Most people love or hate packing, but it’s one of my favorite parts of traveling (I know, I’m goofy). I can be filled and ready for a quick trip within hours. However, for a long trip, I start packing a month before I leave.
No matter how long I’ll be living in a Honda suitcase or trunk, I always include ‘must have’ accessories and tools that keep me organized, clean, and safe. I’ve found these ‘I can’t travel without’ gizmos at luggage retailers, airline magazines, supermarkets, sporting goods stores, and online. A few years ago, while in the hardware store shopping for house paint, I saw high quality carabiners for a quarter of the price I recently paid at the sporting goods store.
A new place to shop for travel gear has been born—the hardware store. Here are some of my favorites and how I use them.
Shoe covers will clean your socks when you’re standing in your shoes at the airport.
1. Shoe Covers
Shoe covers in the hardware store are made for workers to keep their shoes on while working on a finished home. They keep dirt out of floors and carpets. But I found many benefits of traveling with them. It is disposable but you can wash it down the toilet if needed. They are very lightweight and take up very little space. Best of all, they are cheap. I’ve seen three pairs for less than $5.
Look at the paint part of the shoe cover. This may interest you : Sales are down, costs are skyrocketing. For some small business owners, the recession has already arrived..
Carabiners, a traveller’s best friend
2. Carabiners
These metal devices are popular with mountain climbers as a binding attachment. To see also : Representative Stauber’s small business bill gets House approval. However, construction workers and DIYers also use it because it is easy to find at the hardware store.
I find them useful in many ways. For example, I use it to attach my day bag to my carry on bag. Also, you can keep things like water bottles and caps securely in your daypack, camera bag, or handbag.
When traveling by train or bus, I will use a carabiner to secure my travel bags to the top bunk. It prevents them from slipping when the motor coach rushes around corners. Also, when someone accidentally grabs your bag, the metal attachment will make them realize their mistake.
The Hero Clip fits into two carry bags.
My favorite is the Hero Clip, the blue snap-on carabiner pictured above. I think it’s the smartest carabiner ever made. I bought it at a hardware store five years ago. I never travel without it. I now have one pack for the day, a camera bag, and a toiletry bag. I have used this handy tool in tents and five-star hotels.
I found carabiners in the rope and chain section but they may also be in the camping equipment section.
3. Travel Door Alarms
No matter how many stars your hotel has, a small door alarm will add to your safety and peace of mind. To see also : 4 problems that small business owners face and how to solve them. The same goes for vacation rentals and RVers.
Recently in a large hardware store, I saw nine models that are lightweight, compact, and under $15. I love the Lewis and Clark brand The alarm weighs .09 ounces, is palm size, and comes with two lithium button cell batteries. Easy to use and very loud.
I found the door alarm in the door hardware section where the doorbell is.
4. Plastic Bags
It’s amazing! I was amazed at the variety of bags available at this small town hardware store. I usually rely on the grocery store to buy those quart size clear bags to get my drinks through airport security. The hardware store had about half the price. In addition, the net bags were found to be enough for a bed pillow and small enough for an hourglass.
I also got pressure bags. They are great for big dresses and dresses. So while folding may be a problem, the space you save will be a bonus. The bags were in the closet/storage unit. I also found some of the furniture.
5. Luggage Locks
I was surprised to find TSA approved luggage locks at a nearby big box hardware store. There were many people to choose from. Prices range from $9-39 with most under $10. I highly recommend the TSA-approved, keyless mode. Models that allow you to set your own combinations are much easier on your memory.
Luggage locks were in the accessories retail lock and key section.
Elastic, travel-friendly clothing line found at the hardware store
6. Laundry Line And Clothes Pins
Did you send something to the hotel laundry to get a bill to clean your shirt over dinner? After you do your laundry in the bathroom sink, you’ll need a way to hang it to dry.
In the bed and shower area, I found elastic clothes with suction cups or velcro straps to attach the clothes to the shower walls or shower curtain rod. You don’t need clothespins. Instead, separate the elastic band and insert a small piece of fabric.
