Secret to Packing Light--It's NOT What You Think
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ก.ค. 2024
- The secret to packing light is not what you think! We tell all of our strategies including the ONE secret that makes sure all of our things fit into our two carry-on suitcases and two day-packs. Here is the link to our PACKING LIST and where to buy our suitcases.
eatwalklearn.com/dad-says-pac...
We are Chris and Steve, an early retired couple traveling the world full time as nomads. Support us by using our referral links!
Cell Phones Around the World
For a better international data option, use this Flexiroam referral code to get free data: roam.my/CES5KHKP. The link should take you to the app. I only know about one app. My code is CES5KHKP. You can also input that once you install the app. Thanks for using. We each get free data when you use our referral. Click our link first and it will take you to all the Flexiroam info, including downloading the esim.
You can save $20 with this Google Fi referral code: g.co/fi/r/6U9Y9J
Watch our video about being dropped as a customer by Google Fi: • Google Fi Fired Us!!! ...
The Best Book for Nomads and Full-time Travelers
Get our book, Two Carry-ons and a Plan by Chris Englert amzn.to/3trAWct
Housesitting with Trusted Housesitters
Trusted Housesitters referral www.trustedhousesitters.pxf.i... and use our code EATWALK25. Also many articles at www.eatwalklearn.com about how to create a good housesitting profile and how to get good reviews.
Love us?
Buy us a cuppa on Paypal. paypal.me/chrisenglert1
Travel-Need a Guide or a Tour?
Get a discount on a great guide at Get Your Guide. gyg.me/zc4oWo7S
Save on super tours at Viator. www.viator.com/Chicago/d673-t...
Booking Hotels, Cars, Flights?
If you're booking hotels or long-term stays, use Booking. We love it. Here's our link www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinm....
Our Kit, Travel Gear and Carry-on Bag
This is our carry-on bag from Osprey. bit.ly/3C245w5
Here's a word about the shoes we wear. www.eatwalklearn.com/gear
Need a Good Travel Book to Read?
Amazon Book List www.amazon.com/shop/eatwalklearn.
Great Travel Credit Card
Get a credit card that covers travel insurance. We love our Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Get it here. Earn 60,000 bonus points with Chase Sapphire Preferred. I can be rewarded, too.
www.referyourchasecard.com/6j...
Please join us on Facebook, Threads, and Instagram. Look for @eatwalklearn
Thank you very much for supporting us. #nomadlife #fulltimetravel #googlefi #travel #healthyeating #nomad #travelcouple #coupletravel #retirement #retirementtravel #budgettravel #digitalnomad #nomadic #cellphone #housesitting #petsitting
![Sale: 4 Beds - 4 Baths - 3884 sq ft - Medford - NJ [$1,200,000] MLS #: NJBL2069276](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/yJjVi1g5te4/mqdefault.jpg)
I loved Steve's packing segment! So impressive that everything he owns gets packed up so quickly and easily. Sure makes the dreaded packing day SO MUCH EASIER!
It's our new happy space
I wish I could speed up my packing like that every time!
I became a bundling convert several years ago. One trick I've added is that if I will have a 1-day stop before I can completely unpack I'll make up a mini-bundle of my sleepwear and the next day's clothes that sits on top of the main bundle so I don't have to disturb the main bundle. My suitcase is an Osprey 2-wheel carry on (discontinued, purchased at the REI Outlet) and I use a cheap backpack I bought at Target that has one huge compartment. That way I have maximum flexibility as to how I fill the space depending on the type of trip I'm taking.
That's exactly what I do, except I out it in my daypack. Great tip!
I have been bundling for years. Packing is usually a combination of bundling and a packing cube for undies, socks, swimsuit. Bundle sits in one half of a hard side carryon; packing cube, shoes, toiletries in the other half. I like the idea of a mini bundle. Hubby is a folder. We unpack even for a one night stay.
Love the video! We use packing cubes so we don't have to unpack everything on those occasions when we are staying in a location for only a night or two. It also prevents an explosion of clothes when airport security goes on a deep dive for suspected contraband. We both use the Osprey Ozone 42L/21.5" carry-on. Light weight. Has fit into every overhead we've tried to get it into. Very rugged. No performance issues to date.
