Keeping Jewelry Safe and Organized While Traveling

Taking your jewelry on the go doesn’t have to be complicated. While a premium jewelry organizer — complete with a hard shell and plush velvet exterior — is ideal, you can also get away with following the tips below. From repurposing mint tins to breaking out the vacuum sealer, it’s easy to keep jewelry safe and organized on your next trip.

Place Earrings in Buttons

Don’t throw all your earrings in one bag or container — you’ll only create a mess. Small pieces, especially stud earrings, are prone to getting lost. Match earrings up with buttons to prepare for travel. Place the earrings through the holes and securely attach the backs. Try to keep one pair per button to avoid jewelry from getting mixed.

Invest in Jewelry Organizers

If you want to store items like earrings, cuffs, necklaces and rings securely, invest in a travel jewelry organizer. Look for a double-layered organizer with deep compartments and a lush interior if you need protection from nature’s elements. Opt for a hard-shell case that’s tough and durable while also able to fit inside a purse. Or choose a budget-friendly organizer with the ability to hang or roll flat.

Reuse Mint Tins

Small metal mint tins are an ideal storage option for jewelry when traveling. The tough exterior won’t get flattened while in a bag, protecting valuable contents inside. A mint tin is perfect for items that won’t get tangled, like rings, brooches or cufflinks. It’s also an excellent spot for earrings once attached to buttons.

Find the Original Boxes

Use original boxes to store jewelry when traveling. The cases have built-in features to hold rings and necklaces in place. Don’t worry if the original jewelry case is dirty from disuse. Use a warm, wet cloth to wipe away dust and mildew. Look for a product formulated for delicate materials if you need a mild cleanser to remove stains.

Round up Carabiners

Buy a pack of carabiners for a few bucks at your local hardware or sporting goods store for an easy and foolproof way to store jewelry. Carabiners are versatile and a perfect tool to have when traveling. You can conveniently clip dozens of rings inside, or use them to organize necklaces and bracelets.

Make a Jewelry Roll

A jewelry roll is a space-saving travel organizer. If you don’t have one, you can make one with a small travel towel. Lay a piece of fabric out flat and arrange your jewelry on top. Once everything is in place, roll the material up tightly and tie the ends with a bit of string or yarn. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can break out the sewing machine and add some zippers.

Repurpose Pill Containers

Use a one- or two-week pill organizer to keep your jewelry safe while on the road. The easy-to-grab boxes are perfect for storing small items like earrings and rings. While most pill containers are long and narrow, round pill cases are also available. Store items like necklaces and bracelets alone to prevent tangling.

Pull out Business Cards

We all have too many business cards lying around. Use unwanted business cards — like the one from that marketing exec who wanted to meet for coffee — to organize small jewelry pieces like brooches, pins and earrings. All you have to do is stick the pin through the cardboard and attach the back. If you don’t have any business cards lying around, buy a cheap pack of playing cards.

Vacuum-Seal Contents

You’ve probably heard of vacuum-sealing your food to keep it fresh. But what about for keeping jewelry organized? Most jewelry goes missing because it’s loosely packed away, able to bounce around in your bag. Vacuum-seal jewelry to keep it locked in place, even when traveling around the world.

Buy Plastic Baggies

Plastic baggies have hundreds of uses. They’re equally handy for storing a lunchtime sandwich as they are for stowing jewelry securely when you embark on a trip. Since baggies take up minimal space, you can use as many as needed to organize items and prevent tangling. Store larger pieces, like rings, brooches and watches, together.

Planning a Trip? Learn How to Pack Your Jewelry

Planning a trip and looking fabulous doesn’t have to be hard. You can safely bring jewelry along with the easy-to-use methods above.

Find old buttons to store your earrings and prevent disappearances. Break out original jewelry boxes for an easy way to keep pieces in place while you’re on the go. Or make a DIY jewelry roll with a few pieces of fabric, some zippers and a little bit of patience. If you plan accordingly, you can have everything organized before you’re ready to leave.

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