Toiletries: How To Pack Your Toiletries

How To Pack Your Toiletries

When you’re flying it’s important to know the rules regarding your toiletries. From first-hand experience, there is nothing worse than having your favorite product thrown away at airport security because it does not meet TSA requirements. So, to help you out, I’ve created a short guide on how to pack your toiletries for your carryon.

Before Packing Toiletries

Remember for trips it is easy to overpack. Before packing your toiletries, make a list of what you use routinely. If you don’t use a particular item, but want to pack it because…just in case. Leave it. More often than not, you will be bringing that item back unused or barely used.

What To Keep In Mind

When packing your toiletries, it’s important to keep in mind the liquid rule.

You can bring liquids, gels, creams, and pastes as long as they fit in travel-sized containers that are 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less.

These containers should fit in a quart-sized, see-through resealable bag.

If you have containers larger than 3.4 oz, you have to put it in your checked luggage. However, there are exceptions given for medications and infant and child nourishments. For more information, check out:

TSA’s Special Procedures On Disabilities and Medications 
TSA’s Special Procedures On Traveling With Children

My Thoughts On Travel Bags For Toiletries

It’s up to you if you want to get one. From my personal experience, I don’t really use them. When I travel short-term, I find they take up space. I used only this bag when I was backpacking for nearly two weeks in Southeast Asia.

For longer-term travel…or if you have a lot of stuff, I can see the merits of having one. It is a great way to keep your things organized. But, if I’m traveling for a long time (I’m living in a place for months to years), I tend to take my things out of the bag and “move in.” I will put my toiletries on the sink and the shelves of my bathroom if I’m living in a place for a while. Also, when using travel bags, if you decide to carry them on, remember you can’t bring bottles bigger than 3.4 oz.

What Really Matters

In my opinion, what really matters are the containers you store your products. Aside from the containers that are 3.4 oz, I usually use tubes, spray bottles, and jars (also what comes with the tote bag).

Tubes: I put liquids in here such as shampoo and conditioner.

Jars: I tend to use it for creams like a lotion for my face

Spray bottle: I use it for baby oil or leave-in conditioner. It’s great when you want to ration out your liquid.

Travel hack: contact lens containers. If you are packing and don’t have an extra container or tube, consider using a contact lens container. They’re great for holding moisturizers. 

In my opinion, the containers that come with the tote bag is just fine. Don’t feel obligated to spend money on additional containers…unless you really want to. Your standard containers that come with the tote bags work just fine.

Also, before you go on your trip, drug stores may have sections where you can buy travel-sized products.

Worried About Toiletries Spilling?

• When possible, choose non-liquid items. For example, I use makeup removing wipes instead of liquid makeup remover.
• Put plastic wrap on the mouth of bottles and then screw on the caps. It can help prevent spilling.
• Also, you can tape bottle lids shut with masking tape.
• If you’re really worried, put the bottle in its own separate bag.
  

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