We tried packing cubes, and I simply didn't like them. I felt like they added extra space and weight, believe it or not. I do use packing cubes, per se, for my day pack, where I have a clear bag for liquids, one for cords, one for stationary, etc.
I would love to see bundling with long dresses/skirts.
Bundling looks so easy! Thanks for sharing your secret packing technique
I thought bundling was my secret! I love that you are getting the word out. I can vouch for it!
Did you teach me??🥰🥰🥰
@@EatWalkLearn If so, I don't remember! Ha ha!!
I was sure your surprise trick was going to be packing cubes. That is what I keep hearing but honestly bundling looks brilliant! Definitely trying this.
I know, right. I don't like cubes at all. They take up space and add weight
Very impressive. Have used carry-on only for over 20 years. Vids like yours help me take a second look and ask ‘Do I really need that?’ Cheers from 🇦🇺
We still ask that every time we move to a new location.
I pack like that too - it’s amazing how much more you can pack this way. The only issue is the weight, because there is so much more. My mom was packing for a trip last week and she had everything she wanted to take on the bed. She said I will never get all of this in my suitcase. I said I can do it - no problem. She was skeptical. I started bundling in the suitcase and got everything in with room to spare. She was amazed. It’s the only way to pack!
Absolutely! And no need for expensive and bulky packing cubes!
The secret is going looking like a beggar lol... 😂😂😂😂😂 I love to look great everything, cause I enjoyed and I deserve it!
Waistband is important! Thank you for mentioning that. There are so many nice backpacks but with no waistband, so that's a shame.
Love your video 😁
Thankyou so much! Yes, Steve loves the waist band on his backpack.
Great video, thank you for sharing! Wish you a lot of good and happy travels! ☺️☺️
Thanks so much! 😊
Bundling is the best way to go. I've done this for years, and hardly any wrinkles.
Totally agree
The bundling technique is great. You’re right I was not expecting that at all 😂 I’m a roller and an overpacker- but I get better with every trip. I’ll try bundling on my upcoming holiday housesit. Thank you both for the video!
Let us know how it goes!
Useful content here guys! Thx👍👍👍
Glad you think so!
The first time to learn about bundling, looks great! Use to do the rolling and tubing, but getting tire of tubing for the extra weight. Try bundling for my next trip, thanks for sharing!
You can do it!
Brand -new subscriber...thanks for the content! 😊
Welcome!!
THANKS for timely super packing ideas! I was always bungling my bundling before I saw your video🤣
Oh great! Good luck
I always pack extra underwear and bathing suit just in case. If something happened to tops or bottoms, I can re-wear or I can re-purchase easily. Underwear and bathing suits cannot be acquired at just any Target or WalMart. I'm too picky about those items to use "make do" substitutes. Luckily these don't take up too much space in my carry on. The thing I love most is shoes and learning to wear one pair and pack only one pair (or two if sandals) is hard. I"m a work in progress.🤣
Yup, seven pairs...enough to get me to the weekend if necessary
We are moving locations Wednesday and are going to have to try this technique!
Let us know how it goes
Love it! Looks so simple! We are going to Rome for a week this year so I think I’ll give bundling a whirl :D
Have a blast!
Nice! I am heading to the Netherlands next week- so I am going to try BUNDLING for my first time.
Good luck. Have a great time.
Great video! On our last trip I bundled my clothes and put them in a packing cube; that was the first time I tried that, and it was great. My one just-in-case is a knee brace. I rarely have knee pain but when I do, I don't want to go hunting for one in a foreign-language store, especially because I need a SMALL one and most stores in the US only carry med or large.
Great idea about the knee brace
Haha, Irish heat wave! I totally agree with your packing ideas. I love to fit everything I own in a small backpack and to be able to carry it with me all times. We are actually getting our own home for awhile after 7 years on the road and I am bit scared how much stuff that really means!
That's scary to me! Keep it light :-)
@@EatWalkLearn I know! Scary is exactly correct word for this! But well, I’m a minimalist anyway so it’s like over my dead body we would start stuffocating! Though I’m happy that so many people are following our settling in my minimalist channels and I think this is a good possibility to show how to build a home without excess clutter 😊
Just wanted to let you know that you have already saved us hours of packing time. This is an amazing hack, thank you for sharing!
Oh that makes me so happy!
