Pack in a Hurry – 6 Essentials

I love to be able to leave at a moment’s notice, so I’ve learned to pack in a hurry. There’s just something so fun about being spontaneous. These items could also be helpful to keep for an emergency plan. To accommodate the planned and unplanned, I keep a small carry-on suitcase ready to stash a few clothing items, and go!

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Under Seat Carry On Luggage

A couple of years ago, we were flying to Europe on Scandinavian Airlines. Their overhead limits are smaller than many of the American carriers, and they also limit weight to 15 lbs. Additionally, I wanted to be able to put the bag under the seat, in case overhead storage became a problem. I bought a very similar bag to this one. When it arrived I thought it was way too small, but it has turned out to be my favorite bag. I’ve taken it as my only bag for as many as 6 days. It easily fits into any overhead storage as well as under the seat in most cases. This is the bag that I keep packed for quick departure. I bought mine in purple, and I have a matching 30″ bag to check, if necessary.

Flat Toiletries Bag

eBags Pack-It-Flat toiletries case is my number one favorite travel accessory. I’ve had mine for at least five years, and I’m a very frequent traveller. This little guy lives in my carry-on bag. I keep it always ready for our next adventure. I buy travel sizes or duplicates of items I use every day, such as a toothbrush, paste, medications, and mascara. When I run out of something at home, I grab the travel bag item and use it up, and put a new one into the travel bag. That way I always have a fresh rotation of frequently used necessities. The best part is it packs flat, right on top, so it’s always handy.

Packing Cubes

These babies were a life changer for me. I had a less expensive set that came with several different sizes, but I found that the smallest and the largest cubes were rarely used at all. Then I found these. They are the perfect size to go across a standard carry-on suitcase. They are sturdy so you can pack them quite full, yet they don’t expand beyond the necessary dimensions. I can pack a 3-week clothing capsule into my carry-on with these, depending on the weather and shoes I need. I could probably go to a beach vacation for a month with just my carry-on bag and these packing cubes. That’s saying a lot because I’m one who enjoys dressing for dinner, so that’ll include sundresses and dressy tops for evening activities. I put the other cubes into my drawers at home to corral my socks and dainties (as my hubby likes to call them), and these new cubes live in my suit case.

Venus Mini Razor

Disposable razors don’t sit well with me, and I prefer to use something that’s similar to what I’m using at home. Enter the Venus Mini! This cute little razor comes with it’s own shower case, and uses any Venus razor refill. Did you know that any Venus handle can use any razor blade refill? They can! This cute little gizmo would be great for your daughter to take to her college dorm, as well. I’ve had mine for years, and it has held up to many, many trips and over-stuffed luggage bags.

Travel Tech Pouch

If you’re like me, you have dozens of cute little make-up bags laying around. They seem to be the swag-du-jour for freebies with make-up purchases or in our quarterly FabFitFun box. What? You don’t have a Fab Fit Fun subscription? Here’s a link to get $10 off. I keep one of these in my suitcase stuffed with all of the tech accessories I need when away from home. That way I always have a phone cord, a quick battery charger, and ear buds just a zipper away. I keep this pouch in the small outside zip pocket of my suitcase.

Bathing Suit, Cover-Up, and Flip-Flops

This is technically essentials 6, 7, and 8, but I’m lumping them in as one. How many times have you wanted to go into the spa in the hotel, only to realize you didn’t bring a bathing suit? I avoid this mishap by always keeping these items tucked into the outside pocket of my suitcase. No matter what time of year I’m travelling, I will always be able to hit the whirlpool, sauna, steam room, or pool. It’s an easy addition.

Your homework this week is to gather up all of your essentials and store them together in your carry-on suitcase so you can pack in a hurry when the time comes.

If you’re anything like me, you can’t wait to hit the road. It’ll take me just a few minutes to pack my back and go. My first trip will probably be up to Northern California to visit my Dad. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out this post on my reasons for travelling.

Where will you go next? Let me know in the comments.