There’s no better time to herd those neck pillows, international adapters and 3.4-ounce bottles into formation, even if they’re not actively being used.
By Sarah Firshein
Travel gear is by nature a polarizing topic: hard-shell versus soft-sided, folding versus rolling, carry-on versus checked — heck, even unpacking or not at the start of a vacation.
But most people can agree that putting away travel gear after a long trip is a chore. Hence the half-full suitcase that languishes out in the open for days, if not weeks.
“When things don’t have a home, you become paralyzed. You think, ‘I don’t know where to put it, so I’m just going to push it to the side and not deal with it,’” said Anna Bauer, the New York City–based founder of Sorted By Anna, a professional organizing company.
But as few people now have trips in the foreseeable future, thanks to coronavirus-related travel restrictions and social-distancing measures, there’s no better time to herd those airplane neck pillows, international adapters and 3.4-ounce bottles into formation, even if they’re not actively being used.
“Why should you only treat yourself well when you go on vacation?” asked Julianna Strickland, the Los Angeles–based founder of Space Camp Organizing. “Treating yourself well at home means making a space that you want to be in, and setting yourself up for success as you head into whatever you’re doing between trips.”
Organizing your travel gear will not only help fill some extra time at home, but it will prep you for the ultimate goal: efficient and enjoyable packing when the time comes to finally get going again. Here are some easy-to-implement tips from professional organizers:
Toiletries
There are two basic approaches to organizing travel toiletries, be they half-full T.S.A.-approved liquids containers or pilfered hotel shampoos: pre-packing and decanting.
“I like to keep a Dopp kit packed with one of each thing a client might need on a trip, like shampoo, conditioner and a toothbrush. The extras go in a little travel bin — usually under their sink, depending on the storage situation,” said Ms. Strickland, who helps clients, many of whom are avid travelers, organize their homes and offices.
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