One of my favorite parts of my job as a blogger is that I get to travel a lot. The downside is that many of those trips are for only a few days at a time. So, when I travel for personal trips, I like to go for an extended period of time to one place.
There are big differences from quick 1-2 day trips and extended stays and one of the most important things to consider is where you want to stay for a longer period of time. I personally start to feel cooped up in a regular hotel room after a couple of days and that's why I prefer the option of a suite.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott® specifically cater to travelers who are staying a bit longer. They have spacious studios, one- and two-bedroom suites with fully-equipped full size kitchens. They also offer all the other amenities I would want in a stay like free Wi-Fi, free breakfast and more.
Now TownePlace Suites® are becoming even more accommodating for extended-stay travelers by partnering with The Container Store® to outfit their suites with the amazing elfa closet system.
I recently checked out the elfa closet systems at The Container Store and realize that closet in my next stay at one of the 11 TownePlace Suites® hotels featuring the elfa® closet will be waaaaay nicer than my closet at home!
These closets have awesome features like multiple closet rods, hanging drawers and ventilated shelves. When I'm stayting at a hotel for an extended time I don't want to be living straight out of my suitcase. I can't wait to store my stuff in one of these closets!
While at The Container Store® to check out that closet, I also picked up some travel essentials for my next trip. They are all things to keep me more organized and will help with these:
5 Tips for More Organized Travel
1. Pack Light
Even if you are staying for an extended period of time, I encourage you to pack light! Choose pieces of clothing that can be mixed into multiple outfits and go from day to evening. Layers are perfect for changes in temperature throughout the day and evening. By packing light you can fit everything into a carry-on bag and skip the hassles of dealing with the baggage claim when flying. (I have packed for up to 10 days in a carry-on and many people have gone much longer!
2. Plan According to the Rules
f you're not a frequent traveler and are flying to your destination, you'll want to be up-to-date on the current TSA regulations. If you're following my advice above and packing light, that means you'll need to follow the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule for items in your carry-on bag.
To make things easy, The Container Store® has a clear pouch that fits the quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag regulation, but is much sturdier than a disposable bag. They also have small containers so that you can bring your own favorite shampoo and other liquids in a smaller amount.
3. Scope Out Your Destination
While you will want to know about your destination for planning your trip in general, also take a look to see if there are conveniently located drugstores or grocery stores in the area.
If so, you can skip packing easily replaceable items like toothpaste, feminine products, snacks, etc and just stock up at your destination. There's no sense taking up valuable luggage space with those. 
4. Protect your Possessions
I hate getting ready for my first night out at my destination to find out that my necklaces are all tangled together or that I accidentally packed my shoes next to my clothing and caused a smudge. To avoid these and other mishaps, look for tools to protect your things.
The Container Store has multiple solutions like bags for your shoes and this handy jewelry roll to keep your necklaces, bracelets and earrings protected.
5. Make a List
Staying organized on your trip starts with being organized before you pack. Start a list several days (or better yet several weeks) before you leave and as you think of additional items you want to take on your trip or things you should address before you leave (stopping the mail or newspaper delivery, giving a copy of your itinerary to family, etc.) keep adding to your list. It's much easier than trying to think of everything at the last minute.
Is all of this traveling talk making you feel ready to jump on a plane or hit the road? When you do plan your next extended stay visit, be sure to consider TownePlace Suites®. You can check out TownePlace Suites® Facebook and see everything they offer to make your stay a great one.
Gale says
We have kids, so if we are staying a long time someplace there’s usually a lot of driving involved too. I have a pre-packed black bag with lots of compartments and slots for pens and pencils. I fill it with markers, pencils, pens, coloring books, color wonder books, driving games, activity books, and small portable toys, and snacks to get us through the trip. For down time in the room I bring puzzles in plastic baggies.
robyn paris says
i try to stay organized by plotting out what i need for each day. I also plot out where and how we are going to sight see. this was we make sure we get to see everything we want.
Angela Lerew says
LISTS!! If I don’t make a list before I start packing, I inevitably forget something!!
Donna says
Lists! I am all about the lists to make sure you’re prepared without any last-minute shopping trips. I also love that jewelry organizer. I bought a cute zebra-print one and have yet to use it. (Dumb.) And I want those closets!
