4 Ways to Most Effectively Pack for a Business Trip

I am spending the next few days in the Windy City, which is exciting for a few reasons:

1. I am meeting with a handful of new PR firms to see if we can work together in the future.
2. I have flown through the Chicago airport a million times, but I have never actually spent any time in the city.
3. It is kinda cold there (well, cold relative to Texas), so I am finally getting to preview my Fall wardrobe!

These mini vacays are the best part of my job because they keep my life exciting, and I love meeting new people. I always try to add a little fun to the mix, so I will be staying through the weekend to see the city, and hang out with some old friends. Can’t wait!

I have always been a notoriously bad packer. I am always the one struggling with my suitcases because I have way more than I can carry. I also used to always be the one that had to take things out at the check-in counter because my bags were over 50 lbs. However, since I travel more now for work, I have finally learned how to pack efficiently…so efficiently, I can normally get away with 1 carry on suitcase. This is a big improvement for me!

Here are the revelations I have had over the years:

You don’t need options.

I used to pack an outfit for every occasion under the sun. I would bring a lot of unnecessary pieces…just in case. This is not a smart way to pack because you obviously end up with a bunch of things you don’t. My new rule of thumb is 1 outfit for each day. Then, I bring 2 or 3 things to wear at night incase I go to a fancier restaurant or go out on the town.

You can wear the same thing twice.

I am not sure why, but I used to be horrified to wear the same pair of pants or shirt twice during a trip. Then, I realized I was being stupid. Especially when I travel for business, I see different people each day, so who cares if I am wearing the same pants with a different shirt? Plus, this takes the stress out of coming up with outfit ideas.

Accessories are you best friend.

The best thing about accessories? They don’t take up much room your suitcase. Go ahead pack all your favorite necklaces, earrings, bracelets, belts, etc. Accessories are the easiest way to take an outfit from day to night without changing clothes. For example, pile on some necklaces for an extra dose of glam or spice up your look with a bold lip.

Leave the tranny heels at home.

This took me way too long to learn. I used to always bring a variety of heels along with me when I traveled. The problem: I couldn’t really walk in them, so I would also bring flats. Essentially, I ended up packing double the amount of shoes I actually needed. I got smart and realized I don’t always need a collection of shoes with me. Plus, shoes are heavy! That is what is making your suitcase weigh so much.

I swear once I took these tips to heart, my entire life got so much easier! There is no need to have your closet travel the world with you.