GET THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL PACKING LIST! (Yes. It's editable, printable & FREE)

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

Throughout my four months of travel in Asia this year I could pack all my belongings in just ten minutes as opposed to one-two hours packing used to take me. Not only was my husband surprised that I was always ready on time but I felt accomplished at how much my packing has improved over the years.

My secret to packing fast as lightning? Packing organizers! Read on and find out how to pack in less than 15 minutes!

 


How to Pack in Less than 15 Minutes


 

Packing organizers are the key to being an efficient and organized traveler. Each item from my travel capsule wardrobe has a dedicated place within my luggage which means not only can I find anything easily I can also unpack and especially repack in minutes!

 

Because every item has a home, I pack in an easy three step process:

  1. Look for organizer where item belongs
  2. Place item inside organizer
  3. Place organizer inside suitcase

 

Looking for more organizer? Here’s our recommendations for packing organizers for travel!

 

Take a look at how I compartmentalized my belongings for my four-month trip to Asia earlier this year so you too can pack in fifteen minutes or less! (EVERYTHING in my packing list totals 10kg!)

 

 

how-to-pack-fast

Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes

 

Packing Cubes

 

I’ve used a variety of packing organizers over the years but my favorite option is a set slim packing cubes. They help me organize and also maximize space (using this clever packing strategy).

 

I usually use three cubes for clothes and one for underwear.

  • Packing Cube #1: Tops
  • Packing Cube #2: Bottoms
  • Packing Cube #3: Outerwear or Dresses
  • Packing Cube #4: Underwear, socks, bras, and bathing suit

 

Learn more about why I love packing cubes in this video tutorial!

 

 

how-to-pack-fast

Osprey Ozone Convertible 22″/50L Wheeled Luggage

 

Suitcase

 

Osprey Ozone 22″, capacity is 50L, fits carry-on for major airlines. In addition to packing organizers, I also use the compartments within my suitcase to further organize. I use the external pockets for things I use regularly or need easy access, too (but things that are not of high value if lost). I’ve also traveled with these three other Osprey packs.

 

  • Internal large mesh pocket contains scuba diving accessories: Aqualung rash guard, fish id booklet, dive socks, bathing suit, board shorts
  • Small internal side pockets: don’t really use these only sometimes for the occasional random items
  • External right pocket: outerwear such as scarves, jacket, sweater and other accessories such as (empty) purse or belt
  • External left pocket: packable tote, sleeping bag liner, travel towel, silk pillowcase, inflatable neck pillow, sleepwear, and daily essentials. (Daily essentials are usually in my daypack but they’re stored here to board a carry-on flight.)
  • External small top pocket: headlamp and extra travel lock
  • External back pocket: important docs, notebook, laptop and separate clear pouch containing laptop cord, iphone charger, international adapter. (Items from the external back pocket are usually in my day pack but I place them in the back luggage compartment to board a flight using one carry-on.)

 

Read my Osprey Ozone 46 review and watch this video to find out the pros and cons and what features you should consider when choosing your own suitcase!

 

 

how-to-pack-fast

Gold Pattern Cosmetic Bag with Zipper

 

Cosmetic Case

 

It contains my portable charger, external hard drive, underwater camera case, camera, memory cards, keyboard brush, flash drive, portable mic, power cables.

 

If you’re looking for the best international travel adapter, look no further than our Compass Rose adapter!

 

 

how-to-pack-fast

Small Gold Pattern Cosmetic Bag with Zipper

 

Small Pouch

 

My dive gear is expensive and I like this thick fabric to protect it. It saves space as opposed to the hard plastic case it originally comes with.

Unfortunately, Built NY no longer makes these cases but I will update the post with any similar styles I find. This is where I put my scuba dive mask, dive computer, and compass.

 

If you’re a first time diver, these are the five scuba diving essentials to bring on your trip!

 

 

how-to-pack-fast

Rebecca Minkoff Nylon Cosmetics Pouch

 

Toiletry Bag

 

Expandable toiletry bag with two compartments. I usually leave for a trip with the bag expanded and then zip it up as items get used and i don’t need as much space.

 

  • 1st compartment contains: 4 bottles of prescription medication, 1 strip of pain killers, 2 alka seltzers, 5 motion sickness tablets, 1 chapstick, ear buds, menstrual cup, wax strips
  • 2nd compartment contains: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body moisturizer, face moisturizer, face wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, foot scrub, loofah

 

Check out our list of the best toiletry bags for travel!

 

 

how-to-pack-fast

LeSportsac Travel Cosmetic Case

 

Makeup Bag

 

It’s a standard small easy to clean black makeup bag. It contains my eyeshadow palette of 4, eyebrow pencil, eye liner, mascara, concealer, foundation, blush brush, double sided eyeshadow brush, blush, lip gloss, ribbon hair ties, bobby pins, nail kit, chapstick.

 

Keep reading to find out our tips for packing travel makeup!

 

 

how-to-pack-fast

Squeeze Pod TSA Approved Clear Toiletry Bag

 

Clear Pouch

 

Zip closure clear pouch for each access to daily essentials. Small daily essentials such as chapstick, sunglasses, eyeglasses, tampons, kleenex, eye drops, pill box, dental floss, breath mints, one allergy pill, one painkiller pill, one motion sickness pill, ribbon hair tie, bobby pins, clothes pin, hair brush.

 

Read this post for a printable packing list that includes clothes, shoes, and more!

 

 

how-to-pack-fast

This packing strategy applies to when you’re already on the road and have already finalized what you plan to bring.

 


At this point, I know my packing organization strategy so well that I’ve completely memorized it. Each trip the organizers may vary slightly but the idea is the same. Once you’re on the road it’s easy to re-pack when everything you own has a dedicated place. Now it’s your turn to pack at lightning speed!

What’s your packing strategy? Please share it below!


 

For more packing tips, please read:

 


 

LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!

how-to-pack-fast

 


Hope you enjoyed this post on how to pack in less than 15 minutes. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!