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says
These are all great traveling tips. We don’t travel nearly as much as I want to. Maybe, hopefully, that will change one day soon!
Deb Jackson says
I make sure we pack only essentials, keep them neatly folded and do not mix the fresh and unfresh. We also pack smaller bags for locations and thus keep things organized.
DAWN SCHMIDT says
I try to stay organized by packing in such a way that everything is considered and that my case is packed in a particular order based on need. I also get up before my family members to organize their items as well.
Amanda Sakovitz says
I plan out what I’m going to wear each day so I don’t pack extra. I always put too many shoes in my suitcase though. Not sure how to work on that one lol.
Candice says
I stay organized by only unpacking in a small area, so I don’t leave things behind.
Stephanie Phelps says
To stay organized I pack a toiletries bag for each person withe their name on it and one suitcase!
Holly Kennedy says
I have a place for everything and make sure it goes back there.
Ellen That Chic Mom says
I always need lists for traveling. Thanks for the tips!
Liz Mays says
I do tend to live out of my suitcase as well. That closet system sounds awesome!
Kimberly Grabinski says
What a great list! I’m not overly organized when I pack so I need some tips. That closet is AMAZING!
Leah says
Right now, I totally do not feel organized at all. In fact, I walked upstairs today and thought to myself, “I wonder if there is a service that I could hired that would come to my house and just organize the whole place. Throw out anything that I don’t need and just organize my house from top to bottom.
Digna D. says
Great tips. We don’t do a lot of traveling right now but hope to in the future. Thank you for sharing!
Michelle says
We do a lot of extended stay travels. Having a decent closet to hang clothing and store other items is pretty essential. It helps clothing look it’s best when hung properly!
Adrienne gordon says
I try and utilize the drawers at the hotel room.
Heather Morgan says
Lots of listing before long trips! I stress over the little things that we may forget, lol.
I even have my daughter make her own list now that she’s older. Really helps!
Katherine P says
When travelling for work for a month at a time I have to pack my bag two times. I lay everything out on the bed that I think I will use then I go through and cut everything in half. You never need as much as you think you do. Laundry services or a local laundry mat are crucial when you do this method though.
Jesica H says
I like the tip about looking for nearby drugstores. My hubby doesn’t like to listen when it comes to rules and tried to take a full tube of toothpaste, needless to say it got confiscated at the airport and we had to buy more, lol.
Natalie says
I try to stay organized by packing the items I will use right away on a trip on top in my suitcase.
Sandy Klocinski says
I bought an iTouch before my last trip. I entered addresses and opening times for restaurants and museums that I was interested in, addresses and phone numbers for places I was staying, and confirmation numbers for reservations. I also had a small folder in which I kept e-tickets etc
sandra says
I try to separate dirty clothes from clean.
jberry says
Traveling for work year round, I’ve all but given up on remembering everything. I do always have a full tote of toiletries , cold medicine, tummy meds & lux bath soaks.
Kristen says
I like the shoe rack….it would be nice not to have shoes laying around the room, but rather neatly organized in the closet!
Karen says
I love when a place I am staying has good closets. I hate living out of a suitcase even if it is just two nights.
Lisa Bouch says
I use different size reusable zip lock bags to store toiletries, razors, dirty clothing etc. to keep everything in its place in my suitcase.
Cynthia says
I keep my personal care items in a case that I can easily carry to the bathroom so I have everything I need in one place.
Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? says
I have an elfa and I love the drawers on it. They are so easy to use.
I just try to keep everything together and in it’s place to stay organized.
Carolyn G says
I unpack everything and organize it in drawers. I also use Ziploc bags to keep things in order
joD says
With a family of 5, our long-term trips mean a lot of laundry pile-up. We bring collapsible laundry hampers to organize our dirty clothes for laundering at the hotel. We also bring rolls of quarters and laundry detergent so we can wash when we have a load.
Valerie Remy-Milora says
I love wrinkle resistant pieces that can be paired up in a variety of ways and try to be smart about my shoe selection. And I always being scarves or wraps.
Carolsue says
A laundry bag is essential if you don’t want dirty clothes mixed up with clean ones! I also keep essential items packed together, clothes I will need the first night get packed on top, etc. Shoes get wrapped in plastic grocery bags. Their glide-out drawer is great for folded items!
