These travel organization tips will make your trip more organized, less stressful and keep you ready to go!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kelly D says
I would use the shoe rack the most. I can never find a good place to store shoes when traveling.
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.
Michelle J. says
I pack one toiletry bag for all of us–just one thing on the bathroom counter!
Alaine says
I’d use the shoe rack the most:)
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.
Sharon Kaminski says
I have certain cloth bags for certain things. This way I can have organized bags with similar items in each bag.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Carolyn G says
I unpack everything and organize it in drawers. I also use Ziploc bags to keep things in order