This Is How a Professional Organizer Packs Her Suitcase

I daydream about lounging on a chaise poolside, with a cold beverage in hand. What I don’t necessarily look forward to, however, is packing. I always forget at least one essential item, and at the end of each trip, find myself stuffing all of my dirty clothes in the tiny hotel laundry bag. To start my 2025 travels with a little more organization, I reached out to Amanda Titchenal, founder of full-service organizing firm Well Organized. 

When she’s gearing up for a trip with her husband and three kids, this is what she prioritizes:

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1. Create a Checklist

“I always start with a list of what I need to pack,” she says. “I map out how many days we’re going, what activities we’re doing, and what’s needed for each of those events and days.” 

You’ll need to consider the weather, number of outfits everyone will need for each day, and then factor in toiletries, medicine, and any other “extras.” For example, if you’re going snorkeling, make sure to throw in goggles and fins.

2. Prep Your Toiletry Bag

Speaking of toiletries, Titchenal works on this long before her packing begins. In fact, she recommends stocking up on travel-size versions of your go-to toiletries, so you’ll always have your toiletry bag ready to go. After each trip, make sure you have enough in each container for your next adventure.

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3. Invest in Packing Cubes

This organizing pro has one travel must-have: packing cubes. Her favorite is the BAGAIL Packing Cubes set, available on Amazon.  

“These really help you stay organized with your packing because it keeps everything more compact, and you can categorize,” she says. “Use one for socks and underwear, one for pants, and so on. Or use one large one for all of your daytime outfits and another for nighttime ensembles. If you have a toddler, you could pack a couple days’ worth of clothes in one packing cube.”

4. Don’t Stress About Packing Everything

Most often, you’ll travel somewhere you can snag an extra tube of toothpaste or anything else you forgot at home. “You don’t have to bring every single item from your medicine cabinet or your toiletries,” Titchenal says. “Take essentials and things you know aren’t easy to find, but don’t stress about over-packing.” 

A few items Titchenal always takes along for the ride? Laundry detergent, just in case she has access to a washer and dryer, and trash bags for dirty clothes (one for whites, and one for darks). By the end of the trip, she typically transfers all of the dirty clothes into one suitcase.

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5. Designate a Keeper of Electronics and Travel Documents

Whether you’re traveling with one or four other people, give one responsible person the task of holding onto all electronics and travel documents. At least one day before traveling, she also suggests checking that electronics have been charged and the right plugs and cords are packed. It can be as simple as putting everything in a labeled Ziploc or purchasing a cord organizer like this one. And of course, if you’re going out of the country, have one person in charge of safely storing all passports.

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6. Prepare a Smaller Bag with Travel Essentials

If you’re going on a trip that requires a one-night stay in a hotel near the airport or cruise ship, consider setting aside a smaller suitcase. Titchenal says with an extra bag for a brief pre-travel trip, you don’t have to worry about needing something from all of your other suitcases.

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7. Unpack Immediately Upon Arrival

You might be tired after a long day (or days) of travel, but Titchenal says it’s best to dedicate a few minutes to unpack ASAP. 

“Set yourself up from the get-go,” she says. “If there’s a dresser or closet, we try to get stuff out and hung and put into drawers, but if you have to use your suitcase for your week, that’s why those packing cubes are helpful. Get your toiletries put away, and if you’re staying somewhere in a VRBO and you need food, take care of groceries or pre-order them to get delivered when you arrive.”

If you need some space-saving supplies while you’re traveling with a group, Titchenal often relies on foldable hanging cubbies and over-the-door shoe holders.

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8. Have a Mid-Trip Reset

“I always do a mid-week reset to get things back in order,” Titchenal says. “I fold clothes that have been left behind, put anything into the suitcase that we’re not using anymore—basically pre-packing and resetting midway through the trip.”

9. Don’t Delay Unpacking

Just like when you arrive at your destination, you don’t want to wait to unpack once you’re back home—even if you’re exhausted, you’ll thank yourself later.

“I unpack right away,” Titchenal says. “You’ll get back on track immediately, instead of leaving your suitcase untouched for days on end. Spend just 10 minutes unpacking, and you’re going to be so much happier. I’ve organized some clients’ homes and found several suitcases (from several trips) that still need organizing.”

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