One way to never forget the essentials is to maintain a “forever-packed travel bag.”
Find a small travel case and put travel sizes of all the basics — a toothbrush, floss, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, styling products, comb or brush, contact lens solution, soap, razor, shaving cream and lotion — inside. Other items to consider adding include safety pins, nail clippers, emery boards, shower cap and shoe shine cloth.
Each time you return from a trip, replenish what you used out of the bag before you put it away. Then, the next time you need to pack, you’ll save yourself time (no need to repack) and worry (“What did I forget?!”).