Shane T. Frank, Houston, COO, on Packing for Business Trips

It’s easy to make a packing list, triple-check it, and gather all the items on your bed. It’s another to open the suitcase and fit all the items inside. If you’ve folded and rolled and crammed but your suitcase is still overflowing, it’s time to pare down your list. While business travel does require careful packing and planning, it’s important not to overload your luggage with non-essential items. Here are just a few items that you don’t need to take along for the ride.

Excess Toiletries

You can call ahead to double-check the offerings, but most hotels provide complimentary toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, and mouthwash. Unless your hair, skin, or teeth have specific needs, it’s best to minimize the number of toiletries you’re bringing along. By not packing excessive toiletries, you have more flexibility to use a smaller toiletry bag and, should you have no need for a quart-sized bag, can shave time off of bag screening.

Bright Clothes

While your new orange dress-shirt may be a hit at the office, it’s not the best option for travel. When packing for a business trip, stick to neutral colors like black, gray, blue, and white. It may not be an exciting color scheme, but it’s easy to mix-and-match those four hues. With an almost infinite number of ways to pair up shirts and slacks, you’ll be able to get away with less clothing in your bag. A pair of black bottoms can easily go with a blue, gray, or white shirt, and a black blazer works in a similar fashion. Plan out what you’ll wear each day so that you avoid over- or under-packing any articles of clothing.

eReaders and MP3s

The miracle of living in the smartphone age is that our personal devices wear many hats. Our texting machines double as eReaders, MP3s, televisions, and more. If you have an iPhone or Android, download your music, eBooks, and favorite shows to enjoy on the flight and in the hotel. You should only have to pack a phone and a laptop, especially for a short trip. Limiting your devices ensures that you don’t forget to charge anything, and prevents wires from tangling in your luggage. Additionally, much like limiting toiletries, limiting electronics saves time and hassle during screening.

Backup Items

Maybe you’re afraid of spilling coffee all over yourself, or maybe you’re on the fence about hitting the hotel pool. Whatever the case, you probably have at least one extra outfit on your packing list. If you tend to overpack, go through your list and cross out one of each clothing item—shoes, socks, pants, and shirt. Chances are you’ve never used these spare clothes on previous trips, and with that track record, you likely won’t this time around, either. So, leave behind the old college t-shirt and swim trunks, and save room for any freebies or treats you might get on your trip.

This content was originally published at ShaneTFrank.org.