I'm so going to try bundling!
Well done guys, great video! The bundling of clothes…..now that looks great, I’ll be trying that next time I pack my bag. Thank you 😊
Thanks Annette. Let us know how it goes!
Enjoyed the video! My just in case is 1 extra outfit, more underwear and 1 extra pair of shoes lol
It's hard to give up the extra underwear! I (Chris) keep 7 pairs. I could probably go with less and resort to sink washing, but I'd honestly rather not. But an extra pair of shoes? Oh, that'd be heaven!
Bundling is OUT if you're moving accommodation more than once a week (every couple of days) because you have to 'unbundle' everything just to get to one item. Clothing doesn't wrinkle much these days. PACKING CUBES are best.
Thanks for the info!
First time I've seen your channel, so thanks! I'm wondering if you have done a video before on what goes in your backpack, as your suitcase bag seems to be strictly clothes and shoes. Wondering what all I can leave behind!
Thanks. We have! Take a look at th-cam.com/video/NpbWzMkycRM/w-d-xo.html We are planning to update these two videos soon as we've got new smaller carry ons.
Bundling is a great idea! Now… tell us about the clothes you selected and why!
The packing list is in the description
Helpful video, like the bundling. Would the method change if traveling for a while in a minivan with no location to unpack to? Maybe 20 yrs ago I bought an Osprey pack that didn't get used. Now washed and ready for its adventure! Also have a Gregory day pack for day hikes, hip belts are a must for me. Good I have a small wardrobe as I will ditch much of it at retirement for travel/hiking wear that packs smaller, washes better, works in various seasons.
Yes, absolutely. Bundling works if you unpack every time to stay the night; otherwise, we will bundle a portion of clothes and then pack individually on top of the bundle.
I use silk shirts and bundling is the only way to keep them wrinkle free, sometimes I use a plastic bag as final layer, since it keeps the ”top shirt” nicer. I travel with a 35l backpack and a nice ”computer” handbag.
Do you dry clean the silks?
2 backpacks and 2 carryons are our goal!! On our month and a half long trip to Europe we did 2 backpacks, 1 checked, and 1 carryon so we’re getting close!! We will definitely try bundling next time!!
You can do it! Good luck
This
Great secret!
Thanks. We both have new suitcases, so planning to redo this video, packing more in a smaller space
Thanks for the secret, I have been a roller but am going to give bundling a try next week. For the 1st time EVER we did carry on bags to Scotland for 3 weeks in May....it was fabulous to walk off the plane and not wait for luggage but I still feel I can lose a few more items so I am trying to reduce items on each future trip. BTW, are you sitters with Trustedhousesitters?
Yes. We use Trusted Housesitters. I'm always thinking about things that I can get rid of to lighten the load, but somehow I wind up adding more
@@stevegoodfriend8386 We are sitters & homeowners on THS, it has been life changing for us!
Yes, we love TH! It's a gamechanger in every way. And a win-win!
Enjoyed the video. I watched it and then recommended Joey watch it, because he's planning to do two weeks with just carryon. At the end of the video, he turned to me and said: "Huh! I want to try that!"
Just a note on Lithium batteries. You make it sound like having a lithium-ion battery in carryon might be an issue. We travel all the time with a phone backup battery packs. These have to go in cabin/carryon luggage, so that if they overheat you can deal with them. They can't be checked.
Go Joey! And thanks for the lithium correction. I guess that just proves we don't carry them! Hope to see you guys soon. Kuala Lumpur?
@@EatWalkLearn You must have phones with amazing battery life. No way either of our iPhones would last without a backup battery! If I said to Joey: wanna go to Kuala Lumpur? The response would be: yes! We’ll be in the U.K. first two weeks of Oct, then he’ll be in Eastern Europe or Turkey (depending on his whim), the second two weeks of Oct. If you are still in the area would be fantastic to meet up again!
@@omrouk I've got a pixel 4a5g and Steve has a Samsung 20. Mine definitely lasts longer than his. August: UK. Sept: Split Oct/Nov: Crete. Cruise thru Red Sea. Dec- Jan: Kuala Lumpur
@@EatWalkLearn funny he’s thinking of flying to Split Oct 14th! He’s a bit worried about the weather. If you are around at that time, you should DM him on Facebook, he’d get a kick out of a meet up! Edit: misread… I see you’re in Crete then. It’s 2am here, should be sleeping lol.
