This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of TownePlace Suites by Marriott®. All opinions are 100% mine.
One of the fun things about being a blogger is that we get the skinny on new products, destinations, events, or just all around cool happenings before the general public. It’s a fun perk, and it helps make our job easier when it comes to planning stories for our editorial calendar. Though, often, to make it a truly useful story for you guys, we have to think outside of the box, and that’s how we can up with this toiletry packing story.
It may be hard to believe but the idea for this piece was born out of the partnership between The Container Store® and TownePlace Suites by Marriott®, and their collaboration on what may possibly be the most useful hotel closet ever designed, the elfa®. A closet Randy, really?Yes, my friends a closet. Let me explain.
I’ve been saying it for years, but it really is the little things that can make or break a hotel stay. So when I see something like the elfa® closet, It says to me that TownePlace Suites® is is thinking about travelers and trying to make their lives easier and more comfortable, all while helping them stay more organized on longer stays. And from what I can tell, the elfa® closet is just the latest of many things the brand is doing to make travelers feel at home. (You can follow along with them at TownePlace Suites® Facebook for all the latest news). Personally, we haven’t stayed with them yet, but after hearing about their partnership with The Container Store®, I checked out their site and I was impressed by what I found. In addition to being pet friendly and offering free WiFi, TownePlace Suites® also feature indoor pools, fitness centers, complimentary breakfast, and its modern designed suites include a fully equipped, full-size kitchen. Plus, each property features on-site laundry facilities as well as a small mini-market. At the moment, 11 of its properties have the new elfa® closet (you can see the complete list here), and more locations are being added all of the time. Pretty good stuff, if I do say so myself.
When I responded to the PR contact and said I’d like to share the information about the elfa® closet, but I’d also like to add in some toiletry packing tips for our readers. She was all about it, and even sent us a gift card to The Container Store®, where we bought a Quick Trip Toiletry Kit from Eagle Creek, and a few products from Travel Guard–a travel toothbrush (you can never have to many of these), soap dish, and razor case. The last time we tested out an Eagle Creek toiletry bag, it led to our first 90 second half-naked travel gear review. But then she did something that surprised even me. She asked if we’d also like to give away a $100 TownePlace Suites® gift card. Of course, we said yes! So make sure to read on to the end of the post for details on how to enter—trust me, it is super easy.
Our new toiletry bag:
And the travel items we picked (these all make great stocking stuffers too):
Now, I don’t know about you, but we’re always looking for ways to optimize our bathroom bag. Here’s a few toiletry bag tricks that we’ve picked up in our travels that will help you out big time on your upcoming travels.
Keep your earrings organized with buttons
There are a few good way to organize your earrings, but this seems like one of the best ways, since there’s a couple of methods to this trick. First, you can attach your earrings to loose buttons and keep them in your toiletry bag. Alternatively, you can also place your earrings on the buttons of a packed jacket or blouse.
Use plastic wrap to prevent toiletry spills
This is by far the easiest and cheapest way to prevent your bathroom items from leaking. Simply, unscrew the cap on your liquid bottle, place a piece of plastic wrap over the opening, and then screw the top back on. Presto! You can now kiss toiletry bag leakage goodbye.
Toothpaste Dots
O.K., so I’m still up in the air about whether toothpaste dots are more efficient than carrying travel-sized toothpaste with you. I figured I’d throw it in anyways, though, because I do think it’s a neat idea, and for true minimalist or long distance hikers, it may be the way to go. To make your very own toothpaste dots, place little dabs of non-gel toothpaste on foil or parchment paper and sprinkle each with a bit of baking soda—this will keep them from sticking together later on. Let the dots sit for a few days before packing them up for your trip. When it’s time to brush your teeth, simply chew on it, add some water to your mouth, and then start brushing.
