We often get asked about how to pack for a 2 to 3 day business trip. With a little planning you can travel light, especially if you take advantage of your hotel laundry service. Last minute packing generally leads to overpacking and wrinkled clothes. Instead take a moment to study your agenda to determine how many meetings and social occasions you expect to have.
What we have laid out here represents a typical wardrobe for 2 to 3 days, assuming you’re also wearing an outfit on the plane. You’ll notice that all of these items can be coordinated with each other. The jacket and trousers can be dressed up or down. No one wants to check luggage. A good carry on and sturdy garment bag like these will carry everything you need. The hanger on a garment bag can take up to three pairs of trousers if your trip requires a longer stay.
Place your jacket on top, cover it in dry-cleaner’s plastic, and push out any big air bubbles to prevent wrinkles. If a longer stay is requires you can layer on another jacket and more dry cleaner plastic. The first items in your carry on should be your shoes. Pack them heel down evenly across the floor of the bag to provide a good foundation for the rest of your items. Use the belts and socks as shoe trees to support your shoe’s shape. Use your shoes’ duster bags to protect your shoes and keep your other clothes clean.
Now, fill in the gaps with your sunglass case, rolled underwear, t-shirts, and sweatshirt & pants. Try to make the base as flat and even as possible. You can either roll your ties and pack them into the gaps or fold them in four and insert them into the inside pocket of your jacket. Avoid placing them between shoes so that they don’t get pinched and wrinkled along the way.
Overtop place your knits and shirts folded from the launderer. Plan on wearing your overcoat on the plane to avoid unnecessary weight on your dress shirts. One of the key tricks to wrinkle free packing is to make sure you unpack and hang everything the moment you arrive at your hotel. If you’re room’s not ready ask the concierge to hang your garment bag for you.
You’re all ready to go. Thank you and safe travels.
