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Packing Cubes

For the most efficient packing, packing cubes are a hero product. Packing cubes comes in various shapes and sizes, and help compress and separate your clothing for the most beautifully packed suitcase you’ve ever seen. If you’re on a short trip and don’t feel like completely unpacking, packing cubes are a great way to keep your clothes organized by day or activity, so you don’t have to wreck your whole suitcase to get one outfit. Our editor Fran swears by packing cubes, and says she was able to fit a week’s worth of outfits in a carry on with them! You can also use the cubes to store items other than clothing, like electronics, camera gear, daily essentials, or toiletries.

Check List

If you’re anything like me, you’ll wait to pack your suitcase the night before your trip and make a mental checklist, but may or may not end up forgetting something. Preparing a checklist that you physically check off as you load down your suitcase can ensure no item is left behind, and apps like Packing Pro and PackPoint make packing easy with their premade templates and themes.

Bundled Up

Even if you’re not using packing cubes, there are still ways to keep your suitcase organized and clothes looking nice. When putting your outfits together, try to opt for clothing that doesn’t wrinkle easily, like denim, knits, wool, spandex, and polyester. Then, when you’re ready to pack everything up, roll your clothes by outfit to prevent wrinkles. For example, if you’re preparing for a hike, roll your pants, undergarments, socks, shirt, and any other items you need, together to form a bundle. Then, you can easily find what you’re looking for when getting dressed and there’s no flustered digging through your suitcase!

Who doesn’t love a matching set? These packing cubes from Calpak (Cognac Set, $68) and Away Travel (Slate Blue Set, $64) will make any traveler feel organized and aesthetically pleased at the same time.

Themed and adorable stationery make planning so much more fun! With this checklist notepad from Rifle Paper Co., you’re sure to get in the traveling spirit. ($12)