Travel Smart With These DIY Single-Use Packets

By Sarah Lipoff

Next time you're heading out for an overnight trip, instead of packing big tubs of toothpaste, shampoo, and conditioner, make these easy DIY single-use packets instead. We took inspiration from this smart idea and just had to try making them ourselves. With a little patience — and some colorful straws — everything you need for short trips fits in a small travel bag. And these little packets of essentials are perfect for tossing in your purse, too.

What You'll Need:

  • Travel essentials
  • Straws
  • Scissors
  • Pliers
  • Lighter
  • Permanent marker

Directions

  1. Cut a straw into a four-inch section, and then place one end at the opening of the toothpaste, gently squeezing a small amount into the straw. Having trouble getting that toothpaste into the straw? Squeeze the toothpaste into a plastic bag, press to one corner and snip with a scissors, creating a piping bag. Place the open tip of the bag into the straw and press out.
  1. Pinch together one end of the straw using a pliers, and heat with a lighter until the plastic melts and seals together. Do the same at the other end of the straw to completely seal the single-use packet.
  1. Fill more straws with other essentials, and you're ready to pack your bags!
  1. Use a permanent marker to label the single-use packets so you know which one to reach for. To use, simply snip the end and squeeze. Happy travels!