Traveling as a family is an adventure—but let’s be real, it can also be chaotic. When you’re sharing a hotel room (or cruise cabin!) with multiple kids, things can get messy FAST. Over the years, I’ve figured out a few must-have items, along with some organizing tips and tricks, that help keep things under control and make vacation life easier.
These aren’t just packing essentials; they’re the small but mighty travel hacks that make a BIG difference when you’re trying to enjoy your trip while keeping your sanity intact!
**If any of these would be helpful for your next trip I have linked them all in my Amazon store. Click here for my Canadian friends, and here for my American friends.
Must-Have Travel Items for an Organized Hotel Room
1. Bungee-Style Drying Cord
Nothing is worse than a pile of wet swimsuits dripping all over the bathroom floor. A simple bungee cord with hooks at each end is perfect for creating a quick drying line anywhere—whether across the shower, on the balcony, or between two chairs.
2. S-Hooks
Most hotel rooms never have enough hanging space, especially when you’re a family of six. I bring a few S-hooks to instantly create extra spots for hats, bags, towels, or anything else that needs a home.
3. Inflatable Pool Floats
Not exactly an organizing item, but these are a must-have! They deflate super small, take up almost no suitcase space, and keep the kids entertained at the pool or beach without hauling bulky floaties.
4. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a game-changer. Not only do they help keep everyone’s clothes organized in the suitcase, but they also make unpacking in a hotel room so much easier. I even use them inside drawers to create sections for each person’s clothes, keeping everything neat and easy to find.
5. Pop-Up Drawer Organizers (IKEA Skubb)
These are my secret weapon for keeping hotel rooms tidy! They’re perfect for:
Organizing toiletries in the bathroom
Keeping counters clear by storing small items
Creating “drawers” inside a closet or shelf
Holding toys, snacks, or accessories
Even acting as a mini diaper-changing station for little ones!
6. Clear Pouches for Toiletries
I use these to keep all our toiletries organized, visible, and easy to grab. Plus, they help prevent spills—because no one wants to start vacation with shampoo all over their suitcase.
7. Pop Darts (Fun & Lightweight Game!)
Okay, this one isn’t about organization, but it’s a must-have for entertainment! Pop Darts are a small, lightweight game that keeps kids and adults busy in the hotel room or by the pool.
8. Laundry Detergent Sheets
Bringing a whole bottle of detergent? No thanks. These little sheets are perfect for quick washes in the sink or tub without the bulk of liquid soap.
9. Dishcloth + Straw Brush + Travel-Sized Dish Soap
If you bring reusable cups and water bottles (which you should!), you’ll want to clean them properly. A small dishcloth, a straw brush, and a travel-sized dish soap make it easy to wash everything at the end of the day.
10. Hanging Laundry Bag (or Pop-Up Hamper)
Having a designated spot for dirty clothes keeps them from piling up all over the floor. A hanging laundry bag is my go-to, but a pop-up hamper works great too!
11. Insulated Water Bottles
Beach days + kids = dehydration waiting to happen. We always travel with our Owala bottles, which keep drinks cold all day and have a covered mouthpiece (perfect for travel days when everything feels germy).
12. Deflate What You Can!
We bring sports balls (volleyballs, soccer balls, footballs) for the kids to play with, but instead of wasting space, we pack them deflated along with a small hand pump. Huge space saver!
13. Limit Your Stuff
You need WAY less clothing than you think you do. Be realistic about what you’ll actually wear, and don’t be afraid to rewear outfits. Less stuff = less mess = less stress!
14. Pump Hand Soap
I strongly dislike the tiny bar soaps most hotels provide. Bringing a small pump hand soap makes it so much easier for the kids to wash their hands properly—no slimy, wasted bars of soap.
15. Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer
This doesn’t work in every hotel room, but if you have space to hang it, it’s a game-changer. Use it for:
Storing snacks, toiletries, and sunscreen
Keeping small essentials within reach
Packing kid’s outfits in separate compartments for easy access
16. Mini First Aid Kit
Band-aids, fever meds, anti-itch cream—these are lifesavers when you least expect it. I always pack a small kit to avoid any vacation mishaps.
17. Ziploc Bags
You never know when you’ll need one! They’re great for:
Storing wet swimsuits
Keeping snacks fresh
Organizing small toys and accessories
18. Magnetic Hooks
If your hotel room has a metal door or fridge, magnetic hooks are an easy way to add extra hanging space. These are especially great for cruise cabins, where storage is super limited!
19. Mini Nightlight
A lifesaver for kids (or anyone) who needs to find the bathroom in the middle of the night without turning on blinding overhead lights.
20. Dryer Sheets
Toss these into your suitcase to keep clothes smelling fresh. Bonus: They also help reduce static cling in humid climates.
21. Room Spray
Non-negotiable when you’re sharing one bathroom with the whole family. Enough said.
22. Wet Bag
Essential for packing up wet swimsuits or dirty clothes when you’re heading home. No one wants a damp, musty-smelling suitcase!
Final Thoughts: The Goal Isn’t Perfection—It’s Less Chaos!
Let’s be real—family vacations are never going to be perfectly organized. And that’s okay! The goal isn’t perfection; it’s simply to:
✅ Find what you need when you need it
✅ Have a designated home for everyone’s stuff
✅ Allow housekeeping to actually clean the hotel room
✅ Feel less overwhelmed by clutter so you can focus on enjoying your trip
A little organization goes a long way in making family travel smoother and more enjoyable. Hopefully, these small but impactful tips help you feel more in control of your space so you can focus on making amazing memories.
What’s something you always pack to stay organized while traveling? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear your favorite travel hacks!
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