@@omrouk we leave Split Oct 11. Get some sleep!
I also use packing cubes and a rolling suitcase, so I keep everything of one kind of item in a cube and seem to find my things much easier. I always pack too much - trying to learn from your mentorship. Just got a large travel backpack from SOLO (through Amazon) - carryon/overhead size (not a backpack suitcase with handle). I hope to pack much lighter and will try bundling. But a lot of my trips are in the car. I bring a lot of hiking equipment/gear too and water sport stuff. Do you both carry a laptop/charger?
Good luck going lighter. Yup. We both carry laptops and chargers
First aid kit, just in case.
Oh yes. We have one in my backpack
I might try bundling!
I double fold and stack to pack. I have a 20” Travelon bag that I love that’s a 4 wheeler. I only carry on, never check a bag. I always bring NyQuil capsules, pepto, and benedryl just in case. You can’t get them in most countries.
What does double fold mean?
think about how you would see a shirt folded if you went into a store. Then fold that over again. Then stack them all on top of each other. Then lift that whole stack up and put it in your suitcase. I wish i could share a pick so you could see what i mean. But hopefully I explained it enough so you could visualize it.
@@jeannineking9036 got it
I’ve been a roller but I’ll try bundling!
You'll never go back!
I usually use cubes, but will try the bundling on our next trip (in 4 weeks!). Where do you guys keep your important stuff? Wallet, passport cash? Is it all in one wallet or in different places?
We have three wallets. Each has a credit card, id and ATM card. All different banks, etc, and they're kept in three different places in our pack-i-verse in case a piece gets stolen or lost. (More in my book!)
I am traveling for a year. I have a Patagonia 40L duffel roller and a 20L backpack. I struggle with toiletries. I have tried to minimize those by using solid shampoo bars, and solid sunscreen bar etc. but I still feel like I have lots. I am not a makeup wearer either! I don't like the fact of buying toiletries and then leaving them behind every time. What is your secret with toiletries! I also use packing cubes and feel like this works for me but I am curious about bundling and may try it!
I've found with toiletries I really rely on the hosts and hotels. We bring our own 100 ml toothpaste and deodorants and then use the shampoo and conditioners offered. If we're going to be at a housesit for longer than 2 weeks. I'll buy shampoo and conditioner, leaving behind the balance after I fill up the tiny 3 oz bottles I carry just in case we arrive somewhere without any.
We are constantly reevaluating how we pack. Several things have been relinquished along the way. We will be spending a lot of time in Southeast Asia for the foreseeable future. It seems many of the airlines in this part of the world are very restrictive on what can be carried on. I'm not sure your 30 liter backpack would make the cut as a personal item and you may be over the total weight limit for carryon on many of the airlines. The upside, however, is many do not charge for checked luggage. I would most likely need to down size my camera gear and my spouse would need to down size some of her lady things to go carry on only. Admittedly, we do have several "just in case" things that could probably go. Things like one nice outfit in case we go out to eat at a nicer place (we have used these probably three times over the course of a year, which includes an extra pair of shoes). Another is sunblock, as I hear it's difficult to get in Southeast Asia without a whitening agent... something my already pasty complexion does not need, etc. We haven't lost any bags yet, but I know this has been a bigger problem lately, especially in Europe. Fortunately, we have no plans to travel there any time soon. All of our flights through the rest of this year are booked and are direct flights only. Hopefully this reduces our risk of baggage debacles. BTW, we are big fans of both Timbuk2 and Eagle Creek Products. We also love our Gregory Miwok 22 and 24 liter day packs. These are the most versatile pieces of luggage we own for everything from carry on, day trips, and grocery store runs (we walk almost everywhere). I agree that padded waist straps on backpacks are a must.
Thanks for the feedback and good advice regarding airlines in SE Asia. We've been using a lot of the budget airlines in Europe and haven't had any issues with carry-ons
I wish. But I pack a carryon---but I check it. I just can''t reach about and my personal item has got to have sketching stuff (though I do pack rather light for that). I can't reach above and have to wait til someone is nice enough to pull it down for me. I don't know if I can ask that. (I'm 5'1"). I use a Travelpro 22" roll-aboard and an REI trail 25 backpack (it sticks out a little but I am so short they never mention it), though I sometimes I use another one. I think the bundling looks great, not sure about me... I might take underwear, socks, and a t-shirt in my personal item because I carry on, since I don't carry on the carry on. (BTW, I have often ended up checking the carry on because I have to. I don't like surprises.)
