The CHAOS Method Goes Abroad: How I Packed for 15 Days in Scotland & Ireland with Just a Carry-On and Backpack

Written By Martha Carol Stewart

When you’re a professional organizer, packing for a two-week trip is more than just logistics—it’s a challenge you secretly enjoy. For my 15-day adventure through Scotland and Ireland, I used only a carry-on suitcase and a backpack, proving that you can travel light without sacrificing comfort or style.

I relied on my tried-and-true CHAOS Method to guide every step of my packing—and let me tell you, it worked beautifully (well… except for that one jacket I shouldn’t have brought 😉).

C – Categorizing

Before packing, I divided everything into five core categories:

  • Clothing

  • Shoes

  • Toiletries

  • Tech

  • Travel Essentials

This helped me focus on what I truly needed—not what “might be nice.”

Here’s what I packed for clothes:

(All black except one pop of green!)

Shoes:

  • 1 pair of Hoka waterproof tennis shoes (gray)

  • 1 pair of Veronica Beard slip-on tennis shoes

H – Helpful or Hurtful?

Every item had to earn its spot. I asked: Will this help me enjoy my trip—or hurt by taking up space?

✅ Helpful: My Hoka waterproof tennis shoes—comfortable, weather-ready, and walked hundreds of steps a day.
✅ Helpful: My White + Warren cashmere wrap—used on flights, trains, and in chilly B&Bs.
❌ Hurtful: My white fleece jacket. Cute, yes—but it never got worn and took up precious space. I regretted bringing it.

Lesson? When in doubt—leave it out.

A – Action: Keep, Toss, Leave Behind

I made intentional decisions with everything. No “just in case” extras.

Keep:

  • Classic layers and moisture-wicking items

  • My two favorite pairs of shoes for walking

  • Stylish, functional pieces that could dress up or down

Leave behind:

  • Anything bulky, impractical, or not versatile (looking at you, fleece jacket)

O – Organize (with Packing Cubes & Pouches)

Packing cubes made this trip a dream. I used:

  • 1 cube for tops

  • 1 cube for bottoms

  • 1 small cube for undergarments & sleepwear

  • Zipper pouches for toiletries, cords, and meds

Every item had a home, which meant I wasn’t rummaging through my suitcase every time we changed hotels.

What Was in My Backpack

While my suitcase held my wardrobe, my backpack was my mobile command center. Here’s what I kept close:

  • Travel-sized toiletries and makeup

  • A change of clothes (in case luggage got lost—later moved to suitcase while city-hopping)

  • Chargers, cords, and international adapter

  • Passport and ID

  • Laptop (so I could check in with work!)

  • Snacks and a reusable water bottle

  • My wrap—easy to pull out on chilly flights, walks, or train rides

✈️ Martha-Carol’s Backpack Must-Haves:

  • Travel-size deodorant & facial mist

  • Lipstick & hand cream

  • Power bank

  • Emergency snack (because hangry is real for me)

  • Printed copies of important documents (just in case Wi-Fi fails)

S – Simplify (Label + Let Go)

Everything had a home and a purpose. I even used labeled zip pouches to make TSA checks quick and painless.
I simplified by sticking to a neutral palette—mostly black—with a pop of green. It made mixing, matching, and dressing up or down effortless.

Packing List Additions (Toiletries & Tech)

Toiletries & Haircare:

  • Makeup

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo

  • Conditioner

  • Hair gel

  • Hairspray

  • Dry shampoo

  • Laundry detergent sheets

  • Dryer sheets

Tech Essentials:

  • Charging cords (phone + computer)

  • AirPods

  • Power bank

  • International adapter

Final Thoughts

My carry-on never felt like a burden, and my outfits made me feel confident, comfortable, and ready for anything—from castle tours to countryside walks.
If I can travel this organized, so can you. 😉

✨ Want my full printable packing list?

👉 [Click here to grab it!]

Kindness always,
 Martha-Carol Stewart
 Founder of Chaos Organizing | Co-Author of Southern Chaos
 ChaosOrganizing.com | @chaosorganizing

Martha Carol Stewart https://Www.chaosorganizing.com
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