Pack Smart: 38 Space

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These packing tips and space-efficient swaps will have you traveling the world *without* the burden of a heavy suitcase to lug around.

BuzzFeed Staff

Promising review: "We travel frequently and have two children. As any parent knows, packing for yourself and your children can be overwhelming (especially for a trip longer than a few days). I have found this list to be a lifesaver, and I also give it as a gift for other traveling families. It is easy to plan, organize, and list out items that are easily forgotten. You can also list the quantity of each item needed. It has a variety of clothing options and space to add more. Overall, wonderful purchase and has likely saved me many forgotten items!" —I-really-bought-this

Get it from Amazon for $7.

This great tip comes from blogger Katherine over at Camille Styles, who writes: "Once you have everything you need, lay it out on the bed and divide into sections so that you can easily find all your items once you reach your destination. I like to divide mine out by tops, bottoms, undergarments, shoes, accessories, and toiletries (including hair and makeup supplies).

Lay it all out, then see if there’s anything you can omit from the piles. Only keep items that you know you will wear on your trip. Anything else that is a ‘maybe’ gets put into a separate pile, which you can go back to and pull from depending on how much space you have after you have packed all of your essentials. Once you have the necessary items, gently fold each one into a small square to try and prevent wrinkles forming once everything is stacked up in your suitcase."

This is *actually* genius, and you should check out blogger Geneva's full breakdown over at Collective Gen. Of course, be sure to keep in mind the climate you're traveling to and your itinerary as well!

To use, just hook the scale to your luggage handle, lift up, and the LCD display will show the weight! You can also switch between pound and kilogram measurements.

BTW, BuzzFeed Shopping editor Elizabeth Lilly recently put this scale to the test while packing for a trip to Iceland — check out her demo of how it works on TikTok!

Promising review: "Took this for a 10-day trip overseas with lots of flights. Weighed the luggage as things were added to it/purchased, and when we weighed in at the airport, it was perfectly accurate. Very important when the airline will charge $70 more for a suitcase that is too heavy or make you open the whole thing up and take stuff out in order to fly with it. Saved so much hassle." —B. M. O'Connor

Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in six colors, as well as a two-pack and another style).

Hackwith Design House is a woman-owned small business that creates made-to-order apparel. This shirt can be worn as a V-neck, off-the-shoulder, boatneck, V-back, and even open as a jacket.

Promising review: "I’m being honest when I tell you this is the most 'worth-it' top around. I read a review from some frequent flyer who claims this is her go-to for flying. She said aside from the top’s flexibility — which allows much less packing as the top itself looks and behaves like four shirts and a jacket — it’s a savior on planes because it allows you to get into a usually overheated plane, and to weather the transition to iceberg that happens about 20 minutes into most flights, and it holds its shape and looks great. I was skeptical, as I do not have the money to blow on someone else’s opinion, but my husband told me to try it as I have the same issues with temps. Long story short, I got it. It’s a gorgeous fabric despite my usually hating the ribbed thing. It’s nice. REALLY nice. Yes, it’s extraordinarily flexible, and yes, it’s like a jacket. Ordering in the off-white now." —Mary B.

Get it from Hackwith Design House for $145 (available in women's sizes XS–4X and in five colors).

Promising reviews: "I bought the navy blue to take on vacation after reading an article about how easy care these jumpsuits are. I loved it so much I bought the green. I take them out of my suitcase, hang them up, and they are ready to go in a few hours, no ironing needed. I get compliments every time I wear one of them." —AKSunshine

"This jumpsuit is super comfortable. I wore it on an international flight, and it was the best fly day outfit with a denim jacket over it. Comfortable and cool without looking like I'm wearing pajamas in public. Easy to slip on and off in the bathroom. Only complaint would be the little button in the back is hard to use on your own. Thankfully, I had enough give that I didn't have to undo it to get it on and off." —Leigh Ann

Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in women's sizes S–3XL and 35 colors/patterns).

Elizabeth says, "I've worn the hell out of this Aritzia dress since buying it in 2019. Here, I was dressed for rooftop aperitivos in Rome and have worn it on a number of occasions when I wanted to be as comfy as if I were in PJs, while looking as if I'm dressed for anything but going to sleep. I bought it again in deep red on Black Friday 2022. It's THAT good."

Get it from Aritzia for $118 (available in sizes 2XS–2XL and in 14 colors).

Promising review: "Great for a capsule wardrobe. I bought this for a summer trip to Italy. It paired beautifully with a cotton blouse. It's especially good for evening." —theof

Get it from Amazon for $54.90 (available in sizes XXS–5XL and in 25 colors).

