Packing Toiletries

 

I'll be the first to admit I'm a huge sucker for travel sized anything. Something about those tiny little bottles just calls to me, I find them irresistibly cute and unfortunately have been sucked into the purchase of those devious little bottles on more than one occasion.

My husband, Mr. Mathematician cringes every time he sees those little bottles on display. The price per bottled based on the number of ounces is clearly not a value and the penny pincher in him can't stand it. We've made a compromise. I've cited the TSA rules and regulations which have allowed me to purchase 1 adorably tiny travel container for each of our essential toiletries. I then had to sign a sworn statement and have it notarized that I would re-use said bottles and not re-purchase needlessly. Ok, so I didn't really have to sign a statement but I am clearly guarded when approaching the travel sized items bins at the stores.

I have gotten smarter in my old age and have invested in a set of travel sized bottles than I can label and reuse as I deem necessary and I must say, I'm much happier for it. I feel like a savvy shopper and smart packer and will now stand on my soapbox to education the huddled masses (i.e. blog about it and hope someone reads it and finds it useful)

So let's talk toiletries:

• If you are going to purchase travel sized, only do it once: or purchase a collection of bottles customized for your toiletries (pump, dump, spray, etc.) and reuse them. You can find them in sets or purchase them individually. I've found that Bed Bath and Beyond has the largest selection; however they also have the largest selection of travel sized goods I've ever seen so beware!
• Beware of leakage: Nothing is worse than opening your suitcase or toiletry bag and finding a slimy mess. I always put my toiletries inside of Ziploc bags by category (shampoo and conditioner can share, etc.) so if one springs a leak I can clean it up quickly and easily. I've also found that Glad Press and Seal comes in handy to provide extra coverage over the bottle cap, etc. 
• Note: pack a few extra Ziploc bags, in case you do have a leak you can replace the bag for the trip back.
• Size Matters: I've had a wide range of "Bathroom Bag" devices over the years and I've found that smaller is better. It's much easier to pack toiletries if they are in one or two smaller bags as opposed to a large folding or hanging bag that's very bulky. Committing to a large bathroom bag limits your packing options and space in your suitcase so keep that in mind before you take that plunge. 
• The toiletry bag: Everyone will have their own perfect toiletry bag based on your toiletry requirements. There is no universal bag or pack that will work for everyone as no one uses the same amount or type of toiletries. I have 2 zippered bags that came in a set of Kenneth Cole luggage I purchased several years ago from Marshalls. They have snaps and can be snapped inside of the suitcase (I think they were intended to carry those smaller unmentionables so they didn't get lost in the suitcase and were easily accessible) but they are PERFECT for my toiletries. I love the zippered plastic bag as a secure vessel to transport my various (Ziploc'd) toiletry items. If something spring a leak I have that extra layer of plastic protection. I also like the size, I can squish them just about anywhere in my suitcase so it leaves me a lot of options for packing when I buy too many souvenirs. If I put toiletry items in one and hair items (for example) in another than I can easily grab only what I need to take into the stateroom bathroom or to store at the vanity by the hair dryer. I recommend a bag that's clear because you can easily see what's stored inside of it. A label on the outside never hurt anyone, though it may result in extra chiding from your family.
• Learn what you can live without. If you don't need a specific shampoo and love the H2O products that Disney and Disney Cruise Line provide, why waste the space carrying your own when you know you aren't going to use it? Pack only the lotions, potions and notions that you know you can't live without. If you've seen the "shelves" in cruise line bathrooms you'll understand that less is more.
• Reduce, re-use, recycle: I've purchased my essential toiletry items JUST for vacation. I have an extra toothbrush, deodorant, toothpaste, etc and I leave them in my handy dandy zippered bag in the linen closet. So when it's time to travel I don't have to wait until the morning of to pack the toothbrush, etc. This has saved SO much time and money because I know exactly what I need and it's already in the bag. It eliminates the expense of having to pay double in the gift shop for an item that you forget (who needs to spend $6 on deodorant? Not me!) and it just makes packing one step easier.

Those are my toiletry tips and secrets, I'll try to post photos as I pack but for now...that's all folks!