what you need without digging through your bag.
A toiletry bag with multiple compartments like our Hanging Wash Bag, is a great investment. This bag allows you to separate your items neatly and keep them organised throughout your trip. Hanging bags are also useful because they save counter space in hotel bathrooms and keep your toiletries easily accessible.
Wrapping bottle caps with plastic wrap before screwing them shut can also provide an additional barrier against leaks. Make sure to position bottles upright inside your toiletry bag to help minimise the risk of spills. These small steps can save you from dealing with a messy disaster inside your bag.
Tailor your kit to your destination
The essentials you need for a weekend in the city will be different from what you’ll require for a beach vacation or a hiking trip. So before you start packing, think about your specific needs based on your destination, weather and activities.
For a beach getaway, sunscreen and after-sun lotion should be at the top of your packing list. A high SPF sunscreen protects against sunburn, while an after-sun lotion helps soothe skin if you’ve been out in the sun too long. A hydrating hair mask is also a good idea as salt water and chlorine can dry out your hair.
If you’re flying internationally, always include essential medications along with your usual toiletries. Even if you don’t take daily prescriptions, having pain relievers, allergy medicine, antiseptic wipes and a few bandages on hand can be helpful. A small bottle of hand sanitiser and some facial wipes can also be useful when navigating airports or long flights.
Be realistic about your needs
It’s easy to fall into the trap of packing items “just in case,” but more often than not, those extra products stay untouched at the bottom of your bag. The best way to avoid overpacking is to lay out everything you plan to bring and then take a second look.
A good rule of thumb is to stick to the essentials and eliminate anything that isn’t necessary. For example, if you’re going on a short trip, you probably don’t need three different types of hair products or a full bottle of lotion. Simplify your routine by choosing multipurpose items and sticking to the basics.
Switching to solid toiletries can also help reduce the number of items in your bag. Solid shampoo and soap bars take up less space and often last longer than their liquid counterparts. Making these small changes can help you pack lighter without sacrificing your essentials.
Stay organised on the go
Keeping your toiletry bag organised during your trip is just as important as packing it properly in the first place. When you arrive at your destination, take a few minutes to set up your toiletries in your hotel bathroom. If you’re using a hanging toiletry bag, find a spot where you can easily access it without cluttering the counter.
It’s also a good habit to keep your toiletries tidy throughout your trip. Wipe up any spills immediately and avoid letting products get scattered around your room. If you have wet items like a toothbrush or razor, store them separately to ensure they stay clean and hygienic.
Before heading home, take a quick inventory of your toiletries. Take a quick check if you left anything behind in the bathroom or tucked away on a shelf. It’s easy to overlook smaller items like tweezers or lip balm, so a final scan of the space will help ensure you leave with everything you brought.
Travel smarter with the Stackers Hanging Wash Bag
If you’re tired of digging through a messy toiletry bag every time you need something, now is the perfect time to get an upgrade.
The Stackers Hanging Wash Bag features a vegan leather exterior, elasticated internal pockets and multiple zipped compartments. It’s large enough to hold full size products and finished with a hanging hook for easy access. It also comes with a clear removable pouch for airport security and long haul onboard essentials.
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