Getting Organized for Summer Travel: Stress Less, Enjoy More
Summer is almost here! And you know what that means… vacation time!
Whether you're hopping on a plane or hitting the road with your favorite playlist, a little planning and organization can go a long way in helping your trip feel more like a true break (and less like an overwhelming logistical puzzle).
As a Portland-based professional home organizer (and mom of 2), I know how quickly travel can become stressful without the right structure.
The good news? You don’t have to be naturally organized to enjoy a smoother, less stressful trip. You just need a few tricks, some thoughtful prep, and the right mindset.
Here are my favorite travel organizing tips to help you feel confident, calm, and ready for your summer vacation adventure.
Don’t Overpack
Overpacking is one of the biggest stress triggers when it comes to travel. It clutters your suitcase, your hotel room, and eventually, your mind. Just like too much stuff at home can make you feel overwhelmed, bringing too much on vacation can leave you feeling frazzled before you even get there. Let’s skip that feeling on this trip!
One of my go-to strategies is what I call the 5-4-3-2-1 packing rule.
It’s simple, effective, and totally doable if you're traveling for seven days or fewer (but if you have access to laundry, it can last you even longer):
5 tops
4 bottoms
3 dresses and 3 pairs of shoes (or dress shirts and dress pants for men)
2 bags (a carry-on and a purse/backpack) and 2 swimsuits
1 hat, 1 watch, 1 pair of sunglasses
Unlimited undergarments (because comfort matters!)
This approach keeps things light and streamlined while still giving you enough variety to feel put together and comfortable on your trip.
Start Early and Plan Ahead
Even if you're not a natural planner, getting organized before your trip makes everything easier. Here’s a simple pre-travel checklist to help you stay on track:
Write a packing list — Include outfits, toiletries, chargers, snacks, medications, and any must-haves for your destination. If you are going to different climates throughout your trip, check the weather and plan accordingly!
Create a packing zone — Pick a corner of your bedroom (or a spare room) to start laying things out a few days ahead.
Do laundry early — You don’t want to realize your favorite pair of jeans are dirty the night before your flight! Make sure that everything you need is clean and ready to go.
Pick up travel-size items — Check what you already have, and grab what’s missing ahead of time. The smaller sizes save space, but remember that TSA regulations for carry-on liquids is 3.4 fl oz if you’re skipping the checked bag!
Confirm your accommodations and transportation — Print or screenshot confirmations if needed, and add any digital tickets or passes to your phone’s wallet.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling internationally, start planning a few months in advance so there’s plenty of time for passports, visas, or currency exchange. If you’re staying in the U.S., a week or two of prep is usually plenty.
Use Packing Organizers to Create “Mini Systems”
If you’ve ever worked with me before, you know I’m all about creating systems that stick. That goes for travel, too! Using organizers in your suitcase is like giving everything a home, just like we do when organizing your closet, kitchen, and other spaces.
Here are a few of my favorites:
Packing cubes: These are a game-changer. They help separate clothing by category (tops, underwear, workout gear, etc.), make it easier to find what you need, and even compress your clothes to save space. This set of Amazon Basic Travel Cubes are a great option!
Hanging toiletry bag: Perfect for hotel bathrooms with limited counter space! You can hang it on a hook or towel bar and everything’s right at your fingertips. Check out this hanging toiletry bag for your next getaway.
Electronics organizer: Keep chargers, cords, and adapter plugs from becoming a tangled mess. You never know when you need to quickly access one! Here’s a great option to keep things together.
Clear Plastic Waterproof Bags: These bags are great for a variety of needs! Store shoes, clothes, skincare, and more to keep your bags organized and clean.
The Away Carry-On Luggage: While this isn’t a “system” per se, I love how this carry-on suitcase has some built-in organization. Not to mention it’s high quality and a great investment for future travels!
These tools are small but mighty, and they make your whole trip feel more in control. Want to see my entire list of favorites? Check them out here!
Fold Smart, Pack Smart
I always recommend rolling your clothes or using a file-folding technique when packing. These strategies let you:
Maximize suitcase space
See exactly what you brought (no more digging!)
Possibly avoid checking a bag altogether (save money and time)
Lay everything out in your packing zone and try different folding styles to see what fits best. You might be surprised how much space you save just by folding intentionally!
The #1 Rule After a Trip? Unpack Immediately
I get it: when you get home, all you want to do is crash on the couch. But here’s the thing – unpacking right away is one of the easiest ways to transition back into your daily routine without feeling buried in clutter.
Here’s what to do when you arrive back home:
Toss laundry in the washer (especially anything sandy, sweaty, or damp).
Return toiletries to their home (bathroom drawer, medicine cabinet, etc.).
Put your shoes and accessories back where they belong.
Store your suitcase and organizers so they’re ready for next time.
This five-minute habit can prevent a week’s worth of “where did I put that?” chaos.
Bonus Pro Travel Tips
Check your hotel’s amenities: If they have shampoo, conditioner, or a hair dryer, you can skip packing those and save some space in your suitcase for more souvenirs.
Stick to a color palette: Choose clothes that mix and match easily so you don’t have to overthink outfits.
Bring items that multitask: For example, a lightweight scarf that doubles as a blanket, or sandals that work at the beach and dinner.
Travel Doesn’t Have to Feel Chaotic
You deserve a vacation that feels restful and fun! Not one that adds to your mental load. Whether you're someone who thrives on checklists or you're just trying to get a little more organized one trip at a time, these travel tips will help you pack with confidence and stay stress-free on the go.
Want more support creating systems that work at home and beyond? I’d love to help! At Balanced Home Organization, I work with clients both virtually and in-person throughout Portland and surrounding areas to bring calm, function, and lasting change to everyday life.
Ready to simplify more than just your suitcase? Book a call with me!
