Welcome to Day 12 of 30 Days to Packing a Better Bag.
Saving space is the name of the game this month. Look for items that have multiple purposes and can allow you to leave other items behind. Also look for things that can fold flat, as this saves space and can save you time and money. We’ve covered some of our favorite products in the past, namely in our One Little Thing series, so we’ll be highlighting the best multipurpose, stuffable and foldable items here.
Multipurpose Items
Dr. Bronner’s Soap and Wilderness Wash– If you’ve packed shampoo, conditioner, detergent, soap and body wash, leave them all behind in favor of these products.
Tweet it out: Packing Tip: Dr Bronner’s soap can be used as a shampoo, body wash, laundry wash, shaving cream and more!
Vaseline– If you’re looking for another all in one product, Vaseline is ideal. I’ve used it as lip balm, antiseptic ointment and cuticle cream. Also slip some into a squeaky wheel on your suitcase. Another popular option is Paw Paw Cream.
BB Cream– Since BB Cream is by nature multiple products built into one, you can leave your foundation, facial sunscreen and tinted lotion at home.
Infinity Dress and American Apparel dress– We love clothing that you can wear multiple ways, as you’ve seen with the Infinity Dress, which can be worn as a top and skirt as well as a dress, and the American Apparel bandeau, which can also be worn a variety of ways.
Scarf– Pack a scarf to use as a sarong over your swimsuit, to keep your neck warm in colder climates and to cover your head in religious buildings.
Water Bottles– I’ve used my water bottle as a flask, a hot water bottle, to protect my toothbrush from dirt and all sorts of other uses, including actually drinking water out of it! Plus, it keeps you from constantly purchasing bottled water.
Brown pencil– Genevieve told us all the uses for her little brown pencil, which functions as eyeliner, eyebrow pencil, lipstick and rouge. Plus, it’s small enough that you will hardly know it’s in your bag!
Bandana or Buff– While the main use is keeping your hair out of your face, you can also use it to protect your head or neck from the sun, plug your sink, wash your face or to tie items together.
Two-fer Items
Shampoo and conditioner– Everyone loves a twofer, so if you’re not too picky about what type of shampoo and conditioner you buy, consider bringing two in one.
Convertible pants– While many people have mixed opinions about pants that zip off into shorts, there’s no denying the practicality for packing purposes.
Convertible coats– Many brands, like North Face, make coats that can zipper off into multiple layers like a base layer or fleece.
Reversible clothing– A reversible dress from Athleta has proved eye-catching for the traveler as it’s flattering and could be used as two separate outfits. The same goes for reversible skirts and shirts.
Baby powder– Even if you’re not traveling with a baby, baby powder is good for preventing chafing as well as using for dry shampoo.
ExOfficio Storm Logic Sweater Jacket– This fleece lined down jacket is something to love on its own before discovering it also folds into a travel pillow!
Stuffable and Foldable Items
Tieks – These adorable flats not only make any outfit look better being made from quality Italian leather, but they are also made for travel, folding into a tiny bag for throwing into your suitcase, purse or daypack.
Stuffable bags– A good reusable bag like the Chico Bag or Sea to Summit daypack is perfect for bringing on a day trip or trips to local markets and grocery stores.
Chacos– The fabric straps on these shoes, love them or hate them, fold flat, making them ideal for travel and space saving.
Take Action: Packing Multifunctional, Foldable and Stuffable Items
What items on your packing list can you replace with space-saving items that are either multifunctional, foldable or stuffable? Make the switch now.
I was packing for my round-the-world with some of the tips I got from here and all the stuff I packed with me was used! Will definitely come back for tips when I need to pack next time!!!
So happy to hear!
How did I not know the Diva Cup wash could be used for so much more?!
Great list! Vaseline also works well as eye makeup remover.
Has anyone tried the baggu stuffable backpack? And if you have, what do you think of it? (I’m thinking about getting it as a daypack/beach bag for a trip to Australia this summer).
Hi Nishaa – I have one and it serves its purpose for light daypack needs. I wouldn’t carry anything heavy in it (like a laptop), but for beach days, sightseeing when you need a spare jacket and other bits, it’s good 🙂
Dr. Bronner’s soaps are fantastic! The stronger scented ones (peppermint, tea tree..) help keep away bugs, too.
Ah great tip on the bugs! Thanks 🙂
Have you heard of the multi-way dress by twelveways on twelveways.com?
It is my new favorite find. I like it even better than the American Apparel dress because you don’t have any flappy parts to tie up and wrap around (which is important for the origami-challenged like me).
It can be used as several different style blouses/mini-dresses as well as any length skirt you want. I think it will also make a wonderful beach cover-up. I plan to use it the next time I visit family in Hawaii.
I would suggest conditioner as a multipurpose item. Curly-haired and thick-haired ladies can use it in lieu of shampoo (see naturallycurly.com for instruction). It also functions as shaving cream, a leave in conditioner when diluted with water, and I’ve also used it to hand wash delicates!
If only you could get the baggu bags in australia
I believe they ship overseas for something like $15. So just make your order count 🙂
I realize this is an old article by now, but I wanted to let anybody who might stumble upon this years later know that you should NOT forgo your facial sunscreen just because you use BB cream!
You would have to put dozens of layers of BB cream onto your face in order to mimic the SPF protection of sunscreen as it’s quite diluted and you don’t use nearly as much BB cream as you would sunscreen.
Just my two cents! <3 Lovely article by the way, it's helped me out so much!
Olay makes a fantastic moisturiser with 30+ sunscreen in it. Facial use is best as it can get pricey if you use it for body – but if you’re fair like me you stay out of the sun and cover up anyway, so facial sunscreen might be all you need.
Stuffable shopping bags are great for everyday use, as well as for travel – so many cool designs out there, perfect for souvenirs that don’t fit in your purse.
Also – anyone got any tips for versatile tops with sleeves? The Versalette is no longer available, and even if it were it’s crazy expensive (yes I know – cost per wear – but most of us also have to deal with upfront cost restriction also!). Anyone know where to get a cheaper version of something similar to the Versalette?
How about the Revolve Dress from encircled? It’s not cheaper but it can be a top/tunic/dress and has sleeves.