This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of TownePlace Suites by Marriott®. All opinions are 100% mine.
My job requires me to travel several times a year and at first I was one of those last minute packers. I was always scrambling and ended up not having enough of the appropriate attire or I packed things that were completely unnecessary. I’ve learned through the years how to get my act together and get organized! Many of us will be traveling this holiday season and it can be chaotic for sure, but don’t fret! Today I’ve gathered 10 Organized Travel Tips for the holiday season that I hope will help! Plus I have a giveaway for you too!
1) Making a list and Checking it Twice…
Before you start any journey, research what the weather conditions will be and what activities you will be participating in so as to plan an appropriate wardrobe. Create a packing checklist of all the items to bring that are essential. Allow yourself plenty of time so you don’t forget necessary items or hastily over pack items you don’t need. If you are a frequent traveler, then a good idea would be to make a packing list on your home computer which you can use to check items off as you go or purchase a pre-made travel check-list. 
2) Know When to Say Enough’s Enough
Do you sometimes feel like your are packing everything but the kitchen sink? When planning for a trip, keep in mind that many hotels provide a variety of amenities that you won’t need to bring from home, which will save you a ton of space in your suitcase. For example, many will provide bulky items like hairdryers in each room. Many hotels will also offer items like robes and beach towels. Research your hotel online or call to find out which specifics items they might have available to use.
3) Rolling, rolling, rolling…
Roll your clothes instead of folding and stacking. Fold each item in half (lengthwise) then start rolling from one end. Rolling each item saves space in your suitcase and helps prevent wrinkles.
4) Keep it clean and clear
Use plastic bags or a translucent shoe sac to place shoes into. This prevents any dirt or shoe polish from transferring onto your clothes. 
5) Keep the TSA Off Your Back When You Carry-on
For all your carry-on liquid toiletries, try using a TSA friendly clear re-useable bag with clear plastic bottles that can re-filled over and over again. 
6) Ready to Go at a Moment’s Notice
Keep a travel toiletries bag packed and ready to go at all times. Pack always a toothbrush, travel toothpaste, floss picks, 3 oz. bottle each of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, travel sized medicine container, nail clippers, travel sized razor, deodorant, etc. Immediately replenish the items upon return from your trip. 
7) Easy Identification
Finding your luggage among the sea of suitcase clones in baggage claim can be frustrating. Easily identify your bag with a brightly colored IdentiGrip handle wrap. It has an interior I.D window for your personal contact information. 
8) All is Not Lost
When traveling with partner, it’s always a good idea to pack one outfit for yourself in the other person’s suitcase, so that if the airline loses your luggage, you will at least have a change of clothes available.
9) Plan for Extra Baggage
We always seem to return home from our trips with more than we packed, especially during the holidays. A great idea to plan for extra souvenir gifts and vacation finds is to pack either an extra tote bag that can easily be used as a carry-on item or pack a small bundle of bubble wrap in your suitcase. The bubble wrap can be used to wrap up any breakable items and it weighs nearly nothing.
10) Maximize Comfort & Convenience for Extended Stays
If your vacation plans consist of an extended stay then I recommend staying at a hotel that can accommodate your needs and make your visit as easy and comfortable as your own home. TownePlace Suites by Marriott® and The Container Store® have partnered to bring hotel guests the amazing elfa® closet system. Goodbye boring hotel closet with one rod and shoes all in a pile on the floor. Hello elfa®! 
It is an amazing custom closet designed in partnership with The Container Store®, loaded with lots of storage options to help guests feel more organized while on the road. From multiple closet rods and ventilated shelves to hanging drawers, guests will find everything they need to feel more put together.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott® is giving away a $100 gift card to put towards your next stay!
TO ENTER: Leave a comment below answering this question: “What do you do to stay organized on extended-stay travel?”
Click for Official Rules. Check TownePlace Suites® Facebook out on Facebook too!
The hubby always has a toiletry bag packed as he travels often with his job. I am a last minute packer as well, but I have been known to make lists, do use the reuseable plastic containers for shampoos, etc., and I definitely roll my clothes.
i like to have all my things organized so i can easily take the precious things back in the car with me so items go in one bag that i never leave my side its time consuming but that is how i stay organized
Make a list is a must! Using smaller containers for toiletries and poking socks or undies into those little holes you have left over from packing your clothes gets everything you need in one suitcase. Also, choose outfits you can mix and match to cut down on clothes.
I like to put all of my items in place as soon as get into the hotel room – clothing folded into drawers, bathroom items on the counter, etc. I hate living out of a suitcase. 🙂
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
Packing light is the key!
Packing clothes that can be mixed and matched, lists for packing and repacking, kids outfits packed together in individual plastic bags, travel sized items that can be thrown away at the end of the stay…
Unpacking and making myself at home before I go to bed on the 1st night. I put my shower items in the shower, so they are ready to go in morning.
I pack mix and match clothes I can dress up or down depending upon what we are doing that day. That way, I can travel with just carry on luggage.
I made my own packing list for clothes, toiletries, and other items. I also have a packing list for food as I have a specific diet.