William Wilson says
What do you do to stay organized on extended-stay travel?
With three kids its important that everybody have their own suitcase and that the van itself is cleaned and repacked every day. Mess makes stress.
Crystal says
Great tips! I have to admit, it’s been so long since I’ve gone anywhere I would have no idea what to do or bring with me.
Sharon Kaminski says
I have certain cloth bags for certain things. This way I can have organized bags with similar items in each bag.
Kathleen Kuykendall says
For extended hotel stays I bring with us 2-3 empty bins so that we can better organize all of our junk. We usually have 1 for the bedroom, living area, and 1 in the kitchen. It looks neater and we know where to look for all the odds and ends. My daughter has many medical needs so I always feel like no matter how organized we are I still have to drag a complete pharmacy. We have or system though and we only seem to forget to pack a few non-life essentials every trip. My theory is that as long as I have all the medical equipment and medications, and all the major necessities I am doing good.
Alaine says
I’d use the shoe rack the most:)
Michelle J. says
I pack one toiletry bag for all of us–just one thing on the bathroom counter!
Mandy says
I try to pack as few items as necessary looking for different ways to use the same items multiple times. The fewer things I pack the more organized I stay.
Kelly D says
I would use the shoe rack the most. I can never find a good place to store shoes when traveling.
Avry says
I love the jewelry idea. I am always throwing mine in a pocket then having to untangle my necklaces etc. I could use a lot of these ideas.
Audrey at Barking Mad! says
Your closet looks amazing!
When it comes to me and packing though, I start out with the best of intentions, and I always say I’m not going to pack for more than I absolutely need. However, what ends up happening is that I usually have enough clothing for a month when in reality we’re only going to be gone for two days.
Nicole Dz says
I like to pack nice and neat that makes it much easier when unpacking too, I roll clothes to save room. I also like to unpack as soon as I get to the hotel. Keeps me organized.
Carissa Pelletier says
This is one hotel I haven’t heard of before but it’s great to know that more extended-stay options exist. Glad they have travelers’ real needs in mind!
Dana says
I try to put my stuff in ziploc bags like the accessories and clothes for each day. It keeps them organized and then can be used for wet stuff
latanya says
I place my outfits in very large zip lock bags to keep everything separate and organized
Teri says
It would be great to organize Jewelry instead of keeping it in different bags
Kyl Neusch says
organize my suitcase
Thomas S says
I have separate clothes & accessories for business & pleasure travel. So when I pack, I select the number of clothes based on travel days & type and the accessories bag. It makes packing and traveling simple, consistent and organized.
Mark Ragonig says
I roll up my clothes and pack it tight and just unpack as soon as I get to the hotel so I can find everything easily and then I have a dirty laundry bag.
Cynthia Terry says
I always make a very detailed list of outfits and accessories. I also make sure I write down everything that I will need to keep up my beauty regime while on the road. I use space bags if I am going to be gone for an extended period of time. It frees up essential space in my suitcase and helps keep everything neat, tidy and organized.
Kelley Roach says
make sure we pack only essentials, keep them neatly folded
Elle says
I would take advantage of the racks and shelving the most while traveling.
Elizabeth Elliot says
I use ebags so that my clothes are separated by days and I have everything I need right at my finger tips – I also use ziploc bags to make sure nothing leaks! I love the elfa closet – looks great! truckredford(at)gmail(Dot)com
nadya kotik says
I don’t travel often but i always keep personal hygiene items in a separate bag and clothes organized by events/days. I bring extra things depending on weather.
Linda F. says
I like to make lists of what I need to pack and then pack that list with me so I know that I don’t leave anything behind when it is time to leave.
Leela says
I write everything down that I need to bring with and check it off as I pack.
With a big family, it’s a must.
kathryn C says
with an Elfa closet system, I think I would utilize the shoe shelves most of all, I tend to bring too many shoes and they always stay in a stuffy suitcase –
Kathryn C
Brittney House says
I keep my outfits packed away together in the suitcases so I don’t have to go through and mess up my whole suit case looking for one item of clothing.
Kate Burton says
I keep a toiletry bag packed at all times so all I have to do is add to the basics and we’re off.
