Our Corporate Stays team has been fortunate enough to meet many people. When we talk with them, we hear of their travel plans, where they’ve been, where they’re going, and how long they intend on staying. However, we also learn how they manage to fit a week’s worth of clothing into such a small suitcase or bag!
If you intend on travelling any time soon, then these packing tips can be helpful. We’ve learned a lot from our travellers, and we’re sure you will as well.
Packing Tip #1: Make a List
The importance of making a list featured on our last packing tips list, and there’s a reason for it: it’s highly essential. If you don’t make a list, it’s far too easy to forget some of those more critical items. Medication, money, and even a spare pair of socks can all find themselves left at home if you don’t remember to write them down.
Packing Tip #2: Know TSA Rules Inside Out
The Transportation Security Administration doesn’t mess around. They have strict rules for security and travel, and they expect you to know what they are. Do you? If you plan on traveling anywhere within the USA – or out of it – then you need to make sure everything you’re packing complies with those rules. Otherwise, you can hold up an entire security line and possibly lose your valuable goods.
Packing Tip #3: Be Aware of Baggage Fees
One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a business traveller is not familiarising yourself with baggage fees. Every airline is different. Before your journey, find out who you are flying with and what their rules are. Those fees can dictate how much you pack and whether you take one bag or two.
Packing Tip #4: Pack Outfits, Not Garments
It doesn’t matter whether you travel for business or pleasure, you can find yourself packing a whole lot of clothes you’ll never wear. Then, when you get home, they all come out again and back into the closet. To avoid taking items you don’t need, plan your suitcase by outfits. Fold underwear, socks, pants, a shirt, and an outer layer together as one day, and do the same for every other day.
Packing Tip #5: Roll Your Clothing
While you wouldn’t roll your clothing in your drawers at home, it makes perfect sense in your suitcase. It’s also one of the most important packing tips we can offer. Rolling your clothing creates more room in your bag than folding and stops clothing from creasing as well.
Packing Tip #6: Learn About Laundry
Many people pack too many clothes because they fail to factor in any laundry opportunities. Fortunately, many Corporate Stays apartments offer in-suite laundries. Phone ahead and find out if where you are staying does as well. You can then pack less and travel lighter.
Packing Tip #7: Pack Versatile Clothing
Pants that turn into shorts and other versatile garments should be your go-to for travelling light. Whether you’re on the road for business or pleasure, it’s one of the best packing tips we can offer. If you can wear something more than once, and in more than one temperature range, it’s a winning garment.
Packing Tip #8: Check Your Bag Size
Not every bag is suitable for overhead lockers. Therefore, if you plan on taking a suitcase onboard the aircraft as carry-on, make sure it fits before you get on. There’s nothing more awkward than holding up an entire plane of travellers while you try to stuff your enormous bag into an area that won’t fit.
Packing Tip #9: Bring a Few Extra Bags
You never know when you’ll need them, especially for things like dirty clothes, which are always an afterthought. They weigh nothing and come in SO handy, so don’t forget a few!
Packing Tip #10: Know Your Liquids
Almost every frequent traveller should know this rule by now, but it’s still easy to forget. If you have to carry any liquids, gels, or aerosols, follow the 3-1-1 rule. You should have less than 3.4 ounces in a container, one bag per passenger, and one quart in a clear, plastic, zip-lock bag.
Sometimes you can get so caught up in thinking about what you will do when you get to your destination that you don’t put much thought into the process leading up to it. It’s crucial that you do. Refer to our packing tips above. Before long, you can be making your way to your destination with no problems at all.