I get it. In my backpack, I always carry a change of clothes and underwear.
Not sure if you're still checking this post... but my question is, what do you do about dress clothes? I would like to go out to a nice restaurant 1x a mth & we have a wedding to attend next summer ... 🤔
When we need them (like a wedding or a cruise) we pop into a charity shop and buy something, then donate back
@@EatWalkLearn Great idea!
Can we see the bundling again please just a tad slower 😊
Yes - it was at warp-speed. We may do another version a little slower. At any speed, the concept is to lay everything flat, starting with things like long sleeved shirts or clothing that may get wrinkled. I start with my raincoat, becuase that becomes the "outside" of my bundle to protect all my other clothes.
How much do each of your bags weigh empty and how much filled. Have you found while traveling in Asia that they weigh your carry-on? We’ve had that happen twice (we live in Hong Kong).
We're 17 kg total. 7 kg in the backpack and 10 kg in the carryon. No one has weighed them yet.
@@EatWalkLearn Wow! I had 8kg in my carryon and I had to check it in HK and VN.
@@tam6912 bummer
How do you manage to stay below tbe carry-on weight limits on some European airlines? For example, Lufthansa is around 18 lbs and Ryan is around 22lbs. Tips on minimizing weight would be appreciated! Thanks!!
Good question! Our combined weight with bag and backpack is about 16kg. It's usually the SIZE of the bag, not the weight, that gets you in trouble. We have had to pay a few times in Southeast Asia, but so far, we've been able to get on board without many problems.
@Eat Walk Learn Unfortunately, Lufthansa required me to check my carry-on bag, which was well within the size limits, because the bag weighed about 20 lbs. Thats about 2 pounds over their limit. I have found that when I fly with them, I have to check a bag because I just can't get under 18 lbs. 😢 It's always a good idea to check each airline's requirements, because they can be a little different. Thanks!
@@lindab5789 yes of course. Any chance you could wear two pounds like hiking boots or a jacket?
@@EatWalkLearn yes, in retrospect I should have tried to move some things around between my carry-on and personal item. Live and learn. 🙂
How much do those bags weigh empty?
Very light. I don't know exactly, but my roller bag is significantly lighter than any other I've tried. And so well constructed
Have to take what I own or throw away. Inc meds ltop cameras. I m asthmatic and cant carry much but want to take backpack. The thing is will be winter summer. Any suggestions? Last time was snow do ended up buying a lot of extra clothes then having to keave behind a nano puffa wasnt warm enough. I did layer. I go to hostels do often things wont dry overnight. I want to take a 25l bpack and 25 l daypack. Both empty weigh 1 kg in total. I need more hints please. I like to look nice and not just another backpacker. Used to take carry on roller but last timewasmade to check in and show knew would be lost plus got lost twice after bu bus cos! Never again just want to have everything right beside me end of. Even in Uk a couple got a case lost by bus co and really felt for them.❤ wasnt questioned aboutsize but was pulled out and daypack searched for almost 45 mins with excuse gave too many elec items, ridiculous!!
We each have a small roller bag and a backpack. Steve's backpack is 40L and Chris's is smaller but very functional. We also shop at thrift stores when we realize we need extra clothing for cold-weather, then donate it back when we don't need it. Staying in warm weather locations helps.
What is the weight of your carry on, if above 7kg, it will go in the hold in the Southern Hemisphere.
It's about 10kg. Every airline is different though, so be sure to check your particular airline. The smaller the better.
I'm completely opposite. I always fly hands free. I don't know if I've ever not checked my luggage. I see these people struggling through the aisles trying to get their bag up no room giant bags. What are you doing? Just check your bag. What is that 10 minutes to get your luggage that's if you are the idiot who stands up as soon as the plane, hits the runway.
If it *were* really ten minutes and I'd have a guarantee it'd have my bag upon arrival, I'd check. It's *everything I own in the world* so I reduce my risk of losing it all whenever I can.