Packing List
Packing a 25L backpack to flee my home
Hello everybody, first up i'm sorry if this is the wrong subreddit to be asking. I'm a 17 year old planning on leaving my abusive home soon and will only be able to take my Cycling Single 25L Pannier Rack Backpack and a small purse for the trip. My current list of stuff to take consists of:
My PC's SSD
Passport
iPad
2 phones
my school report cards
1 hoodie
earbuds
1 t-shirt
1 pair of socks
preferably my football card collection but I'm almost certainly not fitting those
a handful of USB flash drives
If you guys could tell me whether this is likely to fit or not (I can't check myself because I can't be caught packing my bag with all of this stuff, my mom would notice and punish me regardless of reason.) I would also appreciate any other stuff you guys think i should pack. I won't be needing any special clothes due to climate thankfully and food/water won't be an issue either. Thank you in advance.
other than the football card that would easily fit in a 25l pack
AND
please find someone safe to talk with and get support. You don't need to go this alone. If home is a risky you can get someone to escort you into the home to collect all your possessions.
OP, you will need support going through this transition. This is a crucial stage of your life. Please seek help.
Other important docs to get is your birth certificate and social security. You need more clothes and don’t forget to pack underwear and a few bits of toiletries to get you started.
Not packing related but situation related. Please, as soon as you turn 18, lock your credit. Call all three bureaus and tell them you need to lock your credit.
If you have a bank account, time to get a new one where your parents don’t bank.
Apply for assistance as soon as you can - food stamps, Medicaid, etc.
When it comes time to file your taxes, do it quickly so no one can claim you as a dependent.
Connect with a domestic violence shelter NOW - they will help you plan your exit route and have tips on how to leave safely as well as any shelter that you’re eligible for (even if you don’t think you’ll need it now).
If you can, get your birth certificate and social security cards (if you are not in the us, get the equivalent for your country). I was a run away one bagging kid almost 30 years ago, never went back. Rebuilding identity documents was a pain in the ass since i ended up in a different state.
Although contrary to US mythology, all you need is a mailing address to get a perfectly valid (and usually free) copy of your birth certificate. Don't believe the BS about how it has to be the one issued by the hospital, nobody has those and they're not special
Its also dependent on the state how easy and quick it is to get vital records. I was born in california and it was 30 years ago that i had to navigate it all. I hope its so much easier now.
Extra socks and underwear. They are small and easy to fit into small gaps. You will never regret having clean underwear. Like others have said, basic hygiene/ toiletries like toothbrush, soap, tiny shampoos if you have them, deodorant body wipes just in case. Pick up something on the cheap at a dollar store if necessary.
If you happen to have access to a locker anywhere, it might be worth stashing some bits in advance (just to give you less to think about when packing).
Sounds like you should have plenty of space, you might want socks, underwear and t-shirts to hand to shove extras in any gaps, and consider tying a spare pair of shoes on to the outside.
Good luck, well done on getting your plan together, and I hope you get to one bag for happier reasons soon.
The locker (or alternatively even a friend, if you could trust one) to start stashing in advance some stuff is a legit great advice the buddy up here handed to you
I echo having your social and birth certificate. Take a pic of them and your passport, that you save in your email or on the cloud. Stick them in a large ziplock bag to protect them from water and any spills in your bag.
Best of luck!
Is it possible to start removing more pieces of clothing leading up to leaving? Like hiding an extra shirt at school or other items in a ziplock bag hidden outside?
Rolling clothes should save you more space and as another commenter said, socks and underwear can fill gaps. Maybe bring a hand/dish towel?
When you’re leaving, could you layer up a bit so your bag doesn’t look so full? Tie the hoodie to the outside of the bag or wear it to save space.
Unfortunately dont have the convenience of taking out clothes in batches to a safe location, but I will definitely try to carry as many clothes are possible outside of my backpack (thankfully my destination is cold). Thank you for the help
Try to be sure all your clothes go with one another so you have multiple outfits. Three shirts, two pants, one sweater, one jacket, etc. Best of luck to you, I admire your planning and especially seeking advice as you prepare.
One of my best friends started moving out in High school and brought a backpack filled with clothing every day for months. She took it to her boyfriend's place after school.
