5 Day Business Trip in a Carry-On

Bragging rights as a business woman for successfully using a carry-on suitcase for a 5 day business trip to two different states and weather. *Applause*

As a frequent flier with status on several airlines I receive a free checked bag, and on the airlines that I don't my company picks up the cost. So I could easily check a bag, its just that I don't like to. Once I've landed I want to go directly from the Gate to Ground Transportation and be on my way. Plus with Carry-On I have all of my essentials with me to make a quick change in the airport if I want. I also love sliding my laptop bag on top of the carry-on so I can wheel around the terminal.

But savvy travelers know how challenging it is to carry-on for longer than a few days. Like most women, I personally love to bring all my hair lotions and skincare potions, plus curling iron, makeup, jewelry, several pair of shoes. And in the winter, warmer clothes means heavier bulky clothes that take up so much extra room!

Don't fret! Here's how I pack everything I need for a full five days inside one carry-on suitcase and a backpack.

Liquids: First things first, let's eliminate as many liquid containers as we can. I love these Neutrogena HydroBoost Facial Cleansing Wipes to remove my makeup. They can be packed in your carry-on and won't count against your TSA liquid amount. Plus, these are the most moisturizing ones I've tired. The store brands are okay, but the Neutrogena HydroBoost are simply the best. I can't live without them! If you need just a few for a shorter trip or to throw in your purse, you can also grab this individually wrapped version. Do the same thing for hand sanitizer, grab some of these Wet Ones wipes. You'll love how much cleaner your hands will feel (plus you can wipe down your tray table on the plane). #protip

Second: Find yourself a really good quality set of travel containers. This does not count the cheap set at the drug store that are going to leak everywhere! Get a nice set that is reliable. Because I travel so much, and I have so many little potions I want to pack, I decided to invest in a set of Cadence Capsules. How do I summarize how awesome they are? I can't do it justice in a few sentences, so quick check out this review for all the deets With these handy little magnetic containers I can fit 10 - 14 different liquids in my TSA approved bag.

Next Tool of the Trade: Get a quality carry-on suitcase. I actually have several favorites that I highly recommend, so go check those out here.

NOW for the secret sauce. Forget packing cubes. All you need is the one single packing envelope from Eagle Creek Pack-It. I picked up one of these as a gift and after trying every style of cube and storage thing-a-ma-jig, I still go back to this for the most efficient use of space and the least amount of wrinkles upon arrival! It has a folder tool that helps fold each shirt, skirt, or pants perfectly. Then you use the velcro envelope sides to compress it down tight. Viola! you are maximizing that sacred suitcase space.

Start by rolling up all the little items and stuffing them in the bottom of the suitcase inbetween the rails fro the handle. That will create a mostly flat area to lay down your packing envelope. If you push that up against one side you'll have plenty of vertical space along two sides to place the less flexible items, or roll up a pair of jeans.

For this trip I took exactly 5 shirts, 4 pants, 2 pairs of shoes, 5 socks, a pair of cozy joggers, a long sleeve sleep shirt, full base layer shirt and pants, 5 pairs of long socks, makeup, medications, jewelry, brush, curling iron, makeup remover sheets, toothbrush, plus all my liquids. My TSA approved liquid bag held shampoo, conditioner, body wash, 2 hair serums, toothpaste, primer, foundation, sunscreen, retinoid, face moisturizer, hand cream, and a travel size dry shampoo.

A word on base layers: my entire family loves these 32 Degrees base layers. We usually buy them at Costco, but you can pick them up on Amazon too!. These are super thin, take up very little room, and are worn under your clothing to keep you toast warm. Be warned though. If you tend to run hot, these are not for you. If you're like me and also seem to have a chill and don't want to pack a million layers, these base layer shirt and pants are the answer. Oh, and these are sheer! Definitely not the choice to run down to the hotel store in.

ADHD Life Hack: See this ADHD shopping haul which I promptly packed up for this trip. Notice this tag is still attached? ALL the tags are still attached. This allows me to change my mind about this item right up until that moment that I'm about to walk out of my hotel room. If I suddenly notice the fit is off or it feels uncomfortable to wear I can fold it right back up and return it when I get home. And, likely run to a department store while I'm on this trip.