The Transportation Security Administration, which is responsible for protecting the country’s transportation systems, is toughening up. This week it put into effect new procedures for airport security, increasing the frequency of pat-down searches and requiring that passengers remove coats, jackets and other outerwear for screenings.

With more hoops to jump through, travelers may find it harder to keep track of their belongings, according to Susan Foster, author of the new book “Smart Packing for Today’s Traveler.”

To prevent the loss or theft of your carry-on items, Foster recommends the following:

Pare down what you pack. Anything fragile, expensive, absolutely necessary or irreplaceable should go in your carry-on instead of in your checked luggage, but Foster advises that you avoid traveling with expensive items. “The less you take with you that has value, the better you are,” she said. “You have less to watch.”

Limit the number of carry-on bags. If you’re bringing a bag, a briefcase and a purse, put the smaller bag inside the larger one. That way, you have fewer pieces to watch. Check that you have the same number of bags every time you stop, whether at the ticket counter, at the security checkpoint or in line.

Once at the airport, proceed directly to security. Lines can lengthen rather quickly, and it’s easier to lose track of personal items if you’re rushing to get to your gate on time.

While in line, prepare for screening. Remove keys, loose change and other metal from your pockets. Put these in a sealable plastic bag and pop it in your carry-on. If the airport requires you to remove your shoes and outerwear for separate screening, do so in advance.

If you’re traveling with a laptop computer, remove it from your carry-on bag for separate screening. Throw out or pack away any food or drink container – it’s just one more item to watch.

Once you’re through the checkpoint, move to the side of the line and make sure you’ve collected all your belongings. If you are selected for a pat-down search, ask to claim your carry-on items first.