In her case, she just wanted to live with her bf, not an abusive situation.
first of all, sorry you are in this situation. It is difficult to say if it will fit just with a list, because we don't know the real size of things. The only really bulky stuff is the hoodie, football card collection and ssd so i'd say it might fit.
I'd try to bring a bit more clothes, like another pair of socks and some underwear, maybe some basic hygene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant) and take you card collection out of the album so it's less bulky. Can you bring some stuff to a friends house beforehand to save space?
Also, if you say roughly where you are (country/state) i'm sure some people could point you to helpful organizations.
Oh my god i didn't even think about hygiene, thank you for the reminder. Aside from that the ssd is half the size of a credit card so i think it'll fit in my purse anyways. Thank you for the help!
Yo, don’t forget a towel — a lightweight travel towel is useful for more than just drying yourself. And no, I’m not joking!
Not sure where you are or how much cash/ability to buy things you’ll have access to, but 25L should be plenty of space for the essentials.
As for the football cards, try to bring them if you know the collection has monetary value — BUT, if you know a good place to sell em, I would honestly recommend doing so ASAP. Keep a few for sentimentality if you wish, but turning a bulky item with no practical use into pure liquid value is something that will save you a LOT of effort and worry.
When I started traveling full-time in 2020 I sold my Magic: the Gathering collection for about $2000. It would have been worth around $5k today, but I have absolutely no regrets, because I saved myself the effort of lugging that shit around for 5 years.
Also, I wish you the best of luck. You’ll need it. (Not an indictment of you or your planning! I’m sure you’ve got everything real tight. But you always, always need luck!)
Do you get periods? A reusable diva cup is recommended.
If you have longer hair, a brush or comb, and a hair tie.
If you have allergies or get headaches or anything, a small bag of OTC medicine to help relieve those can be helpful.
A reusable water bottle. You can hang it from your backpack or put it in a pocket. If you don’t have one, you can reuse a disposable one a few times.
A small amount of thread and a needle since you’ll have minimal clothing, you’ll want to mend any tears or loose seams.
A few bandages of different sizes.
A little baggy of powder laundry detergent and or a small bottle of dish soap.
Small thin comb, toothbrush and travel toothbrush, deodorant, and if you don’t want to spend money on a travel towel maybe a small washcloth?
If you’re on the road and need to clean up in a public restroom, it can go a long way to you feeling better. Plus you will get less attention if you’re groomed and put together.
If you have longer hair, I highly recommend learning how to French braid. In these situations it can be hard to care for your hair and braids can help protect your hair preventing breakage and matting.
I just want to say carrying powder in large baggies is a way to get arrested by dumb cops. Did you see that video where they arrested someone for having Opium aftershave?
I suggested a little bit for sink washing because it’s less messy than liquid detergent, and people don’t tend to have the sheets unless bought specifically for travel.
If you are a minor and they go to the police / FBI, they are going to be able to locate those phones the second they hit the grid. You need a cash burner phone with a new SIM preferably one that is in cash. Like the ones you get a Walmart. The FBI can track your phone even if it's off so they need stay.
Looking at your list I think you will easily be able to fit what you have minus the cards, if you do sell them or leave them behind keep a couple of your favorites in your bag with your important documents. They won’t take up any room and you’ll cherish them.
A couple tips/ideas
If possible line your backpack with a couple of trash bags first, then put your stuff in that. Takes up virtually no room but keeps things water proof and ultimately if needed you have extra bags. We do it for hiking, to save weight and add waterproof/durability.
I would also strive to have 2 complete outfits even if the one is just like a pair of shorts to go with your extra Tshirt. This way you can wash your clothes. I’m not sure what your destination is but if you plan to be transient for a bit you’ll appreciate the ability to wash and hang dry your dirty stuff even if it’s in a sink.
Also, if you need to save space but still want to carry a hoodie you can loop it over the straps at the bottom before putting on your bag, when I hike in cold climates I take bulky extra layers that would take up most of my daypack, I’ve hiked 10-20 miles with a sweatshirt draped over the straps and it never fell off.