I always lay out all my clothes outside of the suitcase to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Once I confirm everything is there, I pack it in the suitcase in order to maximize space.
I always unpack the suitcase and put things where they belong- drawers, closet, bathroom. Dirty clothes go back into the suitcase so they are ready to go home when I am.
I pack totally different whether I’m traveling by car or air 🙂 I try to plan around shoes and pants — where tops can be so versatile. Thanks for the tips!
Make a list, and stick to it. Keep a toiletry and make up bag ready to go at all times.
Roll roll roll!!!
Pack light, have duplicate toiletries always ready to go and if i acquire too much stuff, I mail home some dirty laundry.
These absolutely great tips for traveling!! I definitely be using them on my next trip!!
I have my toiletry bag in clear packed always so that the morning I leave as I’m getting ready all I have to do is put each item I use daily into the bag. I also pack in groups of like colors so that I can wear clothing multiple times, reducing the amt of clothes I pack. Finally, I unpack everything the moment I arrive and put all items in drawers or in the shower so they’re ready for use the second I need them.
I always make a duplicate copy of my packing list to take away with me and use it to repack for my return! I learned this after leaving behind cell phone charge chords and a bathrobe while on a business trip. Not a happy memory!
I’d LOVE an organized closet!!!
I always bring extra zip lock bags, to keep souvenirs, papers, dirty cloths or anything else in. I also like to keep all toiletries in them in case of a leak. I love the racks to keep purses and shoes on, to help keep outfits together. Great idea to never leave something behind again.
I mostly just try to pack my suitcase in sections so I can find what I need easily if I don’t unpack it and I always bring shampoo in case the ones provided are bleh.
I use ebags so that my clothes are separated by days and I have everything I need right at my finger tips – I also use ziploc bags to make sure nothing leaks! I love the elfa closet – looks great! truckredford(at)gmail(Dot)com
I organize everything in Ziploc bags
I travel for months at a time and pack in a large duffle, so I pack some of my clothes in a tote bag inside. If I run into problems with the weight of my bag, I can pull it out in a couple of seconds and not hold up the line!
I always separate things into different bags – that helps me so much! Plus, I like any excuse to buy more pretty bags haha 🙂
A laundry bag is essential if you don’t want dirty clothes mixed up with clean ones! I also keep essential items packed together, clothes I will need the first night get packed on top, etc. Shoes get wrapped in plastic grocery bags. Their glide-out drawer is great for folded items!
Consistency with every trip! From the list of what is needed, to packing everything in the same way so that essentials are easy to find. Keeping everything organized once there helps to prevent misplacing or forgetting items. 🙂
I always pack by color so that I can limit the number of shoes I need. I also keep travel sized toiletries packed in a travel make up bag so that when I do travel I never forget anything. They are always ready to go.
A laundry bag is essential if you don’t want dirty clothes mixed up with clean ones! I use a hanging organizer also keep things together and accessible. I also keep essential items packed together, clothes I will need the first night get packed on top, etc. Shoes get wrapped in plastic grocery bags, but the shoe rack in the closet would sure come in handy!
Please delete. I just realized this is a duplicate!
To stay organized, everyone has their own suitcase & I always pack hangers to hang our clothes, & also pack bags for dirty clothes so I can keep them separated.
andysavi.mom@gmail.com
I pack outfits together down to my undergarments (and coordinate everything so multiple things go together in case I need to change). I also put one outfit in my carry-on just in case my luggage is delayed or lost. When I arrive at my room, I unpack everything so that it breathes, to help keep the room neat and also easily see what I have (especially since I’m prone to changing my mind about what I wan to wear!)
pack my suitcase by what I am wearing day to day
I have to have a list to pack. Also mix and match separates.
I stay organized by packing my bags light and really nice, I roll my clothes to save room and time, I also unpack as soon as I arrive to the hotel to keep it all together.
I stay organized by making lists of everything I need to pack and am packing and then using that same list to pack back up when it’s time to leave. I don’t have to worry about missing anything since I have a detailed list of exactly what I initially packed.
I stay organized by packing light, and using clear toiletry pouches and plastic bags for clothing. I tuck socks into shoes and bring multipurpose items.
First, I pack smartly and secondly, if I need anything that is too big/bulky/troublesome to pack in a bag, I ship it to myself instead of carrying it with me. Then it is there when I arrive at my hotel or B&B or wherever I am staying!
I make lists of all needed item for the trip. Then I pack any small items in baggies and any big items get rolled into my suitcase. I check the lists at least 3 times to make sure I have everything I need.
To stay organized, I pack clothing items I will need first on top. Another thing I find indispensable is a hanging organizer where I keep my makeup, hair products, etc. I can’t do without extra hangers and Ziploc bags, either.
I don’t travel often but i always keep personal hygiene items in a separate bag and clothes organized by events/days. I bring extra things depending on weather.
I stay organized by not over-packing. I like to take neutral colored clothing that I can mix and match to make different outfits. I also unpack as soon as I arrive so that clothes don’t get as wrinkled.