How to Pack Toiletries

Co-authored by Archana Ramamoorthy, MS

Last Updated: December 28, 2022 References

When it comes to packing for a trip, finding the best way to bring the necessary toiletries along is often the biggest challenge. For many people, it's way too easy to overpack, and following proper security protocols if you're traveling by air can make the process even more difficult. Bringing the fewest products possible is always a good strategy, but finding the right way to pack them so they don't leak all over your suitcase can really save you a headache when you reach your destination.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Making a Packing Plan

1
Go through your daily routine for products that you use. To make sure that you bring the products that you need -- and don’t overpack -- think about your daily skincare and grooming routine and make a mental note of each product that you use. Pack just those items to avoid bringing products that you really don’t need.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Don't forget to include tools that you might need, such as cotton balls or cotton swabs.
2
Eliminate unnecessary or luxury items. You don’t necessarily need to bring every toiletry that you use in your daily routine on your trip.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Archana Ramamoorthy, MS
Chief Technology Officer, Workday
Expert Interview. 26 February 2019.} For example, even if you use hairspray everyday to tame your hair for work, you may not need it on a relaxed beach vacation. Cut out any products that aren’t necessities.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Keep in mind that most hotels provide shampoo, conditioner, and soap, so you may not need to pack those items.
Advertisement
3
Include additional products based on your destination. The only time you might need to switch up products is if you’re visiting an area that’s a different climate from where you live. For example, if you’re visiting a different hemisphere, the seasons may be different, so you may need a more intense moisturizer for cold, dry weather or plenty of sunscreen for warm, sunny weather.
4
Check airplane carry-on rules online to confirm. If you’re traveling by plane and want to pack your toiletries in your carry-on bag, it’s important to consider airport security guidelines in terms of what you can bring and how to pack it. Most airports allows you to bring a quart size (0.95 l) plastic bag with liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes as long as they’re limited to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) per item.^{[4]
X
Trustworthy Source
U.S. Transportation Security Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols
Go to source}
- Check with the airports that you’re traveling through to determine their guidelines to ensure that you pack your toiletries appropriately for security checks.
5
Invest in a compartmentalized toiletry bag. You’ll have an easier time packing your toiletries if you have a dedicated bag for them. A bag with compartments is especially convenient because it allows you to organize your products, and prevents spills and leaks from getting all over the inside of the bag.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Saving Space in your Bag

1
Look for multipurpose products. You can save room in your bag if you choose products that you can use in multiple ways.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Archana Ramamoorthy, MS
Chief Technology Officer, Workday
Expert Interview. 26 February 2019.} For example, there are some products that work as shampoo and body wash, or you may be able to use some sunscreens as moisturizer.
2
Use sample or travel size products. Packing full-size versions of your shampoo, face wash, and other toiletries takes up too much space in your bag. Instead, opt for sample or travel size products, so you don’t wind up taking more than you need of any product.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Many skincare, bath, and makeup companies provide free samples when you buy from them, so it’s a good idea to have a drawer in your vanity to keep them organized. That way, you can just go through the samples to find what you need before your trip.
- Many stores sell travel size versions of common toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and toothpaste, so you can buy smaller versions of the products you use.
3
Transfer products to travel-size containers. If you don’t have samples or travel size versions of your favorite products, it helps to take some out of the larger bottles and put a small amounts of the products in small, travel size containers. Some toiletry bags even come with smaller containers to add your favorite skincare and beauty products to.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- You can also save smaller bottles and jars from samples and other products as you empty them throughout the year. Rinse them out well, and add your favorite toiletries for your trips.
4
Consider sharing with travel companions. If you’re traveling with friends and family, you don’t all have to bring separate toiletries. Divide the products between your traveling companions to save space in your bag. For example, you might bring the toothpaste and body wash and your friend might pack the shampoo and conditioner.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Just be sure that you bring enough of each item for every member of the party. A travel size tube of toothpaste isn’t going to be enough for a week long trip with 4 people.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Keeping Your Bag Neat

1
Choose non-liquid items when possible. Liquids are the easiest to spill and leak, so it’s best to avoid them when you can. For example, instead of a liquid eye makeup remover, pack makeup wipes instead. You can also find solid shampoo bars to pack instead of a liquid formula.^{[10]
X
Research source}
2
Place liquids in a plastic bag. Even if you’re not traveling by plane, it’s a good idea to put liquid items in a plastic or Ziploc bag.^{[11]
X
Expert Source

Archana Ramamoorthy, MS
Chief Technology Officer, Workday
Expert Interview. 26 February 2019.} That way, if a leak or spill occurs, it’s contained inside the bag and won’t get all over the rest of your luggage.^{[12]
X
Research source}
3
Tape bottle caps shut. When your luggage is jiggled around in a plane, car, or train, it’s not uncommon for the caps on toiletry bottles to come loose, causing products to leak all over your bag. Secure the caps with a piece of masking tape to help prevent leaks from happening.^{[13]
X
Research source}
4
Cushion the bag with cotton. If you’re concerned about toiletry bottles breaking inside your luggage, it helps to give them some cushioning. Surround fragile containers with cotton balls or pads to protect them for breaking. The cotton balls and pads may even come in handy on your trip.^{[14]
X
Research source}
5
Avoid placing your toiletries in an outer compartment of your luggage. Items in the zippered outer pockets are more vulnerable to damage if your bag gets banged around during travel. This means toiletry bottles can get broken or squeezed, leading to spills inside your bag. Place toiletries in the center of your bag, and surround them with soft clothing.^{[15]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I pack my clothes so that they do not get wrinkled?

Archana Ramamoorthy, MS
Chief Technology Officer, Workday
Archana Ramamoorthy is the Chief Technology Officer, North America at Workday She is a product ninja, security advocate, and on a quest to enable more inclusion in the tech industry. Archana received her BS from SRM University and MS from Duke University and has been working in product management for over 8 years.

Archana Ramamoorthy, MS

Chief Technology Officer, Workday

Expert Answer

Buy some large Ziploc bags. Then roll your clothes and put them in different bags. It will prevent the clothes from getting wrinkled.
Question

Why are Ziploc bags suitable for packing?

Archana Ramamoorthy, MS
Chief Technology Officer, Workday
Archana Ramamoorthy is the Chief Technology Officer, North America at Workday She is a product ninja, security advocate, and on a quest to enable more inclusion in the tech industry. Archana received her BS from SRM University and MS from Duke University and has been working in product management for over 8 years.

Archana Ramamoorthy, MS

Chief Technology Officer, Workday

Expert Answer

Ziploc bags help you to organize your packing. They allow you to pack more things in a smaller space.
Question

Can I use this for a school trip?

Community Answer

Yes, all of these tips should be useful for a school trip. Make sure to ask what you're allowed to bring.