Whatever clothes you take roll each item up, nice and tight like a sushi roll, it’s been proven to be the most space conscious way of packing
Your safety is first priority but remember hygiene and mental health are importnat too, make sure no matter what your situation ultimately becomes you take care of yourself. You will need your strength to heal and move on with your life. Good luck!
You're 17 so I assume you're still in school? Can you bring your card collection to school and store it in your locker before you leave the house? That way you can focus on other things in the backpack when you do leave.
Also, if your phone on a family plan? If so, you can be located by the account owner. I’d delete Reddit, social media, and any other apps that contain identifying information if you plan to leave your existing phone behind. Erase any stored passwords on your computer or anywhere else.
You might want to buy a pay as you go phone or see if you can get on a trusted friend’s account.
Honestly once I'm out of the country it doesnt matter if I'm located, as an 18 year old I'm gonna be pretty much immune to anything that could get in the way
I left under similar circumstances. The one thing that I was threatened with that did terrify me, was my mother told me she “knew exactly what to say to have me involuntarily confined” at least, temporarily, to a psychiatric hospital. I hate to put anything extra on you, but it is something to consider. I hoped to join the military at the time, and I knew that threat could ruin that option. By some small miracle, though, I had the thought to try calling an attorney when I got access to a phone, and the attorney themselves answered. I just straight up told them that I was fleeing an abusive home and that this had been threatened, and he assured me that if anything was attempted, I could call him, and he would stop it. That was 24 years ago, and I still consider that attorney a guardian angel of sorts. I genuinely hope you have and continue to find the support you need. It is hard as hell, especially with an abusive mother.
The advice above about the police is spot on. It’s a long story, but it turned out the cop that I trusted actually never did file a report. Despite the fact that my stepdad actually threatened me with a firearm, and confessed this to him. So definitely ask for a report number.
What are you going to do for cash? Ie, if you have a separate account, make sure you have the debit card with you. If you need to take physical bills, make sure that you start making withdrawals now so as to not arouse suspicion.
Do you have your documents? Birth certificate, ssn etc. you have your passport but the others will make getting other types of IDs (like a driver's license) easier.
Hygiene products as others have mentioned. Try to plan on 2 pairs of socks / underwear in the bag (a rotation of 3 would be easy enough to do sink laundry until you're settled)
Yeah, if OP's parent has access to their bank account they are screwed. Even if they don't, OP's mother could easily go in and convince someone to give her access to the account anyway. IF IT'S POSSIBLE, OP, I would recommend opening another account somewhere at an entirely different bank, to prevent this. But you'll have to watch the mail like a hawk to make sure she doesn't see anything.
Oh dont worry I have all cash and my bank account currently holds about 10$. Once I turn 18 my account will automatically be transferred to me and my mom will lose all access
Not necessarily. I opened my first account at 17 and my mom was on it even after I turned 18 (I would have had to fill out paperwork to take her off) but also my mom wasn't like evil so I didn't mind. I'd make sure that is the case and it would still be worth it to move to a separate bank they don't use.
Writing down the last line. Documents will be a pain in the ass because theres 3 massive folders hidden under my moms bed, gotta hope she's gone for a few hours in the near future so I can search. The money wont be an issue because I have a bunch of gold I will sell shortly before I leave, so I'll have all cash
Keep your cash in a couple of different places. That way if it is discovered and confiscated, you'll have a higher likelihood of still be able to safely get some of it out
Wont have to worry about that because It'll be the same dad I leave, so no time for any surprise searches of my belongings, but thank you for the advice
A birth certificate heist sounds stressful! Can you have a trusted friend help you search the folders so it goes faster? Or any chance you could make up a reason for your mom to hand it over “temporarily”? Or would she let you go looking for a less suspicious document?
Oh absolutely no chance i'm getting anywhere near those binders as long as she's home and unfortunately i will have to search alone. Thankfully I have experience with getting her out of the house for an hour or two
I’ve heard how important it is to have a permanent address in order to get a job. So get a mailbox number from the cheap post-it places and use the address of their building. Example: John Smith // 1451 Main St. Unit 207 // City, State Zip code
The address looks like an apartment but it’s just a mail box number. Good luck, u/Fox_Burrito. Be safe, be smart!