Also, it'll help you more easily see all of your clothing options at a glance, if you don't plan on fully unpacking your suitcase once you get to your destination.

Promising review: "Must-have traveling accessory. Best way to pack a suitcase! I’ll never go back to stuffing everything in on its own. These compartments held way more than I imagined and kept me organized. I will definitely add more to my collection. Makes a great gift for frequent travelers, too!" —Lisa

Get them from Amazon for $18.95+ (available in 10 styles and in packs of two, three, or six).

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jasmin Sandal is a fan: "I swear by these bad boys not only for general storage purposes, but also if I know I'm going to be traveling for an extended period of time. As someone who tends to pack for every eventuality (who doesn't like to be prepared?!), I have learned that it's better to travel with them than without — especially since it's more or less a guarantee that my clothes are gonna take up a ~substantial~ amount of room in my suitcase. And if I can use something that's gonna shrink the size of my bulky hoodies and/or big tees in order for me to create more space, I'm sure as heck gonna do it. Plus, the satisfaction is indeed guaranteed because when you see those chunky layers flatten into a pancake...it's just *chef's kiss*."

Promising review: "We needed to travel for a long trip to Japan, which included two days of skiing, and make all our clothes and gear fit in carry-on luggage. These bags were incredible. They worked well without any issues, and they were able to compress ski pants and gloves and warm sweaters down to a nearly flat surface. Everyone in our family used at least two in their carry-on bag, and that was what allowed us to pack everything we needed. Each bag worked well repeatedly, as we opened and shut them during the trip. Highly recommend when traveling and space is an issue." —whitnch

Get a six-pack from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in four sizes, as well as other multipacks).

These work best with hand-washing! If you have quick-drying clothing you can pack, even better.

Promising review: "This came SO in handy during my vacation to Europe! I was making lots of different stops to places with different types of weather. With these laundry soap sheets, I was able to wash my clothes in the sink — letting me pack just the right amount of clothes for all the different places I went." —Katie Fujarski

Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $11.08 (also available in hand soap sheets).

This pack comes with three, but you could just pack one (and leave the other two at home where they will, no doubt, get plenty of use in everyday life).

Promising review: "This product works great, and the three-pack is a good deal, whether you want to label each one for a specific use or share with members of the family. It is easy to use and doesn't take long to dry. I keep one in my purse, and of course, it is a must-have when traveling." —DeeNicole

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $7.88.

Of course, sticking to just one pair (that you wear on the plane) is the *most* space-efficient option, but if your trip includes a mixed itinerary of casual days and fancier reservations, this is a great way to cover all of your bases.

Promising review: "You can totally fit three pairs of shoes in this! (I wear a women's size 6.5 shoe, and it fits heels, wedges, and sandals.) I bought two and will absolutely be buying more for my husband. 10/10 would recommend! I travel frequently, and I always overpack; this helped cut down space and stress immensely!" —Taylor

Get it from Amazon for $22.99 (available in nine colors and patterns).

This tip comes from Elizabeth, who says, "For example, will you be visiting French Riviera beach clubs that'll rent a towel to you for a few euros? (The one above in Nice did!) Do you need some athletic sneakers for zip-lining through the jungle? Or, will the whitewater-rafting company have water shoes you can wear as you paddle through some picturesque canyon?"

This style has five USB ports (including a USB-C port!) and works with outlets in over 150 countries, including Australia, China, the UK, Ireland, Japan, Germany, France, and most of Europe. Check the listing for the full breakdown of countries!

Note: This isn't a voltage converter!

Promising review: "Fantastic for international travel so you can charge your phone or tablet, use your own electric hair products, etc. This has adapters to use just about anywhere you’re going. We’ve used these when visiting rural areas of the Philippines. Always seem to share and then give them to other family members from other areas of the world." —Lewie D.

Get it from Amazon for $20.99+ (available in five colors and three styles).

Promising review: "I use this product to charge my iPhone 13, AirPods, and Apple Watch. Prior to this 3-in-1 compact purchase, I have purchased three different kinds of 3-in-1 chargers — I frequently travel between school and home with carry-on bags on airlines, and all of the previous stand version chargers don't fit well in my bags, or I am always worried I will break them. This is compact and folds so well that I can fit it in my carry-on or in any zipper pockets without having to worry about breaking anything. Charger works really well, and it is the best compact one you can find on the market. Love it and been using it for two months now with no issues!!" —Sbreddy

Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in nine colors).

