I’m a Professional Packer, and the 10 Foolproof Items I Use to Free Up Suitcase Space Just Went on Sale

Twice a month, I send out the Just Packed newsletter, sharing five essential pieces I’m bringing on upcoming travels. While each edition of the newsletter highlights a different location or type of trip, the general theme remains the same: only pack items that make your life easier or more organized. For me, that means my trusty carry-on suitcase is filled with clothes and shoes that can be worn multiple ways, and I’ve carefully curated my toiletries and other must-haves so I’m only bringing the products I truly cannot travel without.

Over the years as both a professional packer and a travel journalist, I’ve also found that packing is an iterative process. It requires thinking ahead and editing your must-haves along the way. That said, I recently combed through Amazon’s best Prime Day deals for some travel-friendly pieces that make packing easier and help you avoid extra luggage fees. Below, shop my picks, which are all currently on sale for up to 46 percent, but before you do that: sign up for a free, 30-day Amazon Prime trial so you can score member-only discounts during the epic two-day event. 

Best Amazon Prime Day Deals Overall 

One Beat European Travel Plug Adapter Set

In my house, I have a basket for all the miscellaneous items I may need for international travel. That way, I can easily grab things that may otherwise get accidentally misplaced when not in use — my passport, a luggage scale, or any leftover currency from previous trips. The basket also holds my power plug adapters. I like to have international power plug adapters, like this double-discounted set from One Beat, handy at all times to ensure I’m never panicking at the last minute about my electronics not working at my destination. And, their compact design takes up little to no room in a carry-on or personal item bag. 

Depoza 16-pack Travel Bottles Set 

Even if you’re traveling with a checked bag, circumventing TSA’s rules for liquid sizes, it’s a good idea to leave your full-size products at home. Not only will they weigh down your bag, but there’s a good chance they’ll leak or completely spill inside your suitcase. Instead, I use a travel bottle set to hold my shampoo, conditioner, moisturizers, and other creams and serums. This set is particularly versatile as it comes with a range of container types as well as a waterproof, transparent makeup bag to securely house them.

Tiny Twinkle Wet Bag Set

Depending on the length and type of trip I’m embarking on, I’ll usually bring some sort of extra bag for my dirty laundry or anything I’d like to keep separate from the rest of my belongings. If I’m going somewhere where I’ll regularly be in a swimsuit, I’ll opt for a wet-dry bag like this one from Zcyzuuw. Made with 100 percent polyester fabric, the 34-percent-off bag is waterproof and machine washable. It also doubles as a beach or pool bag — meaning you don’t have to waste any extra space on another water-resistant tote. And, it can also be used as a packing cube if needed.

Earth Breeze Laundry Detergent Sheets

Longer trips require a little more forethought than weekend getaways. If I expect I’ll need to do a load of laundry while I’m away from home, I’ll tuck one or two of these detergent sheets into a reusable plastic bag. By refreshing my clothing, I’m able to wear each piece several more times, thus extending the lifespan of the contents of my suitcase without needing to pack extra pieces (and weigh it down). 

Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes Set With Vacuum Storage Bags

Most frequent travelers do not pack a single bag without some form of packing cubes. I’m especially fond of the Bagsmart Compression Packing Cubes, which are 46 percent off for Prime Day, and this set of two also comes with four hand-rolled vacuum bags for extra space-saving action. All you have to do is put your clothes in the bag and roll it from the open end to the sealed end. The air is pushed through the check valve, compressing everything down as much as possible.

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel 

Have you ever rented an Airbnb that noted you need to bring your own towel or beach towel? I have — and I quickly realized just how much space a regular towel takes up inside a bag. While a microfiber towel is far from a luxury bath towel, it is a solid option if you’re traveling light. This majorly discounted one from Rainleaf is available in multiple colors and sizes, and it comes with a handy reusable, ventilated storage bag. 

Ododos Unisex Mini Belt Bag 

Whenever I travel, I usually have three bags on hand: my suitcase, a tote bag, and a smaller on-the-go purse. And in order to bypass the “one carry-on and one personal item” rule on airplanes, I’ll keep the latter in my suitcase. That said, I’ll always bring a packable bag, like the Ododos Unisex Mini Belt Bag, which hardly takes up any space and easily fits in the seatback pocket. It’s also extremely versatile and can be used as a crossbody bag, shoulder bag, or waist bag, allowing me to leave my larger tote bag at the hotel while I head out to explore my destination. 

Cirea Portable Cosmetics Toiletry Bag

I’ve tried every method out there for increasing space inside a carry-on bag — rolling, folding, packing cubes, etc. — but I have yet to find a way that doesn’t involve a Dopp kit or toiletry bag taking up more than a fifth of the suitcase. Instead, I always pack mine in my personal item bag. Since it will sit directly next to my laptop and other electronics, I make sure to use a travel bag that completely zips shut. This one from Cirea is on sale for $13 and keeps all of my products secure, and it’s also compact enough to easily slide into my tote without hogging precious space. 

Vancropak Carry-on Backpack With Packing Cubes

I’m not usually a traveler who chooses to carry a backpack, but for some types of trips, it’s the only option. VancropakI’s Carry-on Backpack is highly rated among shoppers for its roomy capacity, multiple pockets and compartments, adjustable chest straps. waterproof material, and anti-theft features. It’s also spacious enough to carry everything you need for a three- to five-day trip, depending on how heavy or thick your clothes are — and it comes with a set of packing cubes. Add it to your cart while it’s on sale for 40 percent off.

Barefoot Caribou Hair Tools Travel Bag and Heat Resistant Mat 

Though it’s not on sale, I promise you that this is going to be the best $33 you’ve ever spent. If you have long, unruly hair, like me, you know the struggle of having to pack various hair tools and products. More often than not, they’re bulky and unwieldy inside a suitcase. To free up a bit of space inside your suitcase  — and feel a bit more organized — I’d suggest investing in a hair tool travel bag. This one from Barefoot Caribou has two interior pockets, a zippered pocket, and two elastic band sections to keep your haircare devices and accessories neatly tucked away. Plus, it also comes with a heat-resistant interior mat, which is perfect if you frequently use a curling iron or hair straightener during your travels.  

There are plenty of more Amazon Prime Day deals where these came from. Keep scrolling to see which other space-saving accessories were marked down so you can double the room in your suitcase. Prices start at $8. 

More Amazon Prime Day Suitcase Organizer and Accessory Deals:

• Bagail 8-piece Packing Cube Set, $15 (originally $25) 
• Wtree Vacuum Seal Bag Set, $18 (originally $36) 
• Eachy Open-flat Dual-compartment Large Capacity Makeup Bag, $21 (originally $26) 
• Fyy Tech Cable Organizer, $8 (originally $13) 
• Vorspack Transparent Shoe Bags, $9 (originally $12) 
• Niveaya Hat Clip, $22 with on-site coupon (originally $26) 
• Maliton Hanging Toiletry Bag, $13 (originally $20) 
• Teamoy Travel Hair Tool Storage Bag, $27 (originally $33) 
• Matein Jewelry Travel Organizer, $19 (originally $22) 
• Tube Travel Pillow With Clothing Storage Compartment, $30 (originally $50) 

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