Although this handy tool doesn’t use clothespins, I always have three or four in my purse. They are useful for hanging or cutting a thousand things. For example, it is suitable to close the light-exacerbating cracks in the curtains. Again, the bed and bath are the first places to look for all kinds of clothespins. I suggest plastic and stainless steel to avoid dirt and rust.
Pro tip: A large, sturdy plastic bag (see #4 above) makes a great washing machine.
Bungee cords on display at the hardware store
7. Bungee Cords
Bungee cords aren’t just for backpacks and campers. I always have one at the bottom of my pack for the day. It is a real champion for a broken belt or wrist. I bring out the bungee when I need to secure an unexpected purchase to my bike. In the exit room, use the bungee to tie the lights while collecting. Use it to protect your luggage on long train or bus journeys. Put things together, hold things down.
Bungees are available at many stores, but hardware stores have a more comprehensive selection of styles and sizes. Of course, the price is competitive.
I found the bungee cords in the cords and chains section.
8. First Aid Kit
Again, the hardware store really surprised me with the first aid kits. Everything from small envelope packs of band-aids, alcohol wipes, and antiseptic cream to practical kits for commercial use.
The size pack you need depends on how many people are in your party and how far away you will be from emergency medical care. When you’re walking around town or city, a small care kit for minor cuts, scrapes, and rashes will do just fine. In uninhabited areas, it is advisable to manage more serious injuries until help is received. Here are some tips for a well-stocked first aid kit from the American Red Cross.
I found first aid kits at Department of Home Security hardware stores, both large and small.
9. Hooks
When you share a space with someone else, do you ever have enough places to hang things in your hotel room? No. That’s why suction cups are my best friend when I travel.
While browsing the bathroom department, I saw two sets of reusable hooks that used suction cups to attach to soft surfaces. With the hook in the up position, place the wet suction cup in position and pull the hook down. When you’re ready to go, push your knees up, releasing them without damage.
The overhead door is also useful, taking up very little room and weighing little. I’ve had the two irons pictured above for years. I have tried plastic versions but they end up breaking when the door is closed. I like the metal ones because they are thin, will fit most doors, and allow them to be closed.
I have found many portable hooks in the bed and bath, closets, and storage units that are very user-friendly.
Stanley beverage bottle, hot or cold
10. Beverage Bottles
Who doesn’t travel without some kind of bottled drink? I decided to stop buying bottled water and travel with a refillable container. After going through dozens of years, I finally found my hero, the Stanley thermos. I found it at, you guessed it, a hardware store.
Stanley is a symbol associated with hardworking people. I remember my uncle Bob and his Stanley thermos filled with hot coffee. Every morning he took them to the barn. Then, around nine, he would stop work and have a cup of coffee out of a green, old plastic stainless steel lid/cup.
They still make thermoses in Seattle, Washington. Stanley still stands by their motto, “Built for Life.” Stanley has included many other products designed to keep drinks hot or cold.
There will be many types and styles of beverage containers in the outdoor section.
11. Bandanas, Hats, And Head Coverings
Helmets are essential travel accessories. Sun, wind, rain, and pollution can damage your scalp and hair. For me, three things make a good hat—fit, keeping the sun off my head and eyes, and its folds. Of course, if it’s machine washable, that’s a bonus. Read the labels to find a good travel hat at the hardware store.
Every traveler needs a bandana. Bandanas are essential travel accessories. Wear it like a scarf, scarf, or sweatshirt. Use it as a cloth or towel. Tie two or three together at the top. Drain and strain while cooking. Use it as a flag. The list is long, and I bet you can add some favorites.
Check out the clothing section for bandanas, hats, and head coverings. You can also check out the park department.
Other Travel Packing Hack Sources
One of my favorites is the dollar store (currently $1.25 in California). The sample size box is perfect for travel toiletries. In my town, this $1.25 product is $3.25 down the street at the drugstore.
If you are not lucky enough to have a hardware store to explore in your area, try one of your favorites online, or give one of the mega online shopping sites a chance.