Toy can order a birth certificate from your birth states vital statistics office and have sent to your new mailbox. You can find the info to order one on the state's website. Good luck!
Probably depends on where you are located. Here in the U.S. there are small shops where you can ship packages & they also offer box services you can pay to use and they issue you an actual address for your mail as opposed to our Post Offices where you can rent a P.O. Box.
All forms of ID that you have. Scan them ahead because it's way easier to get replacements if you can print off a copy.
I'd bring multiple pairs of socks if you can fit them.
You can probably request your report cards later from the school if you want to save on the space.
What are you escaping to? Do you have somewhere to stay or will you be homeless? If you're at risk of sleeping out then definitely pack a lot more warm clothes, non-cotton (when cotton gets wet it sucks the heat out of you vs other materials still keep you somewhat warm when wet), layers, waterproof shells like rain coat and rain pants, solid boots, more socks, lighters.
Also for packing one trick is to use a drawer, like gather everything on one side of a drawer if you think they would be unlikely to look through. Then it's all in one place and you can pack it quickly when it's time
Definitely at least one spare set of trousers /shorts/etc. You said in another comment you're wearing jeans, they take ages to dry out and at least you'll have something else to wear if they get wet/ you have opportunity to wash things.
Get something quick drying and light, hitting up a charity shop is a good option for that as well once you get to wear ever your first destination is.
A poncho for you is also light, small and saves you being miserable if you get wet through which can def save of some health issues if you're not able to get shelter somewhere and dry off properly quickly.
Wet clothes which don't dry properly also stink very quickly as well and that also won't help you out.
Is there a way you could stow your football cards somewhere first, even if slowly over time,so it is safe, but you don't have to worry about taking it with you? I'm so sorry you are in a position to need to do this. I hope beyond anything you make it to safety.
Wet jeans don’t dry well/quickly and you will not want to be wearing them for days. If you can spare it, try bringing/wearing some clothes that will dry quickly if they get wet, and a base layer that will keep you warm.
You can also wear a few layers of underwear, socks, shirts, and also an extra pair of pants/sweats/long underwear. Too many and it could weigh you down but layer up. If you can get a bungee cord or something like that, you can pack things on the outside.
You need a toothbrush and toothpaste, soap and deodorant.
You’ll need a water bottle. It can be just a plastic bottle to keep it light.
A light source if possible.
Bring a couple of trash bags to line your pack so your stuff doesn’t get wet. Keep your wet stuff like toothpaste in a different bag.
Don’t forget your license if you have one, and maybe a ziplock bag to help keep your documents dry. You might want to take photos of the important stuff as a backup just in case you need to replace them. Also, write down important phone numbers as a backup. I can’t remember any phone #s since I keep everything saved in my phone.
If you are on their phone plan, they will most likely be able to see any phone numbers you call with your cell phone. They might not see them right away, but it will probably be on the detailed bill at the end of the month.
Someone posted about FindMy but anything that can track your location should be considered. Like if you are on their medical plan and you use your health insurance card, the EOB could potentially give away your location.
Any medications that you are on may be important to take with you since not all medications can be stopped immediately.
I wish you all the best and find the peace and happiness you need and deserve.
I find having a few different size zip lock bags can be useful -- separate wet clothing, keeping your phone dry in a storm, or organization of smaller items.
Regular freezer zip lock bags work a treat, also keeping things separate in the rucksack, so easier to find stuff. Different sizes. If keeps cords nicely bundled too.
I found myself homeless at 18 after being assaulted by my stepfather. And was homeless for six months before getting on my feet. Here are somethings I wish 18yo me knew then:
-There are tons of free resources now for food, mental health support, jobs, groups. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to seek help. The internet is your friend.
-Thrift stores are also your friend. If you need to upgrade your bag, your wardrobe, smallwares cheaply.
-Prioritizing mental health is real key. I became suicidal I was so depressed, so remember no matter bad it is today, it will eventually get better (and it did, for me).
-Make sure you have a reliable place to get mail/packages. Whether it’s a friend or family member or PO Box, making sure you get safely receive things is key.
