How to Pack the Perfect Toiletry Case

Whether you’re jetting off for a quick weekend getaway or embarking on an extended vacation, having a well-organized toiletry case ensures you have everything you need without overpacking. In this guide, we’ll walk through the essentials in order to help you pack efficiently, keeping your case light, TSA-friendly, and tailored to your trip’s needs. Let’s dive in and make sure you’re ready for whatever your adventure brings!

Determine Your Needs

Trip Duration: When packing for a trip, especially a short one, it’s crucial to consider how much product you actually use. For a weekend getaway, you might only need a few squirts of moisturizer, not the entire bottle. Think about your daily routine: if you only wash your hair every other day, you might only need one or two small portions of shampoo and conditioner. This mindset can prevent overpacking and save valuable space in your carry-on.

Destination Considerations: Your destination plays a significant role in deciding what to pack. Will you need sunscreen, or can you buy it upon arrival? Bug spray, Itch cream. Are you comfortable using the hotel’s shampoo, conditioner, or body wash? Consider what’s crucial for you to bring versus what can be purchased or substituted with hotel amenities.

Personal Preferences: Obviously, personal preference plays a big roll in what you will pack. While I will outline tips on how to help you pack efficiently, know that ultimately it’s your trip and you should bring what you feel comfortable bringing.

Choosing the Right Toiletry Case

Size and Compartments:  If you don’t choose a big toiletry case, you can’t bring too much stuff. I’d recommend selecting one large enough to fit the essentials without having to cram everything in, but not so large you’ll be tempted to bring more “just in case.” Over the years as I have downsized my toiletry packing, I’ve realized I don’t need a ton of pockets or nooks and crannies. My current favorite is THIS ONE because I can fit my essentials, I can see everything in it and I can pack it in different configurations (zipped up or laying flat). It is also TSA

If you want more built-in organization, you might prefer a hanging toiletry case. These are great if you like having designated spots for everything—think separate compartments for skincare, haircare, and essentials—so nothing gets lost at the bottom of your bag. Plus, they’re perfect for small hotel bathrooms or shared spaces since you can hang them on a hook or towel rack, keeping everything visible and accessible. While I personally love my clear, structured case for its simplicity, a hanging option can be a great choice if you prefer extra organization on the go.

Material and Durability: It is super important to choose a toiletry case that is sturdy (as in it won’t get squished even when you have to sit on your carry-on suitcase to zip it shut) and durable enough to take trip after trip. Lastly, make sure it’s waterproof or water-resistant. Of course we want to avoid toiletry bottles that explode in transit, but in case it does happen (and it has happened to me – hello lavender body wash sudsing up on my clothes as I walk through Calgary in the rain) you’ll want to keep the mess contained in your case instead of all over the rest of your belongings.

Essential Items to Pack

Skincare Essentials: This is very personal as everyone has a unique skincare routine but my basics include: Face Wash, Body Wash & lotion (can you use what’s at the hotel), skin serum, eye cream, moisturizer (am & pm), vitamin c and retinol.

Hair Care Essentials I bring almost all of the products I use at home, but just a little amount. Shampoo, Conditioner, Leave in conditioner, Blow Dry Cream, Hair Oil, Dry Shampoo.

Oral Care Essentials: Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss, Mouthwash.

Makeup Essentials (Optional): I don’t wear an exorbitant amount of makeup, but I do wear it almost every day. I’ve worked hard to get my travel makeup essentials down to a slim zippered pouch that can fit almost anywhere. The only liquid I bring is tinted moisturizer and its a small amount. A 10mL bottle can last for a week long trip or more. Try to bring mini versions of your favorites or small refillable containers. My pouch usually contains that tinted moisturizer, a stick concealer and mini versions for eyeshadow, blush, brow pencil & mascara.

Miscellaneous Essentials: For me this category means a mini razor, mini deodorant (the small version can last 3 weeks), solid perfume, a few body scrub cubes, mini medicine case, contacts, tweezers, nail clippers & nail file.

TSA-Approved Packing Tips

3-1-1 Rule for Carry-Ons: To be TSA compliant you need to abide by the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in your carry on. That’s no containers over 3.4 oz in 1 quart sized bag and 1 bag per passenger. Now to be perfectly honest, I usually do not have my liquids in a quart sized bag – but I do try to make sure they would fit in one. Many airports are not very strict about this rule anymore – meaning I have some items in my backpack (personal item) and some in my carry on. My current toiletry case does count as a quart sized bag (and is clear) but if you are under the 3.4 oz rule you are usually good. There are some airports, I’m looking at you Heathrow, that are NOTORIOUSLY strict and will make you throw your items away that don’t fit the 3-1-1 rule. Better to be prepared just in case.

Packing Solid Alternatives: My newest obsession is finding solid alternatives to liquid toiletries. A few I bring include solid perfume, powder dry shampoo, exfoliating sugar scrub cubes and toothpaste tablets. I have yet to try shampoo & conditioner bars, but I’ve heard there some great ones out there. I also occasionally bring hand soap sheets and laundry detergent sheets.

Toiletry Case Checklist for a Carry-On

Essentials

• Moisturizer (small travel-size bottle, consider how much you use daily)
• Shampoo & Conditioner (small travel-size bottles, based on the number of washes needed)
• Body Wash or Soap (travel-size, or use hotel amenities)
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste (travel-size or liquid free tablets)
• Deodorant (travel-size)
• Sunscreen (travel-size, if needed for your destination)

Hair Care

• Hair Styling Products (travel-size, based on your routine)
• Hairbrush or Comb
• Hair Ties or Clips

Skincare

• Face Wash (small travel-size bottle, consider how many uses you actually need)
• Serum or Treatment (small travel-size, based on your skincare routine)
• Moisturizer with Sunscreen
• Night Cream
• Eye Cream
• Makeup Remover Wipes or Micellar Water (travel-size)

Miscellaneous

• Razor
• Contact Lens Solution (travel-size, if needed)
• Eye Drops (if needed)
• Lip Balm
• Perfume or Cologne (travel-size or solid perfume)
• Tweezers/Nail Clippers (if needed)

Destination-Specific

• Sunscreen (consider if you can buy it at your destination or consider a stick to cut down on liquids)
• Insect Repellent (if needed for your destination – wipes or balm to eliminate liquid)

This checklist is designed to help you pack efficiently for a trip with only a carry-on, ensuring you have all the essentials without overpacking.

Every traveler has unique needs, so feel free to personalize this checklist to match your preferences and the specifics of your trip. Consider your daily routine, the climate of your destination, and any personal must-haves. The goal is to pack light while ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Don’t hesitate to swap or add items that are essential to you!

A thoughtfully packed toiletry case can make all the difference in your travel experience. By bringing only what you need, you’ll save space in your carry-on, breeze through airport security, and avoid the hassle of overpacking. Plus, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve got the essentials to keep you feeling fresh and confident throughout your trip. A well-organized toiletry case is the key to stress-free travel!

Share Your Packing Tips: We all have our own tricks for packing the perfect toiletry case! I’d love to hear yours. Share your favorite packing tips in the comments below, or tag me on instagram @talesofadventure_ Let’s inspire each other for our next adventure!