I am a big fan of Ziplock bags. Put your random stuff in them. If you have things that need to go through the airport security X-ray, put them in a Ziplock bag. When you get to the X-ray, you can plop it in the box. When you get to the other side, just put it back in your laptop bag. (Some places don't like your having things mixed in with your laptop. when it gets X-rayed.
I am a big fan of Ziplock bags. Put your random stuff in them. If you have things that need to go through the airport security X-ray, put them in a Ziplock bag. When you get to the X-ray, you can plop it in the box. When you get to the other side, just put it back in your laptop bag. (Some places don't like your having things mixed in with your laptop. when it gets X-rayed.
This is a really good idea.