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Everything you should probably store your gear before and after your travels.

Travel + Leisure

Packing or packing efficiently, at least is the opposite of a one-and-done task.

A collage of a Bamboo Luggage Rack, Away flex luggage set, SpaceAid Drawer Organizer, Vtopmart drawers, and ENGPOW Fireproof Document Bag on a green gradient background

Credit:Travel + Leisure

Or even all three.

Dont worry if organization doesnt come naturally, though.

Theyve lived in my closet, under my bed, and even behind my couch.

The essential two-piece set

Away Travel

My tried-and-true trick, however, is investing in suitcases designed to nest inside one another.

Take theAway sets, for example.

When not in use, theBigger Carry-on Flexnests in the checked sizes, and theMedium Flexnests inside theLarge.

Clear Plastic Storage Bins, Pantry Organizers and Storage or Kitchen Organization and Storage Containers Bins for Organizing, Fridge, Freezer, Bathroom, Pantries, Refrigerator, Cabinet Organizer Bin

Amazon

This saves space and keeps your suitcases together in one place, ready for your next trip.

I finally purchased clear plastic bins to house my totes, pouches, and packing cubes.

Now, I simply go to my storage closet and grab the bags when I need them.

Amazon Vtopmart 4 Pack Clear Stackable Storage Drawers

Amazon

When I return home, I empty them and return them to their proper place.

The most fruitful of those efforts has been keeping travel-sized toiletries on hand and organized in separate containers.

That said, Ive found that keeping these pieces separate from everything else has made packing so much faster.

Simple Houseware Garment Rack

Amazon

This also cuts down on the pre-travel anxiety way more than I expected.

The organizers are super easy to put together and will ensure the contents are visible and easy to grab.

Thats because, until recently, I never made the concerted effort to store them together.

SpaceAid Drawer Organizer Clothes, 12 Pack Dresser Organizer Bins for Nursery, Closet Organization and Storage Dividers for Clothing, Baby Clothes, Underwears, Socks (Black)

Amazon

The simple, relatively affordable solution to this conundrum was buying plastic storage bins.

But what about the tropical mid-March trips?

Or that two-week trek through Australia in July when the continent experiences its chilliest temperatures?

Gorilla Grip Over the Door Shoe Organizer, 24 Large Breathable Mesh Pockets, Space Saving Hanging Storage Holder, Closet Rack Hanger Holds Up to 40 lbs, Hangs on Closets for Shoes, Accessories, Beige

Amazon

This particular style easily hooks onto your closet rod.

Its a genius solution that saves space and increases overall visibility.

(I can relate.)

IRIS USA 13 Qt Stackable Plastic Storage Bins with Lids, 6 Pack - BPA-Free, Made in USA - See-Through Organizing Solution, Latches, Durable Nestable Containers, Secure Pull Handle - Clear

Amazon

My personal item bag nearly always has meat sticks and protein bars alongside my laptop and headphones.

Shop More T+L-Approved Picks

ENGPOW Fireproof Document Bag with Lock, Fireproof&Waterproof File Organizer Bag with Money Bag, 5 Layers Protection Fireproof Bag Safe Storage for Important Documents,Passport,Laptop,Certificates

Amazon

Rubbermaid Roughneck Tote 25 Gal, 4 Pack, Made in USA, Dark Indigo Metallic, Rugged Plastic Stackable Storage Bins with Lids and Handles

Amazon

Purse Hanger Organizer for Closet, 2 Pack Handbag Storage Organizer, Hanging Purse Holder for Closet Organization and Space Saving, Accessories Organizer for Bags, Belts, Hats, Scarves, Ties

Amazon

Smart FENDEE Walnut Bamboo Luggage Rack

Amazon

LeleCAT white wire baskets with Wooden Handles Storage Organizer Baskets, Household Refrigerator for Cabinets, Pantry, Closets, Bedrooms, kitchen - Set of 2(White)

Amazon

Doc Miller Open Toe Compression Socks, FitFlop Women’s Lulu Wedge Sandal, iHealth Neo Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor, and 7 For All Mankind Men’s Austyn Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Jeans on a blue background

Kate Spade Madison Lilly Pochette, Staci Medium Tote, Flora Flower Bouquet Crossbody and Gwen Espadrille Flat on a blue gradient background

People wearing Alo Airbrush High-Waist 7/8 Bootcut Legging in Espresso, Navy and Black on a concrete background