Packing for a business trip can be a tricky feat. You have a lot of things to bring, and not a whole lot of space to store them. If you’ve traveled for business, you’ve probably had to try and cram everything from work attire to electronics to paperwork and other various items into your bag. It can get overwhelming trying to find space for everything, and the last thing you need when preparing for a work trip is to be stressed out from packing. Luckily, we’ve put together some of our best business trip packing tips that you can use for all of your future work travels. From keeping your important documents close to only using carry-on luggage and more – here’s how you can make packing for your next business trip go smooth and easy:
Make a List
One of the most important things you can do when packing for your business trip is to make a list ahead of time. A list allows you to write everything down, ensures that you aren’t missing any essential items, and keeps you organized. Consider breaking up your list into two sections – one section for your clothing and the other for electronics and business materials.
Keep Your Important Documents Close
If you are bringing any important documents along with you on your trip, keep them close to you and not in a place where they can get lost. For example, if you’re bringing a carry-on luggage that contains your clothing and a personal carry-on item such as a backpack, we recommend keeping your important documents in your personal bag. This way, you can always keep a close eye on your belongings and ensure that nothing goes missing.
Plan Your Outfits Ahead of Time
Avoid overpacking by planning your outfits ahead of time. Look around your closet and pull out articles of clothing that you need for your work trip. Now, look at your options and place them into individual outfits. Doing this will help you see what you have, make you feel more organized, and help you avoid packing too much.
Use a Carry-On Luggage
The less luggage you have to lug around with you during your business trip, the better. That’s why we recommend only bringing one piece of carry-on luggage and a small personal carry-on item such as a backpack. Odds are, your schedule will be filled throughout your trip, and you’ll want to maximize your time. Using a carry-on will save you time since you won’t have to check in a bag and retrieve it at the baggage claim.
Invest in a High-Quality Piece of Luggage
If you frequently travel for business, you’ll want to invest in a high-quality piece of luggage. When on a work trip, you’re going to haul around many essential items, and you want to ensure that these items do not become damaged. Some things to look for include waterproof luggage, luggage with a hard shell, and luggage that can be easily transported.
Use Packing Cubes
Maximize the space inside your luggage by using packing cubes. Separate your clothing into categories (dress shirts, pants, loungewear, etc.) and place each type into different cubes. This is a great way to make the most of the space you have and allows you to quickly find and access your items when you need them.
Pack a Portable Steamer
You’ll want to dress to impress while on your business trip. One way to do this is to ensure that your clothes look crisp and clean by bringing a portable steamer. Your clothes can get wrinkled while traveling, and wrinkles do not leave a good first impression. Taking a portable steamer along with you on your trip will ensure that your clothing is always wrinkle-free.
Only Pack Two Pairs of Shoes
It’s easy to bring too many shoes while traveling. But the truth is, you only need a few pairs, especially when traveling for business. Next time you go on a work trip, only pack two pairs of shoes. Bring one pair to wear to business-related events and another pair to wear when you are relaxing and grabbing a quick bite to eat. Trust us; you’ll find that two pairs of shoes will be more than enough.
Get Your Electronics Ready Ahead of Time
Keeping your electronics safe while traveling is crucial. You have important information stored on your devices, and you want to keep that information protected. A great way to do so is by getting your electronics ready ahead of time. Make sure that you have a safe spot to store your devices while on the go (such as a backpack) and set up a VPN on all of your devices before departing for your trip.
Bring Healthy Snacks
A busy business travel schedule may make it hard to run out and quickly find something to eat when you’re hungry. Pack some healthy snacks in your bag so that you always have something satisfying to eat. This will make it easy to fulfill your hunger needs, even during the busiest of days.
If you need help obtaining a passport or business visa for your next business trip, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help answer any questions you may have. If you’re ready to obtain a new passport, passport renewal, or business visa, you can get started on the Swift website. No matter where you plan on going, we’ll get you there!
