I am doing longer sits internationally. For instance 4-5 months in various countries with multiple sits in that time frame. I have to pack for air travel and train travel.
Anyone got any tips for managing luggage?
My husband and I are full-time housesitters and starting in 2023, I switched from a full size to a carry on, and I also have a book bag for my laptop. We have a car when in the US and I store some stuff in there, but that is mostly things I want to hold onto, but don’t need all the time, like a few books.
I have found I need a lot less than I think I do, and I personally have no problem packing a smaller amount of clothes–perhaps a week’s worth or so–and doing laundry more often.
For example, I had a long international trip last year where I was starting off in colder climates and would be ending in warmer ones.
I packed a few shirts that could be worn in both climates–using layers for the colder weather-- but knew that I could pick up some cheap sundresses and the like at the warmer location, so I didn’t feel the need have a lot of summer stuff packed from the get go. I often donate a lot of clothing once a season is over unless something is really quality and I still like it. Then I just buy some new cheap stuff the next time around!
And the bookbag for my laptop also allows me to store lots of little things that I like to have with me like tweezers, nail clippers, hair ties,etc…
For me, the length of the sit really doesn’t affect how I pack save for stocking up on certain personal care items I would like to last and may not be able to find abroad. For example, I like to use a particular oil for both washing and moisturizing my face, but I often don’t see it in other countries.
Ultimately you can bring however much stuff you want and if you feel like there is a lot you absolutely need to bring, then bring it. But it could be good to do an inventory and really think carefully about whether you truly need it or you could do without. Lugging around a lot of stuff will probably feel burdensome after awhile. And if you forego bringing something and end up wishing you did, there is a good chance you can find it somewhere.
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- Pack only essentials.
- Depending on weather, pack layers instead of bulky garments.
- Depending on what you need, maybe ask your hosts to borrow. Like if they have a hair dryer or Wellies.
- Buy what you can locally, like at thrift shops. Then donate back when you leave.
- If too much to carry, consider shipping to destinations. Depending on where you’re going, some postal services have cheaper rates for packages at book shipping rates or such — they ship according to space availability.
- Also could use baggage services. Like in Japan or various other countries you can get baggage moved from city to city that way.
- Depending on sit locations, ask hosts, friends and family whether you can temporarily leave some baggage or belongings.
- If you have multiple pieces of luggage, consider buying luggage straps that can attach separate pieces together.
- Some carry-on bags have luggage handle pass-throughs, so you can secure them to your rolling suitcase.
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Pack less than you think you need
Create an interchanging capsule wardrobe (meaning your tops and bottoms interchange and can go well with each other) that way you can take 2 skirts 2 pants and 4 tops (2 long sleeve 2 short sleeve) and have many outfit combinations thereof.
A long time traveller told me to pack only three interchangeable outfits. Wear one, wash one, one for the next day. I’ve not been able to get my clothes down to that few but its worth considering if you’d rather travel light.
layers layers layers
shampoo soap - absolute game changer, no more bottles
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Yes! very handy if having to walk from plane to train to bus etc.
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Yes, especially for parents.
Thanks for the tips. I am doing most of that already lol
Hmm shampoo soap
You bungee the lids together! 
(joking)
Yep, doing that too. Not much help on trains though. People get crabby waiting for you to unstrap them! I found bungee chords faster.
Pack what you need, then remove half of it
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Underwear technically has four sides.
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As others have said, pack and then take things that you really don’t need out - remember most sits have a washing machine!
6 weeks in Australia, 3 x 7 weeks in the UK with a Intl size carry on and a laptop bag.
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I’m nearing the end of a 6 month trip in Europe/UK (I’m from the US). I have done long trips several times and have learned from experience that the less stuff you have to carry around, the happier you will be 
. On this trip, I have a carry-on suitcase and a small backpack for my laptop and electronics. Only bring essentials. Don’t bring lots of clothes and shoes, select pieces you can mix and match to make different outfits. You are probably going to buy some stuff too, so make sure your bags are not super full. Even those small souvenirs take up space. Have fun!
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If I need something that I didn’t pack / change of season and need a warm jumper or a rain jacket (U.K. sits )
I have found that local charity / thrift stores are great place to buy quality clothing that is inexpensive .
I also use Apps such as Vinted and eBay and get the items delivered to the sit or a local pick up point .
If I no longer need it at the end of the sit, I donate it back .
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As long as the HO has a washing machine then you’re good. On TWO of my summer sits this year, the washer broke down…! Luckily both near the end of the sit.