Lockdown your razor with a binder clip
I’m not sure why, but Beth didn’t reveal this trick to me until yesterday. Even after years of having toiletry bags torn up by my razor, she still kept this one all to herself. I looked at her dumbfounded when she finally did tell me. Honestly, though, I also felt kind of foolish for never thinking of it myself either–it’s such a simple thing. If you don’t already have a case or you want to go more minimal, simply place the binder clip over your razor blade.
O.K., now here’s the really fun part…The Giveaway!
So, how can you win the $100 TownePlace Suites® gift card?
Simply comment on this blog post by answering one of two questions:
1. What do you do to stay organized on extended-stay travel?
2. What would you use the most in the elfa® closet to stay organized while traveling?
*Fine print: The winner will be chosen at random. Must be 21+ and a U.S. resident to be eligible for the prize. Here are the official rules.
44 comments
I’d take advantage of all the space to hang up my clothing! Particularly on long trips, I tend to forget what I’ve even packed in my giant suitcase, and of course nothing stays unwrinkled in there.
I like to use packing cubes to keep different outfits together.
I use packing cubes to stay organized when traveling. I love being able to unpack into a well-organized closet when doing long–term travel though. It makes it feel a little like home and less like work.
The Elfa closet looks amazing. I would use the whole thing. When I stay in a hotel room, I never use the drawers. This style of closet looks simple and easy to use. It is very organized so I can see all my clothes.
1. I always pack a ton of ziploc bags. Theyre useful for everything and anything!
2. I like the show rack! I always kick one of my shoes out of the way in a hotel and then have to search for it later!
Lush carries Toothy Tabs if you’re too lazy to make your own. I use them backpacking and traveling.
Dry shampoo is also amazing!
I would use the shelves the most in the elfa® closet. Love how they can be rearranged to fit each person’s needs.
My fave thing, to bring to be more organized on extended-stay travel, is an over the door shoe organizer. It is great for holding all sorts of smaller things. Clears up sooo much clutter that would otherwise be scattered everywhere.
I hate leaky toiletries as well … the product maker that creates bottles that are leakproof in the future will get my business for sure!
I’d use the shoe rack the most:)
The best way that I stay organized on extended stay travel is to fully unpack and move-in to a hotel room as soon as I arrive. Using all of the drawers and cabinets makes things much more homey and allows me to find everything in an organic way like I would have put things away at my own home.
I would use the shelf as shown for my shoes, to get things off the ground and out of the way.
I always pack just enough toiletries for the length of the trip – Q-tips, ibuprofen, even measuring out any liquids – plus one spare day’s worth extra. You never know when you might need that extra one!
Great list. I like the toothpaste idea.
I use compartments and separate zippered bags to stay organized. I would use the shoe rack in the Elfa closet the most since there is never a good place for shoes.
We stay organized by careful packing and avoiding taking more than we need.
The tolietry bag would be the most helpful to us.
I always put things in their own case! I would use the shoe rack because I always bring a few pairs!
I would definitely use the shoe shelf! So nice to be able to find our shoes and not have them laying around the room!
I use ebags so that my clothes are separated by days and I have everything I need right at my finger tips – I also use ziploc bags to make sure nothing leaks! I love the elfa closet – looks great! truckredford(at)gmail(Dot)com
The plastic wrap is genius. I’ve traveled lots not sure why I didn’t think of that.
When I’m traveling, I keep my things organized using packing cubes and other small bags I’ve picked up along the way. Everything has a home, which helps me find what I need — and ensure that I haven’t forgotten anything!
I love the idea of a shoe rack in the closet so I’m not always tripping on them but other than that, I’m not sure how much I’d use the new closet. I don’t tend to unpack so closets in general aren’t something I need.
I think the part i would use most in the new elfa closet is the multiple closet rods because I always bring more clothes than I actually need!! I like to be prepared when traveling 🙂
Movalbabysitter at gmail.com
I stay organized by packing my suitcase in such a way each day is readily available and I get up before my family to organize them.