BuzzFeed Shopping writer Haley Zovickian says, "I recently bought a Kindle, and it has, no exaggeration, revolutionized my life. I love mine for so many reasons — it's truly helped me incorporate my love of reading into my often hectic life, and all my titles literally live inside of this half-pound wonder gadget, so I can switch between books super easily. For traveling, this is a literal dream. I don't have to pick between titles and then regret the entire trip that I didn't bring the one I left at home — and, as any book lover knows, traveling with books is heavy as hell, and the Kindle literally completely eliminates that weight. Traveling will never be the same for me. BTW, I am also obsessed with the Libby app, which allows you to check out e-books from your local library on your Kindle!! My inner child is *screaming* with joy."

Promising review: "I love the feel of books and even the smell if I am being honest. ... But as a traveler, lugging around the five books I like to read at a time is a back-breaker. I have grown to love the Kindle in more ways than just the light load. The fact that I can read in bed without a light glaring is A+. I can access books at anytime, anywhere in the world...even the doctor's office! The library app is amazing. Absolutely my FAVORITE purchase on Amazon of all time." —Jefi Moultrie

Get it from Amazon for $139.99+ (available in 8GB and 16GB sizes, in three colors, with or without lockscreen ads, and with three free months of Kindle Unlimited).

Promising review: "Best jewelry travel pouch ever. Plenty of room for all my travel jewelry needs. Half the size of previous pouches I have tried and holds more than any of them." —T Rex Mom

Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in two sizes and nine colors).

Promising review: "My husband and I travel a lot and take a number of prescription drugs. It was always a hassle accessing our medication when needed, so I purchased this organizer to make things easier. I used a label maker and labeled each little compartment, and it has performed wonderfully. I highly recommend this organizer to anyone who travels and needs medications throughout the day." —Jacqueline

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $6.97.

PS: It also comes with pre-printed labels and a handy, clear zipper pouch!

Promising reviews: "Just took a trip to the Dominican Republic and used carry-on luggage only throughout the entire trip, never once was questioned about the size. The bag they are in seems thin, but it worked great to put bottles back in as well as some smaller items fit in the bag, too, like lip gloss, mascara, and such. The holes are big enough to get your product into the bottles without any complications. My fiancé and myself had plenty of shampoo, conditioner, sunblock, and lotion for seven days. Highly recommend these bottles; they are perfect for carry-ons!!" —Stephanie Miller

"I had in checked luggage, and they didn't spill or leak, are easy to fill due to the wide mouth, and are easy to dispense. Used for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Much more convenient to fill my own bottles than search for travel sizes or use products I don't prefer!" —Suzanne Edwards

Get a set of four 3-ounce bottles from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in a variety of sizes and colors).

Cadence is an AAPI woman-owned small business that was founded by Steph Hon with the goal of eliminating single-use travel-sized plastics. The containers are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic.

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Abby Kass is a fan: "I recently got a set of four of these, and, wow, I love them so much. I used them on a six-day trip recently, and they were perfect. I customized the label so I knew which one was my shampoo vs. conditioner and did a general label for any other things I wanted to bring along. They do hold a surprising amount. According to the brand, they hold approximately one to two weeks of skincare products, more than two weeks' worth of serum, two to three days' worth of haircare, and more than 15 tablets (for medicine and such). And while two to three days worth of haircare might not seem like enough, I found it held more than that for me, but I also don't wash my hair every single day. They were small enough to slip right into my toiletries bag and go through TSA with no problem. The container was easy to open in the shower (even with wet hands), and I had no leakage from them (like I did from my face wash bottle that will not be making the trip with me next time. SMH). These are an incredibly useful tool anyone who travels will want in their luggage."

Get a set of seven from Cadence for $134 (originally $154; available in many customizable labels and seven colors).

Don't forget to pack your actual contacts if you wear them, though!

Promising review: "The international traveler's BFF. Don't be fooled by the tiny price or size, this little baby is serious. If you are looking for a small travel option rather than lugging your big straightener and giant curling iron around the world, then I think you'll love this. It performs really well, turning my frizzy, wavy hair into a smooth and sleek style. The curling iron option also creates shiny, silky lasting curls! It's easy to transition between both. I also like the grippy handle and the fact that the curling iron clip is a different color than the straightening bars because that helps me see how I should be maneuvering it around. The voltage goes up to 240 so you are good using it internationally without a converter (but you will need an adapter just to fit it into various foreign outlets). At this price, definitely give it a try and flaunt your tresses abroad." —Christine

Get it from Amazon for $59.95 (available in black or white).

Of course, this'll only cover your hair, so make sure you're packing some kind of rainproof jacket if the forecast looks wet. BTW, people who wear glasses say it keeps them from getting wet, too!

