Follow these five easy steps to pack your toiletries in your carry on without spilling your shampoo on your laptop or getting your fancy conditioner confiscated by TSA.
You’ve picked your gear, chosen the perfect luggage, and organized your clothes and shoes, but now comes the tricky part—figuring out how to bring all your liquids and personal healthcare items onto a plane without having them confiscated at the airport by TSA or leak all over your clothes in transit. Don't worry. This toiletry kit plan is just what you need. These tips will help prevent goo from getting all over everything, they're eco-friendly, and they'll save you money, to boot.
1. Remember 3-1-1:
If there’s any chance that you will be toting carry-on luggage onto a plane, you have to pack your toiletries by the numbers. That means bringing one one-quart bag per person that's filled with items that are no larger than 3.4 ounces. And contrary to popular belief, no one says that bag needs to be a sandwich baggie that’s going to rip as soon as your shampoo bottle hits it at the wrong angle. Eagle Creek's refillable bottles (more about them below) also come packaged in a quart-size reusable bag that's ready for you to grab and go.
2. Reduce, Reuse, Refill:
Although there’s a world of miniature versions of health and wellness products that you can buy at your local drugstore, refillable silicone bottles will help you save money. Simply decant some of your favorite everyday products such as shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash, and makeup remover. Plus, no tiny bottles will wind up in a landfill. Added bonus: They’re leak-proof, so you don’t have to worry about goo if you’re reaching for your toothbrush in the dark. Just be sure to label them or write on them with permanent marker, so you know what's what, or remember a color-coded system in your head (like: large blue bottle = shampoo).
3. Get Crafty:
Need to stow a product that doesn’t squeeze into a refillable bottle? Think outside the tube: Fill a case that's made for contact lenses with dabs of makeup, convert a travel soap dish into a first aid kit with multi-sized bandages, antibiotic cream, and antiseptic wipes, and use resealable plastic baggies to stash baby wipes, power bars, and more.
4. Think Multi-use Products:
Finding one product to do the job of several makes great packing sense because it will both lighten your load and reduce your costs. There are several natural products that eliminate the need for chemical-laden products, too. Argan oil, for example, can be used as a rich body moisturizer, a hair conditioner, and a remedy for acne and bug bites. Coconut oil is the holy grail of multi-use, natural products. You can use it as a moisturizer, a hair conditioner, a shaving cream, a makeup remover, and a post-sun skin soother. Pack some baking soda to add to your coconut oil and you have instant homemade toothpaste.
5. Compartmentalize Essentials:
Organizing your toiletries well allows you to find items quickly. When you’re selecting a toiletry bag, look for one that has multiple compartments, or keep certain items such as your brush and comb in a separate small bag, like a Pack-It® Reveal Sac M.
What are your hot tips when it comes to organizing a toiletry bag? Anything you'd add to the mix?
