Packing list for business travellers

Business travellers – How to pack for a week in a single carry-on bag

When travelling for work, it’s a good idea to pack smartly. With a well-thought-out packing strategy and the right essentials, you can fit everything you need into a single cabin suitcase whilst keeping everything organised throughout your trip.

The key is not to pack more, but to pack smarter. Choose outfits that can be worn over several days, and organise your belongings so they’re easy to find when you’re on the move.

Start with the right cabin bag

A good business trip starts with the right cabin suitcase. Many people choose a hard-shell cabin suitcase, as it helps to protect clothes, electronics and other important belongings whilst travelling.

Our 20" cabin suitcase is ideal for business travel and has room for all your essentials, whilst meeting the hand luggage requirements of many airlines. Explore our guide to suitcase sizes.

When you’re packing for a week’s stay in your hand luggage, organisation is key. Packing cubes make it easier to divide your suitcase into categories, so you can quickly find what you need without having to rummage through your entire bag.

Keep track of your electronics

Laptops, phones, headphones, power banks and chargers quickly take up more space than you might think. By keeping cables, adaptors and small electronic devices together in a pouch or organiser, it’s easier to keep track of them throughout your journey.

A computer bag or sleeve can help protect your laptop whilst you’re on the move. It’s a good idea to choose a laptop bag with room for your laptop, documents, notebook and other work essentials, so you have everything you need in one place.

Pack a simple wardrobe

You don’t need seven complete outfits for a week. Instead, pack pieces that can be mixed and matched. Stick to neutral colours such as black, navy, grey, white and beige. That way, most things will go together, and you can easily create several professional looks with just a few items.

It may be a good idea to pack:

2 pairs of trousers or skirts
1 blazer or jacket
4–5 shirts, blouses or tops
1 jumper or cardigan
1 pair of smart shoes
1 casual outfit for travel days
1 rain jacket for changeable weather
Underwear and socks for the whole trip

A good tip is to pack the items that take up the most space in your luggage first – for example, a blazer, a jumper or your largest pair of shoes. This leaves more room in your suitcase for the rest of your essentials.

Shop by collection

Kufferter 20"

Cosmetic bags

13" computer sleeves

Shoulder bags

Keep the essentials to hand

Use a computer bag, shopping bag or crossbody bag as your personal bag on board. You can use it to carry your passport, wallet, mobile phone, laptop, charger, headphones and any other items you’d like to have easy access to during your journey.

It may also be a good idea to pack a small pouch for receipts, business cards and other documents, so that it’s easier to keep track of expenses and work-related paperwork from start to finish.

Frequently asked questions

A well-packed cabin suitcase for a business trip typically contains a combination of electronic devices, travel documents, toiletries and clothes for both meetings and travel days.

Choose styles and fabrics that crease as little as possible in the suitcase. This makes it easier to pack efficiently and keep your clothes looking presentable throughout your trip.

A well-packed cabin suitcase for a business trip typically contains a combination of electronic devices, travel documents, toiletries and clothes for both meetings and travel days. By choosing styles and materials that crease as little as possible, it becomes easier to pack efficiently and arrive ready for the day’s schedule.

Airlines often have different rules regarding hand luggage, so it’s a good idea to check the applicable size and weight limits before you travel. Our size guide can help you find a cabin suitcase or bag that’s suitable for both your trip and the airline’s luggage requirements.