What to Buy to Stay Organized if You’re an Overpacker

This sensitive-skin version of Embrylisse’s Lait-Crème has officially become my new go-to moisturizer. It’s fragrance-free, gentle on my skin, and I love that I can use it as a moisturizer, face mask, makeup remover, and body cream. A multipurpose product means I’m actually reaching for it multiple times per day so I can cut back on how many products I pack. An added perk: It isn’t greasy and absorbs quickly. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

I’ve had my Lipault suitcase for about eight years and it has been so worth the investment. It’s made of a flexible nylon shell, so it’s easy to fit a lot, while keeping things lightweight. It also has four double wheels with a 360-degree spin. Plus, the zipper is strong with all the packing I do. ($325, Lipault)

For overpackers, packing cubes with compression zippers are a must. I bought this six-piece set for my trip to Iceland and they kept everything compact and organized. This set comes with two large cubes, two small ones, a tube cube (which I love for socks), and a laundry bag. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

If you haven’t purchased an AirTag yet, this is your sign to do so. It’ll connect to your phone so you can track any personal belongings via the Find My app, which operates on a precision-finding, ultra-wideband network. That way you can track your bag as you’re boarding and deplaning — without having to rely on a spotty airline app. I keep mine inside a suitcase pocket, but you can also buy luggage tag holders for them. ($29, Apple)

I’ve had this one from State for years and find that it’s so underrated. It has a few spacious compartments to keep me organized, including one with a mesh zippered pouch and one with loops for makeup brushes. It’s large enough to fit about four full-sized products, while also having compression zippers to keep it compact. I’ve used it for everything, from quick overnight trips to a full month of travel. ($78, State)

Another essential that’s lasted me for years: this Kanken backpack from Fjällräven. It has a laptop compartment and a just-right rectangular shape that fits seamlessly under most plane seats. If I’m bringing a little more, I’ve found that I can fit the backpack and a small tote (see below) underneath. It’s spacious, made of a canvas, and comes in countless colors. I bought the strap pads for added support and they’ve been well worth it. ($51.05+, Amazon)

I keep one of these in my backpack at all times when I travel, just in case I need a little bit of extra room. This one from Baggu folds into a corresponding square pouch. It’s made of a thin, rip-resistant nylon. Because of that, it’s easy to squish underneath a seat without being bulky. ($14, Baggu)

I love to stay hydrated on the go without having to lug a heavy travel tumbler around (which I’ve done before and it’s the worst). This one is dishwasher- and microwave-safe, and also works with warm water. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

I recently made the swap to an iPhone 16, so now pretty much all of my devices charge via USB-C. To accommodate that change, I got this retractable puck-shaped charger from Counterpart. Because it’s retractable, I don’t have to worry about cords getting tangled in my bag, and the outlet side folds neatly into place. ($45, Counterpart)

I’m constantly wanting to travel with my books and I like to have options, but I don't want to add weight to my suitcase with hard copies. If you travel a lot, a Kindle is majorly worth the investment. You can predownload a few options before your trip to have for the flight, and if you get through those, as long as you have Wi-Fi at your destination, you can always add more. And the built-in reading light? A must. ($134.99+, Amazon)