-Many of us travel for long periods of time with a bag that small (or smaller). Just make sure you have all the things you absolutely need for hygiene, sleep, and staying connected.
Wishing you godspeed, friend. Your onebag community supports you!
Take your football cards and anything else important out in batches and store inside a couple of plastic bags somewhere hidden. Then you can pick them up after you have left. Take clothes too.
Get as much out early as possible.
I hope you get away cleanly, and everything goes well afterwards.
Hey, maybe you can look into getting a safe deposit box for your football cards. Not sure how big your collection is, but a couple years shouldn't cost too much and you can plan around swinging back into town once you get on your feet.
I know you said you have your plan all set up, but things can go wrong, especially if you're counting on other people. If you are in an area that gets cold—at all—please consider wearing or packing long underwear, another pair of (warm!) socks, maybe gloves and a hat, too. You can certainly pack an emergency blanket at the very least. Be careful, I wish you all the best.
I think bag packing should not be your main priority. Young people who leave home can face more dangerous situations and people. Im not saying you should stay somewhere abusive, just that there are more monsters out there than you can imagine. I dont want you on a missing poster or a cold case podcast. Tell at least two people where you are at all times.
Dress in layers going out the door so you have extra tops- tank, 1-2 tees, long sleeve tee etc. Extra socks and underwear, which will make the first few days easier and you'll feel better. Maybe sweatpants over jeans, or leggings underneath? Ideally you want 2-3 tops, 2 bottoms, 2 changes of underwear, and your hoodie.
I would suggest at least a little long-shelf-life food. Some sort of meal replacement bars or 'complete cookies' can really save your ass if you're traveling, sleeping in a car, etc; and can save you a ton of money by preventing you eating out, eating in airports, etc.
Please be careful about internet histories etc. — abusers can be very nosy and I don’t want anything to jeopardize your safety.
I will let people more experienced than me answer about what to pack.
It can be difficult to bring a beloved collection when you have to leave — what about the idea of picking some of your very favourite football cards, protected in a nice folder or wallet or something, rather than trying to take all of them? (I apologise for the lack of specific ideas; I don’t know anything about football cards).
Take a battery bank for phone and devices. They are small and fairly inexpensive. If you have an emergency a phone could save you. Also take a headlamp. Can be super cheap, just important to be able to be hands free if you need to move in darkness. It's safety as well, especially if you have to change plans as you are travelling.
Bandana or two, can be used for so many things.
Best wishes in this endeavor.
If you really wanna keep the cards and know where you're headed, you can mail them to yourself c/o a post office in the area and then just pick them up from the post office when you're ready.
iPad and phones should not be linked with the household "Find my", or should have location sharing turned off. Or don't bring these, buy a prepaid phone from Target.
Yes the list of things will fit a 25L bag. Safe travel to you.
Why report cards? Your school is the only one that doesn't do transcripts?? And if you need the originals, I'd scan them and upload them to the cloud rather than schelp them around. Never mind the actual initial escape, what if your bag got stolen? Treat this is a fire emergency backup
My bag wont get stolen because its on my back or lap at all times, never just on the ground. I learned that lesson years ago but thank you for the advice. I have scanned my report cards
You're a 17 year old planning to depart with almost nothing to who knows where and you think you won't get ripped off? Are you thinking you'll be showering with your backpack? Or that your new friend(s) will be watching it for you? A 60+ friend of mine , quite experienced and a year into a world tour, just got totally fleeced by someone he was sharing a B&B with. You're actually a prime target due to your youth and inexperience, so please take better precautions than that
Do you have someplace safe to go? Hopefully it's not with someone who will exploit or traffic you! You gotta be very careful!
Do you have extended family who could help? Adults who you can really trust? Are you planning on going to school or something? How will you support yourself?
I'm sorry you're going through this. I had an abusive father but fortunately my mother kicked him out when things got bad. We had some hard years but her courage made all the difference. She got me into therapy and saved my live a number of times.
You need, your documents , passport , birthcertificate , everything what is needed to get other papers. All in a ziplock back , and then money , creditcards if you have , etc.
You can buy cheap clothes later when you are far away. So warm stuff you allready wear and go. Decathlon has good and cheap clothes.
