Often the need to travel for business is a last minute affair, with little time to prepare. The solution for being ready to go at a moment's notice is to unpack in an organized manner upon returning from a business trip. There are many items that can stay packed if you shop thoughtfully and keep a second set of toiletries and bags packed all the time.
Keep a shaving kit or makeup bag packed and in a convenient place at all times. It could consist of travel sizes of your favorite toiletries, as well as duplicates of things like toothbrush, hairbrush and deodorant. Refill the toiletries immediately after you return home so they will be ready to go.
Use a separate suitcase for your business travel, and it should have a hanging apparatus for suits and jackets. Put this business travel bag back in a closet or nearby shelf. Don't put it up with your vacation bags, which may be used only once or twice a year. The attic is no place for your business travel luggage.
Minimize your electronics so that you can be ready to go without worrying about chargers or backups. Choose one device that you will always have charged. This device should hold and use the portable drives you can remove from your computers and MP3 players.
Decide on an outfit that can work any environment and make sure it is always fresh. One pair of shoes can be the perfect solution for numerous outfits. Knowing in advance what pieces work best will make the packing easier.
Take suits and jackets to the cleaners immediately after returning from a trip. Do not wait until you get the call and it might be too late, leaving you to rethink about what clothes to bring.
