How to Pack Light for a Long Trip (The Japanese Way), by Teruko Imai on YouTube. 12 min 16 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 16 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Check your airline's carry-on size and weight limits before you start. Write the numbers down so you can measure your bag and weigh it at the end.
Lay out every item you think you need on the bed. Sort into clothes, toiletries, electronics and documents, then remove anything you will not use at least twice.
Choose a small set of clothes in one or two colours that mix and match. Plan to rewear items and hand wash small pieces along the way.
Roll or fold each garment tightly and place it in a packing cube. Rolled clothes take less space and crease less than flat folds.
Put the heaviest and bulkiest items at the bottom of the bag, near the wheels. This keeps the bag stable when you stand it upright.
Fill gaps with small soft items like socks, underwear and a scarf. Keep one cube for dirty laundry so clean clothes stay separate.
Pack toiletries in small bottles inside a sealed bag. Keep liquids under 100 ml if you are flying and place the bag at the top for security checks.
Put chargers, documents and a change of clothes in the top pocket or a small day bag. Keep medicine and valuables with you, not in the hold.
Close the bag, lift it by the handle and weigh it. If it is over the limit, remove the heaviest non-essential item and repack.
Tips and common mistakes
Roll clothes rather than folding them flat to save space and reduce creases.
Wear your bulkiest shoes and jacket on travel days instead of packing them.
Leave about a tenth of the bag empty for souvenirs and laundry.
Keep a photo of your packed bag and a list of contents in case it goes missing.
Questions
How many outfits do I need for a week in a carry-on?
Three or four tops, two bottoms and one light layer are usually enough if you rewear and hand wash. Choose colours that all match each other.
Can I take liquids in a carry-on bag?
Yes, but most airlines limit containers to 100 ml each and require them in one clear bag. Check your airline's rules before you fly.
How do I stop clothes from creasing?
Roll each item tightly and pack cubes full so clothes cannot shift. Hang or shake out items when you arrive.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
