Smart Packing: Toiletries Travel Tips And Tricks (2025)

Packing toiletries for a trip can be a challenge. It's easy to overpack, and following security protocols if you're travelling by air can make the process even tougher. The key is to pack only the essentials and to be mindful of any restrictions on liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols. Most airports require these items to be stored in a clear, quart-sized bag and limited to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) per item. To save space, consider using travel-sized containers, multi-use products, and samples. Organise your products in a compartmentalised toiletry bag to prevent spills and leaks. Remember, you don't need to bring full-sized versions of every product. By planning ahead and choosing the right products and containers, you can master the art of packing toiletries like a pro.

Packing liquids: Use travel-size containers and transfer products from larger bottles

When packing liquids, it is important to follow the airline's rules and regulations. Most airlines allow you to bring a quart-size (0.95L) plastic bag with liquids, gels, creams, pastes and aerosol cans. Each liquid item should be no more than 3.4 ounces (100ml) and all bottles must fit inside the clear quart-size bag.

To avoid overpacking, it is recommended to transfer liquids such as shampoo, conditioner and lotions to travel-size containers. You can purchase reusable travel-size containers and fill them with your desired products. This way, you can take your favourite products without having to buy single-use travel-size versions. It is important to look for quality bottles that are leak-proof and to label them with a smear-proof marker.

If you are travelling with others, you can divide the products between you to save space. For example, one person can bring toothpaste and body wash, while another can bring shampoo and conditioner.

You can also save smaller bottles and jars from samples and other products throughout the year, rinse them out and add your desired liquids for your trip.

Some sources suggest using solid products instead of liquids, such as a cleansing balm, stick perfume, shampoo bar, or solid shampoo and conditioner. These products can help reduce the number of liquids in your luggage.

Airport security guidelines: Check rules for carry-on luggage and pack liquids in a clear, quart-sized bag

When packing for a trip, it's essential to follow airport security guidelines for carry-on luggage to ensure a smooth travel experience. One of the most critical aspects of these guidelines is properly packing liquids, gels, and aerosols. To comply with regulations, travellers are typically allowed to bring a quart-sized (0.95-litre) clear bag containing liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosol cans. This bag should be separate from your carry-on baggage and facilitate the screening process. It's important to note that each liquid item should not exceed 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres) in volume.

To effectively utilise the quart-sized bag, consider using travel-size containers for your toiletries. Transferring products from larger bottles into smaller, travel-sized containers can help you adhere to the volume restrictions. Additionally, look for multipurpose products that can serve multiple functions, such as shampoo and body wash, to save space. If you're travelling with others, consider sharing certain toiletry items, like toothpaste or body wash, to further optimise your packing.

It is worth investing in a durable, compartmentalised toiletry bag to keep your liquids organised and easily accessible. A bag with multiple compartments can prevent spills and leaks, ensuring a tidy and efficient packing experience. Water-resistant toiletry bags are also recommended to protect your liquids and other items in case of any leaks during transit. Some luggage brands offer carry-on bags that come with removable, TSA-compliant toiletry bags, providing convenience and peace of mind.

While the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule is a widely recognised international guideline, it's always advisable to check with the specific airports you'll be travelling through to determine their unique guidelines. This proactive step ensures that you can pack your liquids and toiletries appropriately and avoid any unexpected issues during security checks. By following these guidelines and planning ahead, you can confidently navigate airport security and focus on enjoying your journey.

Multi-use products: Save space by choosing items that serve multiple purposes

Multi-use products are a great way to save space when packing toiletries for travel. It's all about choosing items that serve multiple purposes.

First, consider which products you absolutely must take with you and which ones you can leave behind. For example, you might decide that your favourite brand of shampoo or premium face moisturiser is non-negotiable. Then, look for products that can be used in multiple ways. For instance, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps can be used as hand soap, body wash, and even shampoo. Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash is another popular all-in-one travel product.

You can also opt for products that serve dual purposes, such as a lipstick and blush combo, an oil that can be used from head to toe (like argan oil), a BB cream with SPF, or an overnight mask that doubles as a moisturiser. A cleansing cream can also be used as a shaving balm, and you can use the same product as a hair and body wash. If you're travelling with others, you can also divide products between companions to save space. For example, one person might bring toothpaste and body wash, while another packs the shampoo and conditioner.

When it comes to liquids, remember that most airports require liquids, gels, creams, pastes, and aerosol cans to be stored in a clear, quart-sized bag. Each liquid product should be no more than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) per item. To save space, consider replacing some liquids with solid versions, such as a shampoo bar, stick perfume, or solid cleansing balm. You can also purchase reusable travel-size containers and fill them with your favourite products. This way, you can take just the right amount and avoid taking up space with full-size bottles.

Sharing: If travelling with others, divide products between companions

Sharing is a great way to save space when travelling with others. If you're travelling with friends or family, you don't all need to bring separate toiletries. Instead, divide the products between you and your companions. For example, one person could bring toothpaste and body wash, while another packs shampoo and conditioner. This way, you'll save space in your luggage and won't have to worry about exceeding weight or size limits.

Before dividing up the toiletries, make a list of the grooming and beauty products each person uses daily. This will help you identify which items are must-haves and which can be left behind. Remember, it's only a temporary trip, so you won't need every single product. Identify any non-negotiables, such as a specific brand of shampoo or premium face moisturiser.

To further minimise the number of products you need to bring, opt for multi-use items. For instance, some products can double as shampoo and body wash, or sunscreen can also be used as a moisturiser. You can also look for solid product alternatives, such as a cleansing balm, stick perfume, or shampoo bar. These solid options free up space in your liquid allowance.

When packing your allocated toiletries, use travel-size containers or transfer products into reusable, leak-proof, travel-size bottles. This way, you can take a small amount of your favourite products without having to rely on single-use, travel-size toiletries.

Choosing a bag: Opt for a durable bag with compartments to prevent spills and leaks

When choosing a bag for your toiletries, it's best to opt for a durable one with compartments to prevent spills and leaks. This will help you stay organised and ensure that your liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols are securely stored.

Look for a bag with multiple pockets so you can separate your makeup, skincare, and body care products. This will make it easier to find what you need and prevent clutter. For example, you can dedicate one section to skincare and another to grooming products.

Go for a bag that is designed to hold items of various sizes and shapes without tearing. A bag with a built-in hanger can be useful to avoid cluttering countertops at your destination. If you're concerned about leaks, look for leak-proof bottles or solid product alternatives, such as cleansing balms, stick perfumes, or shampoo bars.

Toiletries bags with removable, TSA-compliant bags can be a convenient option for air travel. These bags meet the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule, allowing you to carry liquids of up to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) in a clear, quart-sized bag.

Remember to choose a bag that suits the length of your trip. For shorter getaways, a small or medium-sized bag should suffice, while longer trips might require a larger bag with more compartments to accommodate a wider range of products.

Frequently asked questions