If there's one thing I've learned from traveling on business, it's that less is better.
I've traveled cross country twice packing my allowed carry on bag and personal item.
I was amazed to find that it doesn't take as much to survive away from home as I thought.
So how did it I do it? 1.
Use space bags.
Remember those bags you saw advertised on television that you could store clothes in and vacuum the air out to save space? It works for packing bags efficiently, too.
This is a tremendous space saver and amazingly, it keeps your clothes in pretty good condition.
I packed my pants and shirts in a large bag, and my underwear and delicates in a smaller bag.
You can find them at Target with the storage supplies.
2.
Check the weather at your destination and pack wisely.
There's no need to pack a bulky sweater if you have a blazer or jacket that will match several outfits.
Also, be sure to pack at least two pairs of socks because you're going to do a lot of walking at the airport and will be glad to have them.
3.
Know what the hotel provides and utilize their resources.
Every hotel I've stayed in has an iron and a closet.
Do the following things immediately upon arrival: unpack your bag, spray your clothes with Downy Wrinkle Releaser, iron pants and shirts, and hang them in the closet.
Repack dirty items at the end of the day.
Also, don't bother with packing shampoo, conditioner, soap, or blow dryers, as most hotels provide these as well.
Check online or call ahead to see what the hotel provides so you know what you don't need to pack.
4.
Take three pairs of shoes.
Wear a pair of good walking shoes that you can get on and off at the airport quickly.
Pack a pair of dress shoes and a pair of bedroom slippers or flip flops to wear around the hotel at the bottom of your carry on bag.
5.
Skip the Duplicates.
Unless you're a professional photographer, there's no need to pack a digital camera if your cell phone takes good pictures.
Likewise, don't take your tablet and your laptop.
Decide which one you're more likely to use and leave the other one at home.
6.
Buy a small purse or wallet handbag and pack it in your carry on.
When traveling, it's wise to take a small purse that contains only your cash, credit card, and ID, and pack it in your carry on.
This saves your second "personal item" for a larger bag that you can pack your cell phone, toiletries, medications, power cords, laptop or tablet, boarding passes, and other small items like a GPS or paperback book in.
7.
Use make-up kits.
Those make up kits with eyeshadow, blusher, and lip gloss aren't just for teens.
They pack efficiently and are easier to manage than multiple compacts and tubes.
8.
Limit jewelry.
Wear the same rings and earrings the entire trip, and consider skipping a watch, especially if you're crossing time zones.
Your cell phone probably keeps time more accurately anyway.
9.
Be careful buying souvenirs.
Remember that anything you buy at your destination is going to take up valuable space.
Keep it small and simple if you want to keep it with you.
For larger items, see the hotel concierge to make arrangements to ship them home.
10.
Be prepared for security screenings the minute you enter the airport.
Print your boarding passes and check the TSA Guidelines and the guidelines for the airline you're traveling on the day before the trip.
Knowing what is allowed and how to properly pack it will not only save space, but time getting through security as well.
These tips should help you travel lighter, save you (or your company) checked bag fees, and relieve stress by keeping the load efficient and organized.
Being in a strange city can be stressful, but packing light allows you to focus on more important things, like dealing with public transportation, finding your accommodations, and getting straight to work or fun with less hassle.