Space-Saver Packing tip...
 

Don't have any use for your old contact lens cases? I used them on my last trip for a special face cream I just needed a few drops of every day or 2. And a hair gel that I also needed just a few drops of to tame the frizzies. Great space saver.

I don't wear glasses or contacts, but bought several of those little cases just for my costmetics. Moisturizer, foundation, etc. Works great and they don't leak!

The contact lens cases are probably a bit on the small side for me... I do re-use my lip balm containers (small ones from Body Shop) for creams and hair gels.

If you wear glasses, you can use your eyeglass case to hold some cosmetics. After all, you should be wearing your glasses at all times, except when sleeping and engaging in --ahem -- certain activities.

My wife normally buys her cosmetics when the store is offering sample packs with the purchase. These sample packs are a great way to save space and helps with the new security regulations at most airports.

Sample packets are fab! I took shampoo packets for 2 weeks vacation and it was great not having a sticky bottle to bring back.
I also like the sunscreen samples and hair conditioners.

I recently came across this tip that I'm planning to try next trip. Place a Space Saver bag in the bottom of your suitcase before packing, and as you travel, put your dirty clothes in it and compress. You'll keep the smell off your clean clothes plus free up some space for things you bring back.

Just remember that you'll have more space, but the weight will be the same and more when you add items en route.

Still sounds like a good tip to me!

BTW, on my recent trip, I did use the contact lens case tip here for storing hair gel. Worked well for me and held about 1 week's supply. Thanks!

YK
The contact lens cases are such perfect sizes for those lotions and potions we only need a "dab" of, like hair gel etc. Saves having to pack even a smal tube of gel......Multiply times 6 and you got room for yet another souvenir!

Absolutely true. Even though I have a travel-size tube of hair gel, it's still bigger in size than the contact lens case. Another bonus is I can toss the contact lens case at the end of my trip; whereas I cannot do so with the tube of unfinished hair gel.

It will work well with other items like eye cream (which I need just a small dab).

I have a number of little trial size jars that I received as a "gift" from Estee Lauder, etc. I always keep them when empty to use for other travel lotions, creams, makeup, etc.

Bettyk
Gee and I thought I was the only "container" junkie on the planet. You name it, I use old jars and containers from just about anything. I have a waterproof marker and always have the right size jar for anything I pack. Also, they are FREE!

lollylo, I am a huge packrat. But those containers definitely come in handy!

A good place to find little containers for hair gel and things is the craft store. I found in the scrapbook section these little plastic containers that are made to hold embellishments. They work great and are small.

I'm very new to Fodors, so I'm reading older topics (Packing is my favorite tag). This one in particular is very liberating because I've been seriously "in the closet" about my tiny container collection (only my immediate family know, and they tease me about my obsession with little containers). Yes yes yes! It's great to have an assortment of free/salvaged tiny jars/bottles for trip packing. I print out labels and attached them. If I decide a container can be used optimally for some other goo I can re-label.

Actually I salvage larger containers too: I take an old mailing tube in case I see a painting or too I must have - it's a safe way to get those things home. I recently received a gift basket that had a snack mix in an extremely well sealed plastic container that I will use for ground coffee on my next trip. I also use an old Altoid tin for transporting things that can be crushed. Basically I assess all containers for their usefulness in my travels!

Packing... It truly is an *art*, spcfa!

2 of my favorite sets of packing containers came free with purchase. Don't tell the advertising people but it swayed me to buying the product.
The first came a natural skin care set. Lots of itty bitty plastic cap size containers. And they've lasted a long time. Plus, I like the product.
The second was from Tupperware. I bought a veggie container (that works quite well for storing lettuce) BUT they threw in a set of tiny tupperware. They hold about an ounce and have traveled many miles with me.

Also, I love my Clinique bags because I can squish them in empty space inside the suitcase.

I also spend waaaay too much time thinking about this. :)

Spice jars (plastic - McCormick, I think -- red lids) are great for small packing. I use for hair conditioner - lasts 2 or so weeks (I have short hair).

Also, empty Altoid tins work great for toothpicks (my husband is toothpick obsessed).

Woo hoo kywood1955! Kudos on the spice jars. I use McCormick spices, but always buy the larger glass jars... Great idea.