Business trips are a different beast than leisure trips. You need to incorporate punctuality and professionalism. You rarely have time to deal with failed travel plans and poorly packed luggage. To make your business trip less draining than necessary take a moment before you leave to pack light, tight, and right. You will keep clothes wrinkle free and save time in the long run.
Here are a few things you can do to pack what you need in no time:
Packing Light
The first trick to packing light is getting the right suitcase. You may need to invest in a new bag if you bought your bag more than five years old. In recent years suitcase manufactures have innovated lighter and more efficient bags. With a lighter bag, you can dedicate more weight to clothes and gadgets in your bag. Before the innovations, 22’’ bags usually weighed closer to 10 pounds. Now you can get a 22'' bag that weighs as little as four pounds.
Along with weight, the wheels on your bag may wear and tear over years. When you shop for a new bag, use two-wheeled bags for overhead bins, and spinner bags with four wheels for checked luggage.
Now let’s talk about what goes inside your bag. If you normally come home from a business trip and have clean clothes left in your suitcase, it’s time to rethink what you’re packing. To avoid unnecessary clothes, use these five packing tricks:
Only pack clothes you normally use. Now is not the time to test out a new outfit. Choose apparel that you know you will feel comfortable in.
Bring clothes that you can mix-and-match. Bring basic shirts that will work with a variety of suits rather than one for every day.
Lay your outfits out before you pack them. This way you can find which outfits work well together, or which shirt may only match one pair of pants.
Wear your coat to the airport or opt for layering clothes rather than bringing a coat. Coats often take up a large amount of space in your luggage.
Shoes often take up more room than necessary. If possible, bring one or two pairs of shoes.
Along with clothes, keep accessories to a minimum. Instead of a large shampoo bottle, bring a travel size shampoo, or use the hotels sample shampoo. Use as many disposable accessories as possible to avoid bulky accessories. As a side note, containers with liquid may expand and contract from the pressure on the aircraft. Consider putting liquids in enclosed plastic bags to avoid spills.
For quick trips consider keeping a pre-packed carry-on in your closet. This way you can leave at a moment’s notice without having to stuff random clothes in your bag. Once you’re back from your trip, rewash clothes and restock if necessary.
As you pack, ask yourself if you really need everything in your suitcase. Try and leave some available space in your suitcase for souvenirs or gifts you may buy on your trip.
Packing Tight
The key to packing a tight suitcase, is how you fold your clothes. You can reduce wrinkles and save space by rolling pants, shirts, socks, and under garments. Another common used method is zip-up mesh cubes. With this method you can remove air bubbles and keep similar clothing in one place.
Use suitcase pockets for accessories and the main area for clothes. This will not only keep your bag organized, but also leave the most area for your clothes and shoes. Place shoes in the suitcase first, then your rolled or bagged clothes.
As you put clothes in push each new packed shirt close to the next one. Try and remove as much space as possible as you pack.
Packing Right
Avoid having to dig through your bag to find what you need, by placing clothes in the order that you’ll need them. For example, when you get to a new destination, the first time you open your suitcase is normally to prepare for bed. In this case, you would keep your pyjamas near the top. Then the outfit for the next day under those.
Along with ordering the clothes in your suitcase, keep in mind items you may need easy access to. For instance, you may need a phone charger or a pen at the airport. Therefore, store these items in the front pocket of your carry-on luggage. Additionally, take advantage of charging stations when you can. This will help you avoid a dead smartphone, laptop, or tablet.
Easy access also applies to travelling documents. Paper clip airplane tickets, hotel reservations, maps, and directions in a place that you can get to quickly. Keep these documents in the order that you will need them as well. This will save you from digging through your bags and losing travel plans.
Use these tips for all your business trips to ensure stress-free luggage during your travels. For more information, contact our helpful crew at Airco Aircraft Charters.