A clever product can transform the way you travel, and it doesn’t have to cost much. In fact, some of our favorite packing hacks on Amazon are under $15, and they’re not just affordable. They have thousands of five-star ratings from frequent fliers singing their praises. Whether your priority is to stuff as much as you can into your carry-on suitcase, or you’d simply like to relieve some travel-day stress by cutting down on the clutter inside your bag, these smart accessories can make a big difference. 

From silicone sleeves that make your toiletries certifiably leakproof to a portable luggage scale that’ll save you from paying overweight luggage fees ever again, and some vacuum-sealed compression bags to maximize your suitcase’s precious real estate, trust that these will make your travels much less stressful. Ensure you’re spending all your energy on enjoying your trip rather than fretting over it with 12 of these top-rated packing solutions starting at just $5.

Travel Inspira Portable Luggage Scale

Save on those hefty overweight baggage fees, which can cost up to $200 depending on the airline. This best-selling portable luggage scale at Amazon has 25,000 five-star ratings, and it’s a savior for overpackers. Reviewers say that not only is it accurate, but it’s also easy to use. The digital scale has a whopping 110-pound capacity.

Hibag Compression Vacuum Bags 12-pack

Another non-negotiable for the chronic overpacker, compression vacuum bags are the seasoned traveler’s secret to squeezing extra outfits into their suitcase. There are lots of different vacuum bags out there, but this one is loved by customers because it doesn’t require an actual vacuum to suction out extra air. Just one up, seal it, and roll it to compress. One couple said they were able to fit 18 outfits into one shared carry-on this way. Pro tip: Make sure to weigh your luggage before checking it. These bags have magical shrinking powers, but they can’t make your clothes any lighter.

Tranomos Silicone Bottle Covers 8-pack

Nothing puts a damper on vacation like having your shampoo explode all over your clothes. This eight-pack of silicone bottle covers ensures such a catastrophe doesn’t happen (again). They stretch over every awkward container shape, sealing up any cracks and openings a product might have otherwise been able to escape from. One reviewer called it a “life-changing travel hack.”

Weeaeew Stuffable Travel Pillow

After using this clever accessory, you might see a traditional neck pillow as wasted space. This one doubles as an extra bag, too. Stuff it with your favorite socks and sweaters, zip it up, and then strap it to your carry-on without worry that it’ll take up any space inside any bags. Use the pliable tube for neck support, lumbar support, or even as a footrest on the plane. “This is very sneaky for travel,” wrote one customer, saying it allows them to bring an extra two or three outfits on vacation.

Yamiu Waterproof Shoe Bags 4-pack

Travel writers and flight attendants swear by these shoe bags. They’re fully waterproof, so you can also use them to keep dirty laundry, wet swimsuits, or towels separate from clean clothes in your suitcase. They’re especially handy if your itinerary includes hiking, skiing, beaches, or workouts. As for their durability? “10 out of 10,” one reviewer said. “They have been in and out of the washing machine almost a dozen times.”

Holii Portable Pill Organizer

Never get caught out with a dodgy Ziploc bag of medicines at TSA security again. This chic, compact organizer for over-the-counter medicine comes with tiny sticker labels. It’s especially useful for cruises or road trips when you might need an abundance of motion sickness relief. Since everything is labeled, reviewers say they have no problem getting it through airport security.

Tbtotra Travel Foldable Jewelry Organizer

Jewelry wearers who habitually end up with a tangled mess of necklaces after traveling will benefit greatly from this simple, $15 solution. It keeps necklaces, bracelets, watches, and hoop earrings in place with metal clasps. Once everything is secured, you simply fold it and then roll it. The flexible fabric is more lightweight and easier to pack than some more structured, hard-cased jewelry organizers on the market.

Easyxq Collapsible Coffee Cup

This collapsible mug takes up only about four inches of space in your suitcase or crossbody, yet it can hold your grande oat milk latte without a problem. These come with a sleeve to prevent your fingers from burning, and the cup from collapsing mid-drink. Plus, “if you’re going on an all-inclusive vacation, you will need it,” according to one traveler. Genius.

Kitsch Solid Shampoo Bar

Fitting all your liquids into a quart-sized bag is a struggle when you are emotionally attached to your 10-step skincare routine. My trick is solid shampoo bars. This one by Kitsch is one of Amazon’s top sellers, amassing over 8,000 five-star ratings. Hundreds say their hair feels great after using it. And don’t worry — despite the solid appearance, it does work into a lather. Travelers are thrilled to have “one less liquid to bring along.” Get the accompanying travel case for the utmost ease.

Fyy Cable Organizer Pouch

This pouch keeps cables, small devices, chargers, memory cards, your portable power bank, and more organized all in one convenient place. It’s waterproof and shock-resistant, so you can also worry less about your gadgets getting damaged in the throes of air travel. One frequent flier said, “It’s so much easier not having to dig for the correct charger while at the airport or on a plane.”

Yujunkeman 2-piece Hat Clip

This chic $5 accessory will keep your favorite sun hat from getting crumpled in your bag. Just wrap the PU leather piece around your purse strap or luggage handle and hang your hat by the metal clasp. Not only will your hat retain its original shape, but you’ll also get a little extra space back in your carry-on. “I went to Spain for two weeks and had eight flights — not once did my hat fall off my bag,” said one reviewer. “It’s an excellent product.”

Curvd Keychain Container

What started out as a fun way to carry earplugs has become a cool trick for keeping tiny essentials on hand. This keychain container from earplug brand Curvd can hold pills, small jewelry, earphones, change, or whatever similar-sized items you’d like to keep within reach. The aluminum container is about the size of a lip balm tin and slips into a silicone ring with a keychain attached to it.

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