To stay organized, everyone has their own suitcase & I always pack hangers to hang our clothes, & also pack bags for dirty clothes so I can keep them separated.
andysavi.mom@gmail.com
I stay organized by packing my bags neatly, I roll my clothes to save room and time, I also unpack as soon as I arrive to the hotel to keep it all together, makes it much easier to get to.
I stay organized by making lists of everything I need to pack and am packing and then using that same list to pack back up when it’s time to leave. I don’t have to worry about missing anything since I have a detailed list of exactly what I initially packed.
Lush Cosmetics has a bar of shampoo I pack separately in my toiletries bag from liquids since it’s a solid and not a liquid. Dries quickly and lastly a long time
I’d use the sliding shelves for my folded clothing. Most hotels do not have a lot of space for folded items or suitcases.
I like how it has a shoe rack. That’s so handy and would help corral all my shoes!
1- Travel with as little as possible. You can usually find what you need on the road and if you can’t, you make new friends and great memories searching for what you need. Travel is all about being interactive!
I keep travel size items that can leak in a ziplock bag inside the traveling case. I simply don’t trust them to behave. I also roll my clothes, and protect my curling iron with t-shirts after breaking the handle on one on a trip. And my final tip is keep three things – spare underwear, socks, and concealer – in your carry on. Because when your flight arrives at 2 am sans your luggage, those are the things you won’t find at a convenience store.
Love the shelf for shoes. That’s what would make my life lovely. 🙂
A laundry bag is essential if you don’t want dirty clothes mixed up with clean ones! I use a hanging organizer also keep things together and accessible. I also keep essential items packed together, clothes I will need the first night get packed on top, etc. Shoes get wrapped in plastic grocery bags, but the shoe rack in the closet would sure come in handy!
For quick-turn trips, I like to pack each outfit in a bundle or cube for easy access, but for extended-stay-type trips, I love how this elfa setup allows you to unpack everything in one place for a quick view of what you’ve brought.
The shoe shelf instead of having my shoes stuffed in my luggage
I make lists of all needed item for the trip. Then I pack any small items in baggies and any big items get rolled into my suitcase. I check the lists at least 3 times to make sure I have everything I need.
To stay organized, I pack clothing items I will need first on top. Another thing I find indispensable is a hanging organizer where I keep my makeup, hair products, etc. I can’t do without extra hangers and ziploc bags, either. I would find the shoe rack very helpful to keep shoes organized.
I don’t travel often but i always keep personal hygiene items in a separate bag and clothes organized by events/days. I bring extra things depending on weather.
I would love the ventilated shelves and the multiple rods! To keep organized, I always pack complete outfits for the kids in large ziploc bags.
I love the shelves and drawer in the closet. I like having all my things in one place instead of in dresser drawers and a separate small closet.
I love the idea of having all of my things unpacked & in one area. I would use all of the spaces provided in the Elfa closet. This a great idea for a hotel closet.
To stay organized, I arrange the rooms and my stuff to look/feel as much like my home as possible. Keeps my routine familiar.
The shoe shelf in the elfa closet would be very useful to maximize floor space.
enjoy!
I have the Eagle Creek Specter toiletry kit if I want to travel light. It is shaped like the one pictured, but made out of a thin fabric that weighs almost nothing.
Travel products I use include LUSH solid shampoo and conditioner, a Salux washcloth, toothpaste tabs, and semi-solid moisturizer from Badger. Anything to limit what has to go in the the 3-1-1 bag. I have always wrapped my razor in a Ziploc bag to keep it from getting dull.
Who won? 🙂
1. I pack smaller stud earrings in an extra contact lens case and smaller usb cords (i.e. for ipod or camera) and ear buds in an old Altoids can.
2. I would definitely use the shoe rack and probably all of the shelves.
I always try to stay organized with packing cubes while traveling long term.
However, no matter how hard I try the toiletries are always a mess, its too hard to keep them in their places!
Comments are closed.