Hairbrella is a Black-owned small business that specializes in hats that protect hair from all kinds of weather.

Promising review: "Traveled to London last month with a raincoat that did not have a hood, and wanted something that would protect my head/hair/blowout without lugging an umbrella. This definitely did the trick. Two of the three days were rainy (some quite heavy), and my hair stayed totally dry. It stows nicely, too. I'm still learning how to adjust it while it's on my head (easier to adjust first and then put it on), and I wish the adjustment/clasp was less prominent. But, all in all, this is perfect for anyone who wants to keep their blowout fresh in the rain." —Miss Information

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in seven colors).

You won't need to pack brushes for products like this — just blend as needed with your fingers — and no risk of powders cracking or crumbling while traveling!

Promising review (for the Multi-Stick): "I am traveling to Costa Rica and don’t want to pack/bring makeup with me. That being said, my natural complexion is 'death warmed over' so I wanted to bring something that was packable, easy to apply, can be worn over sunscreen, and looks natural. This product is perfect! Love it and might even start wearing it on a daily basis at home, too." —CJBpepper

Promising review (for the Pen Pal): "Really great addition to your makeup collection, especially if you want to take your makeup with you but you don't want to take 10 things. This makeup pen is great, and you always have what you need in your packet. I really recommend you to get one." —Teresa W. (BTW, Alleyoop is a woman-owned small biz!)

Get the Ilia Multi-Stick from Amazon or Sephora for $36 (available in up to 12 shades) and the Alleyoop Pen Pal from Amazon or Alleyoop for $25 (available in three shades).

Reviewers say it's comparable to the infamous Makeup Eraser — only this is cheaper!

Promising review: "This is incredible! I can't believe how well this works! I travel a lot for work and usually take makeup remover wipes because of the liquid restrictions for travel, but they are expensive and heavy. I have been using this cloth all week and LOVE IT! A bit of warm water and everything comes off in a few easy swipes. I am super excited to travel with this. It weighs nothing and rolls up to take very little space. I am ordering another for my mom who also travels. Highly recommend!" —KT

Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in seven colors).

It comes with a little carrying case, and one blade lasts for up to 30 days!

Promising review: "I am a minimalist, so for me, the less the better, but you do need the essentials, especially when traveling abroad. This little mini razor came in so handy. You hardly even know it’s in your toiletry bag; it’s so small, but big enough to get a good grip and shave. I always bring this little razor with me whenever I travel. I love the compact size. Highly recommend as a space-saver when traveling." —Deb H.

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

Elizabeth brought this on an international trip and loved it: "I first bought this for a weeklong Croatian vacation last year when I did carry-on, and as long as you are *thoroughly* reapplying, this stuff stays on pretty well. On a beach club afternoon, I did haphazardly reapply and missed a strip on one arm, but I tend to do that with spray-on or lotion sunscreen, too. Since then, I've packed this for any trip I've been on, including a two-day Disneyland trip where I toted this around in my bag and shared with friends. I sometimes carry it with me in my purse on my everyday adventures because I know it's so easy to apply. Also worth mentioning...I am about the palest lady you've ever seen and swear by daily application of sunscreen. But when on a beach trip, I'm constantly swimming in the water and sweating. So, yeah, this stuff works. And if you're a bit hesitant about jumping on the solid sunscreen bandwagon, you can pack a stick of this, knowing you have enough sun protection to get you through to finding some spray-on or lotion SPF at your destination."

Get it from Amazon for $9.58.

Huppy is an Asian-owned small biz creating plastic-free toothpaste tablets out of sustainably and ethically sourced ingredients. Everything is vegan, GMO- and cruelty-free. Best of all? Huppy donates 2% of revenue to fund sustainability initiatives!

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Danielle Healy says, "I love how zero-waste the process is with Huppy. You get a forever tin (pick from blue or blush) and then buy refills that come in compostable pouches. The whole chewing thing can be weird at first (my boyfriend found it aggressively minty, I just think they taste like Altoids), but both of us got used to it pretty quickly. With water, the tabs foam up pretty instantly, and after that, it's just a normal teeth-brushing experience. In fact, I'm actually finding that not dealing with drippy toothpaste and tiny screw-on caps is actually pretty delightful. And I'm absolutely not traveling with regular toothpaste ever again — this is a travel must-have regardless of what you use at home. A cleaner process both in and out of my mouth."

Get 62 peppermint-flavored tablets from Huppy for $13.

*Especially* if you're traveling abroad for a long period, don't feel like you need to pack enough sunscreen, moisturizer, or shampoo for the entire time you're away from home. You're just weighing yourself down unnecessarily!

