When I traveled to France this summer, I brought one extra suitcase—and filled it with treasures.
No shipping, no customs forms, no stress. Just me, a rolling bag, and a mission. Bringing everything home myself gave me control over how items were wrapped, packed, and handled—no smashed crocks or bent artwork. This trip was more of a “practice run”—a chance to test strategies, try different packing techniques, and figure out what works (and what absolutely doesn’t) for future sourcing adventures abroad.
Whether you’re heading overseas or just flying out of state to hit a few markets, these tips might help you plan your own buying trip, keep things organized, and get those beautiful finds home safely.
Planning Ahead: What I Shop For (and How I Budget)
Before I leave, I make a shopping list and plan for what I can realistically fit in a suitcase. I prioritize smaller, high-impact items—like silver forks, kitchen linens, little brass pieces, or crocks—over large or bulky pieces that take up too much room. I also think through resale pricing ahead of time so I can stay within budget and avoid impulse purchases I can’t move later.
Here’s what helps me stay organized:
- Small bills and coins (you’ll thank yourself at outdoor markets)
- A notebook and pen for jotting down where I found things, what I paid, and what I think I’ll sell them for
- Research ahead of time: I check online sellers and follow vintage dealers on Instagram to get a sense of fair pricing, demand, and styling ideas
Some accounts I love to follow for inspo and price reference:
My Shopping List
On this trip, I was hunting for art (nailed it), small silver pieces, crocks, brass finds, glass jars, and tons of kitchen linens. What I didn’t plan for? A spontaneous detour into Italian linen clothing at the market in Lourmarin… whoops. 🧺🇮🇹
How I Packed for the Trip Home
I brought a large empty suitcase filled with:
- Tissue paper and bubble wrap for fragile items
- Post-it notes, masking tape and permanent marker to label items with prices if I need to
- Flat cardboard sheets to protect artwork
- Broken down boxes and tape in case I needed to ship anything home
- And, of course, I used my clothes as extra padding around breakables
Pro tip: If you’re staying in a hotel or rental, pack and organize your items as you go—it saves a lot of stress later.
The Power of the Tote
Crossbody Essentials
I keep these close at all times in a small crossbody bag:
- Cash + small bills
- Cards/checks
- Notebook & pen
- Hand sanitizer
- License copy
- Readers + magnifying glass or monocle
A magnet to test for real silver or gold (even your purse clasp will do in a pinch)
The “Everything Tote”
For long shopping days, I always carry one designated tote for the bulkier essentials I don’t want weighing me down—or bouncing around in my arms.
This tote holds:
- Sunscreen
- A small umbrella
- Water bottle
- Snacks for energy on the go
And often, I’ll either tuck my crossbody bag inside or transfer just the must-haves (like cash and ID) into this larger tote. It keeps everything in one place, frees up my hands, and makes wandering through markets a whole lot easier.
A well-packed tote = less stress, fewer forgotten items, and way more joy in the hunt.
If You’re Renting a Car
If you’re driving between markets, I suggest keeping a few extras in the car:
- A change of shoes/socks
- A sweatshirt or weather-friendly layer
- Your extra suitcase, ready to store packed items as you go
- Space to leave large purchases so you can come back for them
Bonus Tips & Takeaways
- Running low on packing materials? Ask for extras when you shop retail.
- Use your tote bags as wrap or to keep themed items together.
- Snap photos of your purchases as you go. It helps track what you’ve bought, plus you can post about your finds before you’re even home.
- Download my free packing checklist below (click the image and then you can save it)—it’s great for overseas or out-of-state market trips.
