How do I pack necklaces so they don’t tangle when travelling?

Thread each unclasped chain through a drinking straw, clasp it shut, then pack it in a pouch or small zip bag. The straw keeps the chain straight so loops can’t form.

What is the straw hack for tangle-free necklaces?

Unclasp the necklace, feed one end through a straw, let it exit the other side and clasp as normal. Trim the straw to length if needed and pack individually.

Do I need special straws or will paper and reusable ones work?

Any clean straw works—paper, plastic, silicone or stainless. Choose a slim straw for delicate chains and a wider one for chunkier links.

Should pendants go inside the straw too?

Let pendants rest outside the straw so they don’t rub or snag. The straw is just to keep the chain straight.

Can I pack multiple necklaces in one straw?

No—use one straw per necklace. Doubling up can cause friction and tangles between chains.

What if I don’t have a straw?

Use an index card with two small slits to secure the chain, place the necklace between two sheets of cling film, or clasp each piece in a mini zip bag with the chain laid straight.

Will the straw hack damage my jewelry?

Used correctly, no. Thread gently, avoid forcing thick chains into tight straws, and pack each piece in a soft pouch to prevent rubbing.

Does this hack work for bracelets and anklets?

Yes—fine chain bracelets and anklets can be threaded through shorter straw sections to keep them straight during travel.

When should I skip the straw and use another method?

Rigid collars, very thick chains, or statement pieces don’t benefit from threading. Pack them laid flat in a shaped compartment or protective pouch.

Jewelry Hacks Untangle Hacks

Tangle-Free Travel: How to Pack Necklaces Without Knots

September 11, 2025

Travelling with jewelry shouldn’t mean a knotted mess at your destination. Here’s the quick straw trick every mum needs for tangle-free packing.

You’ve packed the kids’ snacks, the chargers, the mystery sock… and now your necklaces have formed a tiny metal bird’s nest. Not today. This clever straw hack keeps chains straight and separated, so you can unpack and go.

What You’ll Need

Clean drinking straws (paper, plastic, or reusable silicone/stainless)
Scissors (optional, to cut straws to length)
Your necklaces, unclasped

How to Do the Straw Hack (Step-by-Step)

Unclasp the chain. Lay the necklace flat.
Thread it through. Feed one end of the chain through a straw.
Clasp it shut. Once the chain exits the other side, clasp as usual.
Trim to fit. If the straw is longer than your chain, snip it to size.
Pack smart. Place the straw-threaded necklace in your jewelry pouch or a small zip bag.

Why It Works

Knots form when fine chains loop over themselves and twist. The straw keeps the chain straight and separated, preventing overlapping loops and friction that lead to tangles while your bag is jostled in transit.

Pro Tips

Match widths: Use wider straws for chunkier chains; slim straws for delicate ones.
Go reusable: Cut silicone or stainless straws to necklace length for an eco-friendly option.
One straw, one chain: Don’t double up; keep each necklace in its own straw.
Add a pouch: Slip the straw and chain into a soft pouch or mini zip bag for extra protection.
Pendants & charms: Let pendants rest just outside the straw so they don’t rub.

Great Alternatives (No Straw? No Problem.)

Index card: Cut two small slits and secure the chain across the card; clasp behind.
Cling film: Lay the chain flat between two sheets to keep it straight.
Mini bags: Store each necklace clasped in its own tiny zip bag, chain hanging out slightly to prevent loops.