The hardest part about planning a vacation is packing. “Do I pack this outfit? What if I need this? This might be an essential.” These are all of the questions and thoughts that pop into my head while packing, especially if I’m going anywhere for longer than a week. However, there are a few essentials and items that make life easier as a chronic overpacker. For starters, having a handy dandy luggage scale always helps, so I don’t hit any snags at the airport. And, keeping packing cubes in my bag is always a good idea. Plus, I love a good carry-on backpack that holds it all.
If you’re looking for a few ways to save space and pack all of your must-haves for vacay, I’ve got you covered. Below, shop Bargain Hunter’s edit on the best staples for overpackers. Trust us, having these items is much better than sitting on your suitcase and struggling to close it. The best part? They start at just $6.
12 Packing Essentials for Vacation
- No Luggage Surprises: This Travel Inspira Luggage Scale will tell you how much your suitcases and luggage weigh, so you don’t run into any surprises at the airport. It holds up to 110 pounds and accurately displays the amount of pounds on the screen — just $8!
- Easy Packing: Highly rated by travel enthusiasts on Amazon, these Amazon Basics Four-Piece Packing Cubes make packing easier and lighter. They allow you to fit more in your suitcase without worrying about it getting too bulky or heavy — just $17!
- Save Space, Pack More: Save tons of space by packing the essentials in these Amazon Basics Vacuum Compression Storage Bags. Perfect for sweaters, blankets and more, just pack your stuff away, seal it, vacuum it and throw it in your suitcase. It’s the perfect tool for anyone who carries several extra emergency outfits during vacation (a.k.a me) — just $18!
- My Favorite Travel Bag: If you’re looking for a carry-on bag that holds it all, go with this Taygeer Travel Backpack. It held several of my books, souvenirs, shoes and essentials through a week-long trip to California and a cruise. Plus, it’s super stylish — just $24!
- Around the Fireplace: Perfect for camping, this number one bestselling compression sack holds your sleeping bags, clothes, pillows, blankets and water bottles. It’s available in five different sizes for short and long trips — just $15!
- No Makeup Product Left Behind: For the beauty-obsessed travelers who pack every single makeup product known to man, this Eachy Travel Makeup Bag holds it all. It’s designed with six spacious pockets for your brushes, eyeshadow, concealer and more — just $24!
- Weekend Getaway: Whether you’re traveling for the weekend or the week, this spacious Amazon Basics Hardshell Suitcase expands to fit up to 25% more items. It’s durable, made of an extra-thick scratch-resistant shell and has multi-directional wheels that make it easy to move around — just $49!
- Spacious Fit: A slightly larger size, this 30-inch Amazon Basics Hardside Checked Luggage also expands to fit up to 12.5% more space. Including a TSA lock, eight multidirectional wheels and a scratch-resistant exterior, it’s so easy to wheel around the airport — just $90!
- Pack Extra Outfits: Grab this Coolife Luggage Three-Piece Set if you want to buy multiple suitcases at once. There are three suitcases ranging from 20-28 inches, and each one includes a spacious interior with mesh pockets for organization — just $160!
- Read Your Favorite Titles: Can’t decide on what books to bring? Why not bring them all? But instead of overcrowding your bags with copies of “Sunrise on the Reaping” and “The Notebook,” add everything to this Kindle Paperwhite Reader. The seven-inch glare-free screen is easy to read on, and you’ll have access to thousands of titles on vacation — just $160!
- Travel With Toiletries: Gone are the days of throwing whatever toiletries you have in your suitcase. Instead, use this portable hanging toiletry travel bag to carry the essentials. The four large compartments fit everything from full-sized bottles of shampoo to body wash and more — just $19!
- Sandals, Sneakers and Heels: The bottom of your shoes is gross, and if you’re still storing them with your clothes in your suitcase, pick up these clear shoe bags. Not only do they keep your items protected, but they’re also small enough to store in a large suitcase. Plus, they make packing more organized and efficient, saving you space — just $6!