Linda G. says
I try to make a list of all we want to see and do while traveling. that keeps us organized
Elena says
I pack my clothes and accessories in different Ziploc bags by style/color and bring a few empty Ziploc bags for dirty clothes
debbie campbell says
I pack clothes that are easy to mix and match and try to limit the number of shoes I take.
Deb S says
To stay organized I take a small plastic tray in my luggage so I can have it on the vanity. Keeps everything in one place and I don’t lose or forget anything.
Lisa V. says
Being a backpacking, I’ve learn to pack tight and organized wherever I go.
Janice Cooper says
We make a list and check off everything before we pack. It helps me to stay organized and not forget anything.
Marcia Goss says
I love the shelves and drawer in the closet. I like having all my things in one place instead of in dresser drawers and a separate small closet.
Devin Mack says
I stay organized by keeping things in aprox the same drawers as at home
Jennifer H. says
I try to stay organized with using lists. I unpack only what I need to.
Erica B. says
I keep everything separated into compartments in my suitcase.
Jennifer Zidak says
With 4 toddlers that I travel with, it’s important to make certain that everything has a place and that everything is put back correctly.
Mary Cloud says
I would use the drawers to keep smaller items from getting lost
Lyndsey Rullman says
I use 2 suitcases. 1 with my clothes in it and bring an empty one to put my dirty clothing in and use as a hamper throughout my stay. Thanks for the chance!
Angela W says
I try not to over pack and only bring what we need. Its a pain to lug a bunch of excess luggage along with you on trips! 🙂
Stephanie Larison says
A very good list and luggage that has many compartments.
Ed says
Sweater container!
Alicia Thibadeau says
I make a list of everything I’m bringing and take only those things.
Roblyn Honeysucker says
I stay organized by having the basics always packed and ready to drop into our suitcases. I keep large ziplocs loaded with sample sized toothpaste, deodorant, and a needle/thread repair kit.
Lauren Olivia Wood says
I pack outfits that can be interchangeable! I trade out a top or skirt and I have a whole new outfit!
Tina Reynolds says
I make lists use large zip lock bags to help keep things separate especially in the kids luggage.
desiree grubbs says
To stay organized on extended trips I plan all my outfits ahead of time and pack them in sets so that I can just pull out the set and get ready!
Corey Olomon says
I pack entire day’s clothes together in little packets,
Aaron says
Reduce. Re-use. Recycle.
cynthia Dawson says
With extended stay travel I try to pack light, and to keep my clothing very interchangeable. I have several nice travel jewelry organizers I use and also a nice organizer for my toiletries. I hang my clothes as soon as I arrive to get the wrinkles out, and try to keep everything in its place as to not have to tear apart the room upon leaving looking for a lost item!
Breanna Pollard says
Lots of clothes and bags
Denise C says
I love the idea of the shoe storage space; our shoes always end up all over the place!
K-Squared says
As of this moment, I totally do need a new wardrobe. In fact, I was injured in accident by a driver that had no insurance and was presently diagnosed with RSD. So I am in need of a new wardrobe or home-make-over. At the moment I have thought to myself, “I wonder if there is ever going to be a giveaway that suits my needs – laptop, L-Shape desk, chair, new wardrobe, software etc. Throw out a lot because of the swelling makes it all the more of a challenge as the injuries have made me quit my former job! I don’t need very little BUT just need some things that’ll help me get organized throughout my house from top to bottom.
computertech2you@live.com
Shea Balentine says
I make lists and we usually pack an extra bag just for dirty clothes to help keep items separate =) I think our most extended stay has been for 2 weeks and it went flawlessly =)
Michelle Tucker says
On extended stays I make sure I bring along an extra trash bag for dirty clothes so they don’t get mixed up with clean clothes. For some reason that really helps me stay organized.
Susan Climan says
I try to keep all of my belongings organized and not strewn all over the room.
Rajee Pandi says
I follow your lists before and make it comfy to pack travel essentials
Kathleen says
I use large ziploc bags and organize that way. I use them to organize complete outfits etc.
kport207 at gmail dot com
Stefany Meyer says
I use ziploc bags to keep like things together!
Autumn B says
My jewelry always is a mess when I travel for periods of time. I have found the best thing to do is to use bendy straws – I put the necklace through them – no more tangles!