5 Tips for Keeping Jewelry Untangled While Traveling

Since my daughter, Lulu, moved to a different state, Gus and I have been traveling a bit more than usual. Like most women, I insist upon having my makeup and jewelry (and plenty of shoe options) with me. Jewelry can be tricky to pack, and today I have a guest post from Heather Lomax offering some tips on keeping your jewelry untangled while traveling!



Traveling with jewelry can be a challenge because it seems as though at least one piece is always getting tangled or lost. But there are several ways you can pack earrings, necklaces, and bracelets in a way that keeps them knot-free while you’re traveling.


1. Drinking Straws (And Not for Drinking)

This particular tip has become a favorite among travelers everywhere. To keep your necklaces from getting knotted and tangled with other jewelry, all you need are a few minutes and a package of drinking straws with bendable ends.

To get started, simply count out the same number of straws as you have necklaces to place in your suitcase or travel bag. For each of the necklaces, take a straw and thread your necklace through until it comes out the other end. Clasp the necklace and voila! No more tangles.



2. Save Those Containers!

Many travelers simply throw their jewelry into a random compartment of their luggage, but you can turn everyday containers into makeshift travel jewelry boxes. Some options that you can find in your own home range from pill boxes and bottles, mint and candy tins, glasses cases, or even travel soap dishes.

Now place your jewelry into the container of your choice and then place that in your suitcase. Mint and candy tins work well for stud earrings and collapsible bracelets, while pill boxes with the days of the week work well to hold necklaces. Just match the size of the jewelry you’re bringing along on your trip to a similarly-sized box or tin, and you’re ready to go.



3. Plastic Wrap Isn't Just for Food

Because necklaces and bracelets tangle so easily, here’s another great way to keep them ready to use at a moment’s notice after you unpack. And like the last tip, this method involves something you’ll probably already have on hand: plastic wrap (the press-and-seal type works best for this).

Start by tearing off a strip of plastic wrap that’s long enough to lay your necklaces, bracelets and any other jewelry you’d like to keep organized. Then, take your jewelry and lay it out on the wrap, taking care to stretch necklaces straight across. Finally, take a second piece of plastic wrap and cover the jewelry pressing it down so that it’s firmly in place. Your jewelry should now be protected from any movement during your trip.



4. Bags and Buttons and Pouches, Oh My!

Ziploc baggies are another item that work wonders for storing individual pieces. Just choose a size that corresponds to your items and seal them up. Stud earrings can be placed together in the same bag.

Similarly, jewelry pouches can be used for the same result. You can purchase a pre-made one, or if you need a DIY option on the cheap, simply take a piece of cloth, put some jewelry in, and tie it up with a ribbon or a piece of string – just make sure it’s a secure knot!

To keep better track of your stud earring pairs, take any buttons with more than one hole, and slide a pair of earrings into each button. Hold them in place with backs and use your Ziploc baggy or cloth pouch for safekeeping.


   
5. Don't Forget Towels

Similar to the cloth pouch, you can use a hand towel to hold even more jewelry, but this way, they won’t move around in transit. Lay the towel out flat and place each piece of jewelry with a little space between each one. When you’re finished, carefully roll up the towel and secure the ends with rubber bands, hair ties, or string.


Heather Lomax is a contributing writer and media specialist for Lovely Jewelry Organizers. She regularly produces content for a variety of lifestyle blogs, discussing solutions to various tips fashion, beauty, and travel issues.