How to Pack for a Week-Long Business Trip

Even the most seasoned business travelers struggle with the packing process, whether their issue is overpacking or forgetting important items. Packing for business travel can be especially difficult when it’s for a relatively short period of time, such as one week. It helps to have something to reference before or during your packing, such as a checklist, a smartphone app—or this blog.

Follow these tips on how to pack for your short trip, organized by item categories, to pack only the business trip essentials for your next jaunt.

Clothing

For any type of travel, the best way to go about packing clothing is not on a day-by-day basis but rather an outfit-by-outfit basis. In other words, instead of assembling a single outfit for each day, look at what’s on your agenda for the business trip and plan your ensemble accordingly. Pack whatever outfits you’ll need for lounging, meetings, events, working out, dinners, cocktail hours, etc.

Of course, check the weather forecast for your destination and make sure your clothing will keep you adequately dry, warm or cool. Also find out if your accommodations will include washer and dryer access—if so, take advantage by packing clothing you can wash and then wear again during the trip.

Toiletries

When it comes to toiletry essentials, do yourself a favor by heading to your local drugstore and finding the “travel” or “trial size” section. There you can find essentials like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, etc. in small containers. They’re also safe to pack in a carry-on without violating TSA guidelines for liquids and gels.

If you can’t find something in your preferred brand, purchase an empty travel-sized container and fill it with your own product.

Electronics

Only bring electronics you will absolutely need to use during your business trip. For a short-term business trip, there’s no need to pack your laptop if you’ll be doing all your work from your smartphone, for example. Keep in mind that for each electronic you pack, that’s another set of cords and chargers you’ll have to bring and another item to keep track of. If you’ll be out and about for long periods of time, consider packing portable chargers for your devices.

Carry-on Items

Whether your carry-on is a suitcase, backpack or purse, make sure it includes business trip essentials such as:

• Medications
• Comfort items
• Entertainment
• Electronics
• Chargers and power cords
• Food and beverages

To keep your carry-on items to a minimum, be mindful of how long your travel times are and what will be provided to you. For example, will you have enough time to finish a movie or get work done? Will your laptop battery last, or should you bring a power cord? Are there power outlets on the flight? Will the in-flight snacks be enough to hold you over? Et cetera.

Other Business Trip Essentials to Pack

Some items are essential for your business trip but don’t fit into any one category. No matter how sure you are that you won’t forget them, it’s often the most important items that are accidentally left behind, such as:

• Passport/ID
• Tickets
• Phone charger and cord
• Umbrella
• Reading glasses
• Sunglasses
• Undergarments
• Swimwear
• Pajamas
• Voltage converter (for international travel)

Business travel is better in a furnished apartment

Stay in a fully furnished, fully equipped temporary furnished apartment on your next business trip. You’ll have everything you need, not just in your suitcase but in the apartment itself.