How to Store Necklaces for Travel

Traveling with your favorite necklaces can be a bit of a challenge. There’s always a risk of them getting tangled, damaged, or lost. However, with the right storage techniques, you can keep your jewelry safe and tangle-free. In this article, we’ll explore various methods and tips for storing necklaces when you’re on the go, sharing personal anecdotes and practical advice to ensure your accessories arrive at your destination in perfect condition.

earrings, rings, necklaces - jewelry

Choose the Right Storage Option

Jewelry Roll

A jewelry roll is a popular and efficient way to store necklaces while traveling. I remember the first time I used one on a trip to Paris; it was a lifesaver!

What is it? A jewelry roll is a fabric organizer that rolls up to save space. It has multiple compartments and pockets specifically designed for different types of jewelry.

Benefits of Using a Jewelry Roll:

  • Keeps jewelry separate and untangled
  • Compact and easy to pack
  • Often includes soft fabric to prevent scratches

Travel Jewelry Box

If you prefer something sturdier, a travel jewelry box is a great choice. On a recent business trip, I packed my favorite pieces in one, and everything arrived in perfect condition.

Description and Advantages:

  • Hard exterior for protection
  • Multiple compartments to organize different items
  • Often includes secure clasps to prevent accidental openings

How it Protects Your Necklaces: The structured design and padded interior of a travel jewelry box help keep necklaces from getting tangled and damaged.

Pill Organizer

This might sound unconventional, but a pill organizer can be an excellent way to store small necklaces. It’s a trick I learned from a seasoned traveler friend.

Creative Use for Small Necklaces: Each compartment of a pill organizer can hold a single necklace, keeping it separate from others.

Easy and Compact: Pill organizers are small and fit easily in any luggage.

Storage OptionProsCons
Jewelry Roll
  • Keeps jewelry untangled
  • Compact
  • Soft fabric prevents scratches
  • May not protect against heavy impacts
  • Limited space for larger pieces
Travel Jewelry Box
  • Hard exterior protects against damage
  • Organized compartments
  • Secure clasps
  • Can be bulky
  • May take up more luggage space
Pill Organizer
  • Compact
  • Affordable
  • Keeps necklaces separate
  • Limited to small necklaces
  • May not look stylish

Popular Jewelry Pie Chart

DIY Solutions

Straws for Chains

Using straws to store necklaces is a simple and effective DIY method. My sister taught me this trick, and it’s been a game-changer.

How to Thread Necklaces Through Straws: Thread the chain through a straw and clasp it shut. This keeps the chain straight and prevents tangling.

Prevents Tangling: The straw acts as a barrier, keeping the necklace straight and separated from others.

Cling Wrap or Plastic Wrap

I discovered this method when I was packing for a last-minute trip. It works surprisingly well!

Wrapping Necklaces to Keep Them Separate: Lay the necklace flat on a piece of cling wrap, fold the wrap over it, and press to seal. This keeps each piece separate and protected.

Step-by-Step:

  1. Lay out a piece of cling wrap on a flat surface.
  2. Place the necklace on the wrap, ensuring it’s straight.
  3. Fold the wrap over the necklace, pressing to seal.
  4. Repeat with additional pieces as needed.

Buttons for Stud Earrings

While this isn’t specifically for necklaces, it’s a handy tip for keeping your earrings organized too. My grandmother used to do this, and it’s a trick I still use today.

Keeping Earrings Together with Buttons: Insert the earring posts through the buttonholes and secure the backs. This keeps pairs together and easy to find.

Quick and Easy Tip: Buttons are lightweight and take up virtually no space, making them perfect for travel.

DIY MethodMaterials NeededProsCons
Straws for ChainsStraws, necklaces
  • Prevents tangling
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to use
  • Only works for thin chains
  • Not suitable for larger pieces
Cling WrapCling wrap, necklaces
  • Prevents tangling
  • Protects from scratches
  • Simple and quick
  • Not reusable
  • Can be wasteful
Buttons for EarringsButtons, stud earrings
  • Keeps pairs together
  • Compact
  • Inexpensive
  • Not for necklaces
  • Can be fiddly

Packing Tips

Separate Each Necklace

Keeping necklaces separate is crucial to preventing tangling. I learned this the hard way after my favorite pieces turned into a knotted mess during a vacation.

Why Separation is Key: When necklaces are stored together, they tend to tangle. Separating them keeps each piece safe and untangled.

Tips for Keeping Necklaces from Tangling:

  • Use individual bags or pouches for each necklace.
  • Thread chains through straws or use other DIY methods mentioned above.
  • Lay them flat and avoid stacking.

Use Small Bags

Small bags or pouches are perfect for storing individual necklaces. I often use tiny ziplock bags, which are affordable and effective.

Using Ziplock Bags or Small Pouches: Place each necklace in its own bag to keep it separate from others. This method is particularly useful for delicate pieces.

Keeps Them Organized: Small bags help you categorize and find your jewelry easily, preventing any last-minute searches through your luggage.

Layering in Luggage

Properly layering your packed items can also help protect your necklaces. I always make sure to pack my jewelry in the middle of my suitcase, surrounded by soft clothing.

Where to Place Your Necklace Storage in Your Suitcase: Position your jewelry roll, box, or bag in the center of your suitcase, cushioned by clothes on all sides.

Avoiding Pressure and Damage: This placement minimizes the risk of your jewelry being crushed or damaged by other items in your luggage.

Packing TipDetails
Separate Each Necklace
  • Use individual bags or pouches
  • Thread chains through straws
  • Lay flat and avoid stacking
Use Small Bags
  • Place each necklace in its own bag
  • Perfect for delicate pieces
  • Keeps jewelry organized
Layering in Luggage
  • Pack jewelry in the center of your suitcase
  • Cushion with clothes
  • Minimizes risk of damage

Extra Tips

Checking Your Necklaces Before Leaving

It’s important to give your jewelry a once-over before packing. I always do this to make sure clasps are secure and pieces are in good condition.

Ensure Clasps Are Secure: Double-check that all clasps are closed properly to prevent necklaces from slipping out during travel.

Keeping a Small Repair Kit

Having a small repair kit can be a lifesaver if something happens to your jewelry while you’re on the road. I carry a tiny kit with tweezers, spare clasps, and a small screwdriver.

Contents of a Basic Repair Kit:

  • Tweezers
  • Spare clasps
  • Small screwdriver
  • Mini pliers

Insurance for Valuable Pieces

If you’re traveling with valuable jewelry, consider getting insurance. I learned this the hard way after losing a precious necklace on a trip. Now, I always insure my more valuable pieces.

Why Insurance is Important: Insurance can cover the cost of lost or stolen items, giving you peace of mind during your travels.

Conclusion

Traveling with necklaces doesn’t have to be stressful. By choosing the right storage options, using clever DIY solutions, and following smart packing tips, you can ensure your jewelry stays safe and tangle-free. Remember to check your necklaces before you leave, keep a small repair kit handy, and consider insuring your valuable pieces. With these tips, you can focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about your jewelry.

Happy travels and stay stylish!