Like this:

Being a planner or a coordinator isn’t always about keeping the bride calm, the groom from fainting or the families in one room for that group photo. It is also about keeping being a savvy and organized person while on business trips. Actually, this is for any trip that you may have to take; personal, a business FAM tour or a true Destination wedding. Remember you can not pack your whole house and every item from your emergency kit and still have it under the 50 pound limit, so here is my TIP OF THE CENTURY!

Get yourself some space saver storage bags. That’s right, my tip for packing revolves around those storage bags. How to pack the suitcase rests on the super ability of those bags. They are not just for storing items during the off seasons anymore! They are easy to find and with the various sizes, literally anything can be put in a suitcase.

I’m sure you are sitting here reading this and thinking, I must be crazy, yet view the pictures below or ask any of my traveling colleagues and they can vouch for this tip. The bags will do several things for you: save you about 10 pounds in weight, avoid bugs or moisture from getting into your clothes and my personal fave, it keeps anyone during a “search” from handling your clothing. Yes, they are wearing gloves, but do you really think they may not try to take something from your bag? There are NO guarantees in the airport! Another great thing about the bags, they can double as a dirty laundry bag in case you don’t wear everything you pack. Now how to pack for a business trip by bag size.:

The small bags – great to keep your bathing suits, under garments and delicates. Also, any large bottles that are greater than the 3 oz would be safe from popping contents into your clothes!

The medium bags – for those blouses, summer dresses and camis you will pack. I tend to keep away from tank tops unless you are pairing it with a blouse or shirt to maintain that professional look. When traveling on a business trip, try to carry more tops than bottoms. It saves you from carrying more if you try to double up on the bottoms!

*Remember, your appearance on those business trips (FAM tours, destination wedding or meeting trips) reflect you and  your business. It’s a workcation not a vacation!

The large bags – for all your pants (ironed and folded in half), formal dresses (turned inside out and folded in half) and skirts. Normally you may only need 2-3 pants and 2 skirts. Tip: have a black pant and skirt included in the count. You never know if it will be a formal affair or casual. With neutral colours (grey, black, brown, blue or green), you can be more versatile in your apparel and look fresh; even if you wore the same pants twice! The evening dress can double for a semi or full formal affair. Most cocktail receptions are semi formal. Just carry a shawl or pashmina with your small clutch purse and you are set!

The jumbo bags – can be used for a bridal gown or suit if it is secure and not to big in terms of skirting on the dress.

For your shoes: remember those newspaper bags they give you when the rain falls during their delivery, save them! They are wonderful to keep your shoes together and not have the bottoms rub against your clean clothes!

My don’t carry list. Try to not look too casual during travel stops, especially on a business trip! You will not believe how that will reflect on you as a business professional! Also, the shorts, tank tops and outfits that have may have a negative impact on your business. Pack a pair and keep that for the leisure time you may have after visiting a resort or business function. If you aren’t sure, then don’t carry it. Tip: instead of shorts, opt for capris or Bermuda walking shorts. They are comfortable and have a better appeal than those daisy dukes in your closet!

So that’s it. My save yourself in the packing stress! The pictures are for an upcoming trip that I will be away for a couple of weeks. Now, you can do like me and have the tip to yourself; then shock the world when they see you at the airport with one suitcase or share it with a business colleague or traveling brides and grooms! I just did with you all!

Advertisement