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As a frequent business traveler, you’re probably used to packing up your carry-on and hoisting it up into the overhead compartment every week. Tight schedules have become even harder to manage thanks to flight delays and unpredictable airline issues, and you don’t exactly have the extra time to wait around for your suitcase to come around the conveyor belt with all of the tourists and first-time flyers. But many travelers are wising up to the carry-on suitcase trick to avoid lost luggage nightmares, and unless you’re the first one on the plane, it can be quite a challenge to find a spot to stash your overnight bag. To help you keep your bags light, portable and even malleable, read below to get some tips on how an efficient business traveler should pack a carry-on.

• Only pack the things you really need: If you’re traveling alone, it can be tempting to add all kinds of goodies to your bag to keep yourself entertained during lonely nights in the hotel or long flight delays in the airport. Before loading up your travel bag with heavy books and DVDs, however, be honest with yourself and really consider how likely you are to use any of the extra items. You can purchase a magazine at the airport, and many hotels offer Pay-Per-View or DVD rental systems for their guests. In addition, leave out your swimsuit and tennis shoes if you’re not going to have any downtime after late meetings, and don’t bring the family photo album just because you think you’ll start to miss everyone back home. Instead, upload your favorite digital pictures onto your laptop or limit yourself to one picture frame to put up in your room.
• Invest in a mini: iPod shuffles, mini DVD players and travel-sized personal hygiene items like deodorants and razors will save you lots of room in your carry-on. Many of these electronic items have been on the market for a while and are worth investing in if you’re a frequent business traveler. If you’re wondering whether or not to pack a certain item, first ask yourself if it comes in a mini or travel size. If it doesn’t, and you’re not absolutely sure that you’ll need it on your trip, ditch it.
• Carry your coat: If you’re a regular on the New York to LA flight, you’re probably used to dramatic changes in temperature from the time you leave one city and arrive in the next. During the winter months especially, these changes can be extremely inconvenient for travelers who need to pack light. Instead of stuffing your coat into your carry-on bag, carry it on the plane with you and stash it wherever you can once you get to your seat. Wear layers so that you can go from mild climates to chilly temperatures easily without overloading your carry-on.
• Stick to one color palette: One of the key tricks to packing light is limiting your travel wardrobe to one color palette. This method will help you avoid packing extra shoes, jackets, ties, purses and makeup, and will also save you space in your bag and time getting dressed each morning.
• Know how to pack for security: Frequent flyers are familiar with the aggravating back ups that occur when inexperienced travelers don’t respect security rules. Avoid making one of their amateur mistakes by emptying out your pockets, taking off your shoes, throwing out your water bottles and beverage containers and packing all of your travel-sized gels in one clear Ziploc bag in an easy-to-access place in your carry-on. Current TSA guidelines are available here.
• Upload your work files onto your computer: If you’ve got a big presentation to give, you may want to use the plane trip to prep yourself. Instead of packing extra files and materials that you won’t need once you’re at the meeting, upload your documents and charts onto your laptop ahead of time. Web-based systems are usually great, but you won’t be able to access the Internet when you’re in the air. Use a USB device for maximum efficiency and portability.

Keep these tips in mind the next time you have to jump on another cross-country flight but want to pack light. Flight delays and trouble making connections make keeping track of your luggage more and more difficult, so it’s always best to pack a carry-on that will fit under the seat in front of you.

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