Remote Worker Toiletry Bag Essentials
The complete packing guide for digital nomads who need to stay Zoom-ready worldwide
Last Updated: May 2025 | By Homson
Packing as a remote worker is different. You need to be Zoom-ready at a moment’s notice AND prepared for surprise client meetings. After years of digital nomad life, I’ve perfected a toiletry kit that fits in a $13 Amazon bag and weighs just 3.64 pounds. Get exclusive travel tips and updates for free here. Packing as a remote worker is different from packing as a regular traveler and presents unique challenges. (Wait until you read my bloody hotel razor story and contact lens drama below.) Just thinking about it, you need to balance being presentation-ready for Zoom calls while being prepared for in-person industry conferences and everything else life throws your way. You have to cram all the comforts of your daily life into a travel-friendly package. My solution? I’ve curated a list of 21 essential items that all pack neatly (maybe a little tight) into a cheap $13 Amazon toiletry bag that’s been my go-to since 2021. I mean it’s more like why you should just straight up steal my toiletry bag secrets. From traveling the world and then attending conference events as a marketer, I’ve become a bit of a packing pro. At least I think so. Working remotely from Tribal Bali Coworking Hostel, Canggu Hopefully, this list is useful during your remote work travels. Even if you’re not a frequent traveler, be sure to come back and check this itemized checklist as a handy reference to make sure you’ve got everything you need. 💡 Pro Tip: This list includes EVERYTHING I carry on my flights, 100% of the time. It’s not just the everyday items, but also the tools I need to maintain a polished appearance for Zoom/Microsoft Teams meetings.
Why Should I Care What’s Inside My Toiletry Bag?
I’ve honed my toiletry bag down to the absolute essentials. In my opinion, this is the one bag you should NEVER unpack. Instead, make sure it’s always ready to go when it’s time for travel. I keep 95% of my items inside this bag. Yes, I calculated it. The only item I take out is my Andis T-Outliner since that is rather expensive, and it’s cost-prohibitive to buy two trimmers.
What Should I Have Inside My Toiletry Bag?
Here are my 21 toiletry bag essentials as a remote worker:
This is the most essential item inside my toiletry bag. I use this for lineups every three days. For better control, I even modified the casing—cutting off the top part so it doesn’t get in the way when trimming close around the ears. Get replacement blades. Imagine dropping your clipper in the Azores without ability to fix it! You can’t do a clean lineup with a broken T-Outliner. I learned the hard way why you should never rely on cheap hotel razors—during an impromptu overnight stay at The Royal Park Kyoto Sanjo hotel. My hairline was busted, and I spotted a flimsy complimentary, hotel razor, in the bathroom. “What’s the worst that could happen?” I thought. I grabbed some liquid soap as makeshift shaving cream and started fixing my lineup. BAM — blood started dripping everywhere. Now I had a half-fixed hairline AND blood on the floor that needed cleaning up. To this day, Kyoto, that hotel, and that flimsy razor are literally forever etched into my forehead—and memory—as a permanent scar. Always pack your own razor. Getting replacement contacts at Óptica Delgado Canalejas, Seville The night before my trip to Seville, one of my contact lenses tore in half—while still in my eye—at the Encore Boston Harbor hotel. After 20 frustrating minutes in the bathroom, I finally got it out, but my eyes were left bloodshot. The plot twist? I landed in Seville with only one contact lens for a 12-day trip. Until I found an optometrist, I had to improvise—using two mineral water bottle caps filled with solution and covered with a paper towel to store the lens overnight. Lesson: Always pack extra contacts AND a spare case!
7. Andis T-Outliner 🌟
Real-World Case Studies
Case Study #1: Kyoto Cuts Deep – When Hotel Razors Attack
Case Study #2: One Eyed in Seville
Long layovers are perfect opportunities to freshen up, especially when you’re earning miles through strategic routing. Here’s how to maximize your grooming time at major hubs:
Layover Grooming Strategy
In a rush? Download your FREE ultimate packing guide as a PDF and get ready for your next remote-work adventure. A: Yes! The entire kit weighs 3.64 pounds and fits in carry-on. However, you’ll need to remove scissors and use travel-sized contact solution (under 3.4oz) to comply with TSA regulations. A: The Andis T-Outliner trimmer. Nothing says “unprofessional” like a messy hairline on a Zoom call. It’s worth the investment for maintaining your professional appearance anywhere in the world. A: Long layovers are perfect for freshening up! At Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), the Air France Lounge in Terminal 2E offers showers and relaxing amenities. Over in Seoul, Incheon International Airport (ICN) features the Korean Air Prestige Lounge—perfect for recharging between long-haul flights. I use this time for quick touch-ups, especially when booking complex routes through programs like Alaska Mileage Plan. A: Europe is your friend for replacements—contacts and quality grooming products are often cheaper than the US. In Asia, stick to international brands like Biotrue for contact solution. Always have backup plans for critical items like contacts and razors. A: Check expiration dates every 6 months. Replace contact solution every 3 months, toothbrush every 3-4 months, and razors when they start tugging. The key is maintaining the “always ready” system. A: Absolutely! When booking award travel through Delta SkyMiles or Alaska Airlines, factor in layover time for grooming. Long international layovers become opportunities to freshen up before important destinations.
Regional Shopping & Travel Tips
Europe
Asia
The Always-Ready System
Download the Ultimate Packing Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this toiletry bag fit in carry-on luggage?
Q: What’s the most important item for remote workers specifically?
Q: How do you handle grooming during long layovers?
Q: What if I forget essential items while traveling?
Q: How often should I replace items in my toiletry bag?
Q: Any tips for maintaining this system while earning travel rewards?
Complete 21-Item Quick Reference
Basic Hygiene
Grooming Tools
Hair Care
Contacts & Vision
Style & Scent
Emergency Items
What are your remote work toiletry essentials? Any horror stories or genius hacks to share?
Your Turn: What’s in Your Toiletry Bag?
More strategies to maximize your travel rewards and remote work lifestyle Master exclusive airline partnerships and free stopovers for premium travel experiences Maximize your Delta rewards for premium travel experiences and status benefits Full remote worker packing checklist beyond just toiletries Essential VPN services for secure remote work while traveling globally The ultimate remote work destination in the Pacific Balance business and leisure in Texas’s tech capital
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