Packing for business trips can be a giant pain, particularly if you travel often. But there are a few ways to save time, and ensure your focus is simply on business.
Here are some tips for packing for your next business trip:
Use a list
Keep a list on your phone or a written list inside your suitcase with everything you need for a successful business trip. A bit of organisation will make packing much less stressful, and you can reuse it, add to it when necessary, and tick things off.
Take plenty of Neutrals
Black matches everything, and plenty of black pants, shirts, and business clothes will help you get through a long trip while ensuring less washing. Beige, navy, and grey are always good options as well.
Pack light
Never check your bag if you can help it. There’s nothing worse than arriving jet lagged in another city or country, and wondering just where your bags have ended up. Traveling with just a carry-on means you’ll be able to stroll through customs, and if you pack smart you won’t feel like you’re missing out when you arrive.
Accessorise
Accessorising can turn a casual or boring outfit into something far more spectacular. Packing a scarf, some nice jewellery, and a pair of good shoes will allow you to mix and match and create multiple outfits.
Pack all charging devices together
Pack all of your chargers in one bag, and if you’re planning to do some work on the plane make sure you’ve charged all of your electronics before you leave.
Take half the stuff
Whatever you imagine you need to take, slash it in half and you’ll still probably have packed too much. Ensure you have a few layers, and commit to doing laundry once you arrive if you’re staying for longer than a few days.
Be smart with your toiletries.
Pack your toiletries into small plastic bottles in a plastic bag so you can easily get through security, and remember you won’t need the shampoo, conditioner or soap as most hotels will already have these. Invest in a small toiletry kit with a travel toothbrush, travel razor, and anything else you use regularly, keep it in your carry-on and you’ll have far fewer things to pack regularly.
Own the right bag
You want to get the biggest bag possible without risking those airline limits. Choose one which is light but durable, as they usually end up stuffed in overhead bins and will get banged around while you’re transiting.
Make the best use of your space
Shoes placed on the bottom give you a good base and you can put socks, ties and belts inside them, before stacking other clothes on top. Shoe bags are also a good idea to keep clothes clean from dirt and sand.
Fold shirts vertically before rolling which will prevent deep creases and allow you to fit more in your bag.
