Traveling is so much fun. I even love the idea of packing. I have something of an obsession with luggage type items from wallets and pocketbooks to briefcases and satchels, organizing totes and pouches. Some things start out with exciting potential, but the use of them is really, how should I say…useless. Others have worked so well that I’ve used them for years. I wrote a Travel Organizer a number of years ago that sold (and continues to sell) pretty well.

See the organization below the cut:

When the kids are small, you need everything – car seat, portable highchair, snacks, bottles and sippy cups, toys, clothes, extra clothes, and I don’t even know what else. Each area had its own bag or set of organizers: bedding, eating, playtime. Bath could go with bedding. Now that my kids are older and can pack for themselves, I rarely micromanage them. Except…if we’re attending some kind of special event, I do check their clothes for appropriateness to the event as well as shoes. I will ask if they have x number pairs of underwear and socks, and a pair of pajamas, but I try not to police what they wear. Even if I think it’s too black, too baggy, too ripped, etc. Even if they’re wearing my least favorite sports team or band, I let it go.

One trick that I learned is to pack in a smaller suitcase. When you have everything packed that you’ll be bringing, transfer the contents to a suitcase one size larger. That way, you’ll have space for any new purchases and other souvenirs. I did this when I went overseas, and it was a real lifesaver.

Second tip: Suitcases have wheels, making it easier, but two cases are still too many if you’re travelling alone. I did this once, and I couldn’t manage dragging two suitcases through an airport. If you’re driving, do what works for your space.

One item that I’ve been using forever is a RuMe garment travel organizer. To be honest, I almost never hang anything in the garment bag section, and only use the other side. It has two large see-through mesh pockets and two smaller see-through mesh pockets. It folds up into threes and closes with two quick-release adjustable buckles. It fits perfectly in a carry-on suitcase. When you get to your destination, release the buckles and hang it on the closet rod using the same adjustable buckles.

The second item I never leave home without is a roll-up charger carrier. It has elastic bands to hold wires and USB cords and a pocket for the plugs/adapters (and for me, a multi socket charging adapter and a nightlight). The one I have rolls right up and closes with an elastic band.

If you’re traveling internationally, you definitely need an adapter that works in the country of your destination. However, most of those international adapters only have one adapter per country despite having several adapters, so you may need to purchase two (or more) depending on your needs.

The tech pouch that I recommended to you last week is something that I also carry. I will weed out some items and carry the pouch in my purse or backpack.

For personal bags, I like bags that attach to my carry-on, but, and this is a big but, do not keep passport, money, etc. in a bag that you will set down anywhere. I keep my bag on my person. My preference is a crossbody bag, oversized for traveling but not too big for everyday use on vacation. I’ve also been known to use a larger crossbody bag for the trip whether by plane, train, or automobile and then pack a smaller purse or pocketbook (also crossbody) for the day-to-day adventures.

For car trips, I have a small tote that keeps maps, tour books, pamphlets, hand sanitizer, masks (just in case), E-Z Pass and suction cup holder (so it can be removed to a rental car), a small amount of cash for tolls not covered by E-Z Pass, zipper pouch with passports, car insurance cards, emergency numbers, hotel information and emergency contacts. This is not something you would leave in the car; you need to keep this on your person or in your hotel safe.

One or two folded reusable bags for shopping, a fully charged smartphone, and travel size Febreze for the stuffy hotel room, and you’re good to go.