Post: #1

For those of you who are on temporary overseas assignments (e.g., 1-2 yrs) or move around a lot where you have to fly (and perhaps train/bus) to your next destination, how do you transport your worldly possessions?

Assuming you're not on some expat package or your shipping isn't paid for by some 3rd party, how do you get your stuff from point A to point B? Do you try to skirt under the airline allowances for number of check-in items/weight? Do you just pay the penalty and take more? Or do you use a combination of surface transport (post office, etc.) + airline check-ins?

Lately I have been thinking of purchasing a couple of good suitcases--rolling hardcases, 90 liters or so--and trying to minimalize my life (my possessions) down to those two suitcases. That's probably my limit for trying to manage things on my own at my destination. The last time I moved, it was a pain in the ass, as I had too many items to keep track of. It was all well and good when I had someone to help me and see me off from my departure point, however when I arrived at my destination, alone, it was a bit more chaotic.

If any of you have already been down this road or have some wisdom, experience, or a personal system to share, please chime in. Thanks.

Post: #2

You have the right idea with minimizing possessions.

If you can get by with just one large rolling suitcase + a carry on, then you can avoid baggage fees most of the time for intl. trips (where you are allowed one checked bag).

Something to keep in mind with the 90L bag you mentioned, that might be considered "oversized" per airline standards and result in an "excess baggage" fee, so be sure that you look into maximum allowable checked luggage sizes. Rather than liters though it will come down to the bag's specific dimensions.

The other thing to be aware of is when that 90L (or whatever size) bag is full it will probably be pretty heavy. If it over 50lbs, then again, you will incur baggage fees.

If those fees are not an issue, then two large bags (e.g. 90L) and your carry on would hold a lot of gear.

Also, if you don't have that much stuff, try to avoid shipping as it will be expensive and also involve customs hassles.

Post: #3

I have one large 90L backpack. I also have a small backpack for my laptop and personal items. That's all the space I need, I don't have a lot of stuff.

Post: #4

When I moved to Bulgaria last year (where I plan to stay - as my main base anyway - for the foreseeable future) I came here with a large suitcase and a carry-on. Everything else I owned I had either sold (pretty much all my furniture) or boxed up and put in storage with family (but virtually all of that are things I'll probably never feel any urgent need to get reacquainted with, it just didn't feel right to throw out movies, books and a few other types of items, and I didn't manage to sell most of it before I left).

I rented a furnished apartment here, and I plan on doing the same when I decide to find another place closer to the center here next year.
While I have bought a handful of large items here that I needed - work desk, chair, a few lamps, a TV, a new laptop - I'm definitely going to attempt to stick with the minimizing possessions strategy.

I'll be traveling for two months later this year, I'm going to do that as a backpacking trip (never tried that before) with a single 35L backpack.

Post: #5

^ 35L is pretty small. I went away a few months with a 55L and by the time I was coming back it was packed pretty tight. I guess it depends where you're going and what type of clothes you need to bring.

Post: #6

Actually 90L should be fine in terms of baggage size limits (to avoid fees).

I was thinking of the large duffels that can top 120L.

Post: #7

(09-14-2014 12:45 PM)The_CEO Wrote:  I was thinking of the large duffels that can top 120L.

Good that you mentioned those. I had one made by The North Face. This was a duffel in the purist sense--no wheels or rolling capacity of any kind. I liked the duffel in that, lacking an internal frame of any sort, it folded up quite well for storage when not in use. However, when filled with clothes, it was all but impossible to carry the bag any significant distance by oneself. It had some integrated backpack straps, but in all honesty they were only useful for carrying the thing around empty. For a duffel that size (I had the XL), they were more gimmick than of any use.

I had thought about purchasing one large (120+ liters) hardcase, but what got me thinking about going with two medium-sized hardcases (around 90 liters) is the multipurpose capability. A large hardcase would be practical for relocation, however for week-long business trips, one of the medium-sized suitcases would come in handy, whereas a large one would be both overkill and perhaps a liability (on smaller aircraft).

Years ago, before airlines started nickel-and- diming passengers over baggage sizes/weights, I got around quite well with a high-density plastic footlocker. Not a Pelican (those are cool), but similar in that it was nearly bombproof.

Post: #8

I have minimised my stuff to fit in a cabin case. I've been much freer since travelling with only hand luggage.

I recommend World Lightest Cabin Case. Free on all airlines (except Wizz) and can fit everything I need.
http://www.tesco.com/direct/it-luggage-w...7-2511.prd