With thanks to all who participated, here are the results of my latest weekend poll. Our focus: When you travel, are you a minimalist – or do you wind up bringing half your closet?  

You know what you’re doing

It’s no surprise that readers are an organised bunch, and reported  little challenge with deciding what to pack. While many tend to pack on the light side, more than a third tend to lug a fairly full piece of luggage.

25% of you travel with only carry-on luggage

… but that’s not the case for respondents who find that you don’t wear more than 90% of the clothes you bring … but that’s not unreasonable, when you consider that we often pack for potential weather swings. It’s a good thing people leave some room in those suitcases, since 88% of respondents say they typically shop while away at conferences.

But when do you pack?

Well, a quarter of you start organising a week ahead of time. At the other end of the spectrum, 28% wait until the day before (or the day of) travel.  More than a third of you fit the organising and packing in somewhere in between! Read on for full results.

THE DATA

On a scale of 1 (challenging; what to bring?) to 5 (piece of cake; I know just what I need), how adept are you at packing for conference travel?

• 1: 3.5% of respondents
• 2: 3.5% of respondents
• 3: 21% of respondents
• 4: 41% of respondents
• 5: 28% of respondents
• 3% of respondents selected “Other”. One person commented, “Bad with cold weather packing”.

 On a scale of 1 (minimalist) to 5 (suitcase may burst!), how much do you pack for conference travel?

• 1: 15% of respondents
• 2: 18% of respondents
• 3: 30% of respondents
• 4: 33% of respondents
• 5: 4% of respondents

 Do you typically pack more than you need?

• Yes: 68% of respondents
• No: 28% of respondents
• 4% of respondents selected “Other”. One person commented, “1 additional in case of emergency or if necessary”.

Do you typically wear more than 90% of the clothes you pack for a conference?

• Yes: 61% of respondents
• No: 36% of respondents
• 3% of respondents selected “Other”. One reader commented, “I wear exactly what I brought for the conference”.

Describe your typical luggage volume for conference travel.

• 61% of respondents: I typically have both checked and carry-on luggage
• 25% of respondents: I rely solely on carry-on luggage
• 7% of respondents: I check my luggage and don’t bring any carry-on
• 7% of respondents selected “Other”. Comments included the following.
  • My hand luggage is not what I need to wear for the conference
  • extra backpack for work items and electronics too

Describe your typical approach to getting organised for conference travel .

• 36% of respondents: I start organising and packing two or three days ahead of departure
• 25% of respondents: I start organising and packing two or three days ahead of departure
• 24.5% of respondents: I leave it until almost the last minute – often the day before departure
• 11% of respondents: It can vary; it all depends on other demands on my time
• 3.5% of respondents: I do leave it to the last minute – or, should I say, the day of travel

 True or False: I know what I’ll wear to conference sessions and social events. I never second-guess myself and change outfits before leaving my room. 

• True: 65% of respondents
• False: 35% of respondents

 Do you typically go shopping when away at a conference?

• 35% of respondents: Yes – souvenirs
• 23% of respondents: Yes – clothes
• 12% of respondents: Yes – shoes
• 12% of respondents: No
• 4.5% of respondents: Accessories
• 4.5% of respondents: Jewellery
• 4.5% of respondents: Yes – for other items
• 4.5% of respondents:% of respondents selected “Other”. Comments included the following.
  • Depends on which city or country
  • Gifts