If you look at any packing list, you’ll find several items that make traveling easier, but don’t take up much space. This blog post outlines a couple that I use.

Clothesline – If you are going to wash out underwear and other lightweight clothing during your trip, it helps to have some place to dry them. Lots of camping catalogs have small clotheslines and some people just use a piece of parachute cord. I treated myself to a Sea to Summit Clothesline that is a tiny, yet ingenious product. It’s essentially two strings threaded through a series of beads. After you affix the clothesline to something using the built-in hooks, you thread a small part of your garment between the two strings and slide the beads close together to hold the item. Use in the bathroom, on the hostel bunk bed, or balcony (or anywhere else) to hang up your quick dry clothes and travel towels. When you are done, the clothesline stuffs into its tiny pouch. Combined with Dr. Bonner’s soap, this is an easy way to reduce the amount of clothing and underwear you need to bring on your trip.

Lightweight polyester bags – Lightweight polyester or nylon bags like the one pictured take virtually no space but can be very useful. I use a medium sized one to use when picking up snacks or daily groceries for hostel meals. I use a larger one when staying in hostels. Before I go to bed, I put the clothes for the next day in the bag and when showering in the morning, I hang the bag on the door knob or door hook. There’s rarely a dry space for clothes in a hostel bathroom. Using the bag helps me keep everything dry and together so I don’t lose anything.

Hostel and Airplane bag – I use a lightweight stuff sack or a lightweight packing cube with a handle. On the airplane, I use it to keep my cellphone, charger, ear plugs, lip balm, tissues, eye mask, ear phones, mini-flashlight, pen, snack, e-reader, etc. either next to me in the seat, under the seat in front of me, or in the seat back pocket. It is all within easy reach, and I don’t have to worry about losing any of it. If I am staying in a hostel, I keep the items I want to have in my bunk in the same bag. If I need a tissue or ear plugs, I don’t have to get up and disturb anyone by unlocking my locker to get these items. Many hostel bunks have an outlet for charging electronics so it’s easy to read on the phone and charge at the same time. Just remember to turn off all the sound and vibration on your phone – whether it’s with you or in your locker before you go to sleep.

ScotteVest – I was able to pick up one of these multi-pocket travel vests on a deep discount for an old model and it can be a great help when you are tight for space and want to ‘wear’ what is essentially the airplane bag mentioned above. I wear it under a jacket or hoodie to try not to advertise that I am circumventing the carry-on weight limit for budget airlines or highlight that I am a tourist when I’m at the destination. However, used thoughtfully, these and similar vests keep your items secure and allow you to go hands and bag free when you want to. If I am travelling in minimalist mode, I either have to commit to wearing the vest whenever I change locations or leave it home because there isn’t room for it in my minimalist bag. Another nice advantage is that I can use the vest instead of a money belt. When the vest is zipped, articles in their own zipped pockets on the inside of the vest are reasonably well protected from pickpockets, but the vest allows for easy access to them. It also becomes a light layer for cooler weather.

Earplugs – Don’t leave home without them! I use two types. The first is Airplanes or generic version. These are for people who have trouble with their ears when flying and for me, they work beautifully. I no longer have severe ear pain and temporary hearing loss after flying. I wear them from take off until the plane reaches top cruising altitude and put them back in when the plane begins its decent. For short flights, I just leave them in. I have headphones with holes in the ear pads so I can watch a movie when they are in. I also use Hearos regular ear plugs. They are a must for hostels, but even nice hotels can be noisy. I can wear them a couple of times, but after that they get sticky from ear wax and don’t mold as well to your ear. I bring a few pairs for each trip.

Small Backpack – If you are traveling light – i.e. U.S. traditional carryon – adding a small backpack (such as this one by PacSafe) or folding travel backpack (mine is by Neatpack) either in the bag or as your personal item gives you a place to put your jacket, cell phone, snack, and travel information while you sightsee. If you are traveling minimalist with only one bag, just empty out the bag and use it for your day pack. If everything you have is in a packing cube or stuff sack, your things will still stay organized.

Each person’s packing list is a little different. Mine continues to evolve and changes slightly depending upon the circumstances. Try different items and you will find what works best for you.