TL;DR
A reader who travels a few times a year asked Kathi how to stop forgetting things. Keep a permanent travel kit packed and waiting, ideally in a case that opens and hangs, filled with travel-size toiletries, grooming tools and a small medical kit. Replenish it after every trip, and add extras like a notebook, earplugs, tip money and packing supplies.
Dear Kathi,
I’ve made my list and checked it twice for my upcoming business trip. I travel 3-4 times a year and always find that I’ve forgotten something important. Do you have running list of “must have” items for travelers?
Mary, Carlsbad
Mary,
It is a good idea to create a permanent travel kit that is filled and waiting for your upcoming trips. Travel cases that can be opened and hung are worth the investment. They won’t take up counter space and you can see at a glance what you have on hand. Fill your travel kit with these essentials and replenish as needed after each trip.
Buy sample sizes or small travel bottles to refill for shampoo, deodorant, shave crème, crème rinse, lotion, baby oil, powder and so forth. If you prefer using your own soap to the many hotel varieties, pack it as well. I find that a small refillable bottle of my favorite liquid soap and a loofah sponge makes me feel more comfortable when travelling. Include shaving equipment and shave crème, tweezers and small scissors. Folding embroidery scissors work well because they won’t poke holes.
Additionally, remember toothbrush, toothpaste, cotton balls/ swabs and safety pins. A small medical kit should include aspirin, allergy pills, eye drops, bandaids, triple antibiotic and any other medicine you use on a regular basis. Your make-up kit along with eyeglasses or contacts and related supplies will complete your essentials.
Add-ons can include a small notebook and pen for phone numbers, expenses etc. A travel alarm, unless you are extremely optimistic about the wake-up call service, soft earplugs and something to read. Don’t forget your tip change – single dollars and loose change for the vending machines at the end of the hall. If you plan to shop, tuck a marker, string, packing tape and return address labels into your suitcase pocket. These items will come in very handy for shipping or creating quick carry-on bags.
You can download a printable checklist from my website https://addspacetoyourlife.com/travelchecklist
Kathi is a professional organizer, image consultant and event planner based in San Diego California.
Please submit your questions to: [email protected].
San Diego Professional Organizer
Keep reading
- Organizing Work in Multiple LocationsOne calendar, a portable file box and buffer time between appointments.
- Business Casual Dress CodeThe right shoes and socks when the dress code says business casual.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop forgetting things when I travel for business?
+
Create a permanent travel kit that stays filled and ready between trips, and replenish it after each one. Kathi suggests a travel case that opens and hangs: it won’t take up counter space and you can see at a glance what you have on hand.
What toiletries should go in a travel kit?
+
Buy sample sizes or refill small travel bottles with shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant and shave cream. Add shaving equipment, tweezers, small folding scissors, a toothbrush, toothpaste, cotton swabs and safety pins. Kathi also packs a small bottle of her favorite liquid soap and a loofah sponge.
What should a travel medical kit include?
+
Pack aspirin, allergy pills, eye drops, bandages, triple antibiotic ointment and any medicine you take regularly. Add your makeup kit and your eyeglasses or contacts with their supplies, and your essentials are complete.
What extra items are useful on a business trip?
+
Bring a small notebook and pen for phone numbers and expenses, a travel alarm in case the wake-up call fails, soft earplugs and something to read. Carry single dollars for tips and loose change for the vending machines at the end of the hall.
What should I pack if I plan to shop while traveling?
+
Tuck a marker, string, packing tape and return address labels into your suitcase pocket. Kathi says these come in very handy for shipping your purchases home or making quick carry-on bags.
