6 Packing Tips for Your Upcoming Business Trip

Traveling for business can be pretty fun. There’s the excitement of going somewhere different and new experiences. And of course, there’s the fact that you’ll get out of the same old office you’re used to going to every day. However, what’s not so great about traveling? Packing.

It’s safe to say that packing luggage can often feel pretty overwhelming and stressful. What in the world should you bring with you? How many outfits will you need and do you need to be prepared for specific events? Do you need more than one pair of shoes? And how exactly is all of this going to fit into one suitcase?

Instead of going into panic mode, we’re sharing a few packing tips for your upcoming business trip. With this advice, you’ll be sure to bring everything you need and you’ll be able to pack with as little stress as possible.

1. Don’t Procrastinate on Packing

This piece of advice shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you want to eliminate the panic and frustration that can sometimes come along with packing luggage, don’t leave it until the last minute. The morning of your trip (or even the night before) is not the ideal time to start planning outfits and packing a suitcase. It will more than likely lead to you forgetting something important.

Instead, give yourself plenty of time to pack. The smart decision would be to get your bag packed a couple days ahead of time. Then, you’ll be prepared and ready to go when it’s time to head out.

2. Review the Itinerary for Your Trip

Before you even get started with packing, you should review the itinerary for your trip (should you have one). You need to know how long you’ll be gone, as this will dictate how many fresh outfits you need to bring along. Plus, you need to know if there are any specific events you’ll be attending and if those events have a certain dress code.

For instance, if you know you’ll be attending meetings, your best professional attire will be a must. If you’ll be catching up with friends in the area, you might want to pack jeans and a t-shirt for something casual. Knowing what you’ll be doing during your business trip will make packing much easier.

And if you have extra space in your luggage, it never hurts to bring a few options along with you. This way, you’ll be prepared if something gets stained or if another event comes up at the last minute.

3. Choose Smart Clothes

To keep it super quick and simple, be smart with your clothing choices. By packing wrinkle-free fabrics, you won’t have to worry about ironing or steaming. Everything will be ready-to-wear straight out of your bag. Plus, you can’t go wrong with packing neutral colors like white, black, gray, and navy. This will ensure you’re ready for anything your business trip throws at you—from formal meetings to casual dinners.

4. Invest in Nice Luggage for Travel

The final piece of advice we have for your upcoming business trip is to invest in nice luggage. If you’re still using that dingy, beat-up luggage that you first bought in high school, it’s time to let it go. Choose something that’s high-quality and will last you a lifetime. Not only does this give off a good impression to those you may be traveling with, but you’ll feel good knowing your belongings are secure. Opt for something with multi-directional wheels for ease of use, an ergonomical grip, and even a hard shell for durability. Luggage such as Mia Toro Italy is known for their high-quality, inexpensive, and comfortable business-appropriate luggage (e.g. their Industrial Texture collection).

5. Make Sure You Bring the Essentials

Toiletries, chargers, and medication, oh my! One of the reasons it’s so important to give yourself plenty of time to pack is that you don’t want to forget any of the essentials. There’s nothing worse than getting to your destination and discovering that you’ve forgotten something important like medication you take every day, deodorant, or your laptop charger. (No one wants to have to purchase a new phone charger at the last minute!)

Get a bag to house all of your favorite toiletries like your toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and deodorant. And if you’re not into hotel shampoo and conditioner, put some of your favorites into travel-sized bottles to bring along.

And of course, don’t forget to grab any chargers you might need. There’s a pretty good chance you’ll want your smartphone charger, laptop charger, and perhaps a charger for that smartwatch of yours. When not in use, keep these things in your suitcase so you don’t accidentally leave them behind in your hotel.

6. Pack Any Must-Have Items or Valuables in Your Carry-On

Let’s say that you have a very important presentation to give on your upcoming business trip. You spent hours preparing a gorgeous slideshow to go along with this presentation. You decide to put your laptop in a bag that you check at the airport. But when you arrive at your destination, your luggage is nowhere to be found! Your suitcase, along with the laptop housing your presentation, are gone. Don’t be afraid… But it does happen.

If there’s anything important that you absolutely need for your trip, put it in your carry-on. You won’t have to worry about losing something crucial should your luggage disappear. The same goes for any valuables. By keeping all of your must-have items with you, you have less to worry about.

And, if you’re truly afraid of losing your luggage in transit, consider shipping it.