If you wear layers, you can always take one off if you start to overheat! We also recommend compression socks for the plane if you're prone to swelling.

Psst — these chunky Fila platform sneakers are just one of our favorite pairs of comfortable travel shoes! Check out our full list for more picks that won't make your feet ache by the end of day one.

Get them from Amazon for $49.77+ (available in sizes 5–10, and many other colors).

It also easily attaches to backpacks and luggage handles (see the photo on the right), weighs less than half a pound, and is machine washable!

Promising review: "I bought this as an alternative to the standard neck pillow. Using a standard neck pillow, I find my head still rolls forward when I nod off, waking me up and leaving me with an aching neck by the end of the flight. While not perfect, WOW, what a difference. I used this neck holder on my last trip to Italy and it was a tremendous help. I was able to get some sleep and minimal neck and shoulder pain when I arrived in Venice. While awkward looking and a little warm, this was a great solution." —Ed Sunshine

Get it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in five colors).

Psst: Its lining is made with plastic from coastal communities that otherwise could have ended up in the ocean! The smaller size is accepted as a carry-on by all international airlines, including European budget ones, while the larger one meets all US airline standards.

Promising review: "Great design that allows me to organize everything I need in much less space than I ever expected. Take your time to select and pack your things thoughtfully and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much you can get into this carry-on. I have several pieces of luggage in multiple sizes and I’m giving them away because this is all I need. The size and versatility make it the perfect carry-on." —Michelle C.

Get it from Solgaard for $345+ (available in two sizes and eight colors).

Elizabeth says, "I snagged this backpack after hearing my colleague Chelsea Stuart sing its praises. I wanted a bag for some upcoming travel (two and a half weeks in Europe with *just* carry-on for five flights) that opens up like a suitcase for easier packing. Since buying it, I've taken it on two long-weekend trips with no complaints. In fact, for both of those trips, I packed MORE than I needed.

Inside, you'll find a mesh zippered pocket and a plastic pocket perfect for your toiletries. I can fit as many 'wet' toiletries in the second pocket as I'd be allowed to carry on for a plane. The main compartment is deceptively deep, so you can easily roll clothes and Lego-fit them in together without using packing cubes. AND it has stretchy X-straps to keep it all secure, like you'd see in a roller suitcase, so when I unzip it, everything stays put. I love that this backpack has DEEP side pockets so your umbrella or water bottle won't fall out. Plus, it has a generously sized pocket on the front of the backpack with easy access for sunglasses, snacks, writing pens, etc. To top it all off, the backpack straps and top handle are STURDY. I felt totally secure toting it around and slinging it into those overhead storage compartments on trains. At nearly $80, this isn't the cheapest backpack option, but if you're a frequent traveler, you'll get so much mileage on it and seriously save on some baggage fees, making it well worth the cost. This backpack and I are going places, for sure."

Get it from Beis for $88 (available in three colors).

I mean, you can *literally* wear this onto the plane so you don't even have to pack it.

Promising review: "Wore this belt on a recent 10-day trip, with several hundred dollars neatly folded in its full-length zippered pocket. The bills (USD) had to be folded lengthwise, in thirds, and for practical reasons, in stacks of four to five (or less). My belt had room for four such stacks, so theoretically $2,000 could be comfortably carried in complete concealment. The nylon buckle was perfectly adequate for its purpose, and nothing about the belt would indicate its hidden purpose. Well worth it." —Tony B.

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available for pant sizes 20"–50" and in seven styles).

Promising review: "Saw this in an article about travel items and decided to get it for a trip overseas. So glad I did — the forecast said rain so I packed my rain jacket only to find hot sunny skies. Rather than tie this around my waist and have it fall or get in the way, I wadded it up and used this strap to attach it to my bag. The strap is adjustable so you can get a tight fit. Carried my coat for me. Would also work to attach a bag to a suitcase, water bottle to a purse, etc. So many uses, just get it and try it out. Really helpful and handy little travel item." —David Shaughnessy

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in six colors and in sets of two).

The travel belt is adjustable to 38 inches to fit most bags. The belt itself is vegan leather with elastic accents and a quick-release buckle.

Cincha Travel is a small business in California that develops adjustable travel belts made out of vegan leather. The brand donates 100 airline miles for each purchase, which are used to reconnect separated migrant families.

Promising review: "Love this! I am constantly struggling between holding my jacket and two carry-ons. This is the perfect solution! I can’t wait to start using it when I’m back to regular business travel." —Allison

Get it from Cincha Travel for $39.99 (available in 20 colors, can be monogrammed for an additional $15).

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.