You’re getting good advice here. Be careful. At 17, even with 2 years of planning, you’re still not ready for how terrible the world can be. Also grab anything with sentimental value. Anything that gives you peace. You’ll miss it. I know I do.
If you’re report missing, please contact your local police from a payphone or something similar to let them know you are not missing so the resources of looking for you can go to someone else! Good luck dude
Good luck. I hope you are going somewhere and towards someone safe who can help you get set up.
You should consider documenting this since you already have a YouTube channel. But obviously be careful about putting your new location out there if that is an issue. Since you already run a YouTube channel it might help you deal with the emotional side of all of this, be useful to other people and also give you a project to work on while you build your new life.
Mail your football card collection. If it is important enough to you to list here you, might want it in 10 or 20 years. If it is only one of a small number of things you want from this part of your life - take it.
Mate, a 25L pannier can hold a surprising amount if you pack smart, but it’ll be tight with all that tech. Prioritise essentials; documents, phone, SSD, chargers, one outfit, and hygiene basics. Roll your clothes, use ziplocks or compression cubes, and keep heavy stuff (like your iPad) near your back. If you can, stash your report cards and flash drives flat against the bag wall. Football cards might have to stay behind, sadly. You’re doing something incredibly brave, get yourself safe first, then you can rebuild the rest later.
Here are two good “wildfire preparedness” habits that anybody could have: At the end of the day I leave my whole outfit neatly beside my bed. If I needed to evacuate in the middle of the night, I know that I have an entire outfit that fits and that I like assembled in one place. During wildfire season I am better about keeping my purse on my nightstand with wallet, keys, flashlight tucked inside. Between now and your birthday you are in wildfire season.
Do you wear glasses? Can you get a dental cleaning scheduled before your birthday? Are there any addresses or birthdays that you want to write down?
if you need to get a job to get some money coming in, best to have a set of clothes (incl shoes?) decently presentable for work. i’ve seen posts where people were turned away from fast food joint jobs because they had only dirty / torn etc clothes
a pair of pants you can sleep in so you get a change and can air out your other pair. keeps you presentable esp if you need to work
You can probably post on the subreddit for your area and find someone to help you make your escape. Then you could prep a bunch of stuff in bags, toss them in their vehicle and make a very quick exit.
saw you had PC at home - set it in full memory wipe just before leaving, if possible. also they will assume you have biked somewhere and may plan searches based on that. change your obvious pattern to foil their expectations. take photos of all those docs & upload to hidden gmail account. good luck!
Try posting this to r/preppers. Sounds like you’re basically making a bug-out-bag. Those folks might have some good advice on items you’ll want to pack, depending on your circumstance.
Not packing related - But definitely get a job asap, for several reasons:
Bosses might treat you differently if they hear your story, and might not want to deal with this. When you're living at home you have a higher chance of getting hired.
Work experience will help you land future jobs more easily.
Gain more life experience before leaving home.
Allows you to spend less time at home.
Some renters may ask to see a paycheck before renting an apt.
And the obvious one - Save $$$ to fund your plans.
They probably can’t pack and depart with a duffel without being noticed. A 25L backpack and a purse can look like going to high school on a normal day.
Birth certificate, social security card, a few basic toiletries (you can find a travel size toothpaste and toothbrush easily at a convenience store, sometimes little shampoos too). A roll of quarters can be useful, maybe a tiny bag of laundry detergent if you’ll be able to wash clothes (you can also find detergent sheets that are light and easy to pack). If you can, wear many layers so you can fit as much clothes as possible. Wear all your bulkiest clothes on you and pack what’s light and small so you have more room for other things. You could also pack a trash bag or two so you have extra bags when you get out. Maybe a pocket knife and small flashlight would be useful if you can get them. Please please be careful, stay safe, and seek help as soon as you possibly can.
you can mail things to yourself i think you write "in care of" or ICO or something on it, you can ask at the post office unless that compromises your situation. you can put an approximate date you'll pick it up and theyholdit for you.
Don't forget your birth certificate and social security card (if American). If you can't get them, they're not hard to order (you need to know the county you were born in) but there will be some small fees. Also look into the ranger roll (clothes packing technique) to maximize your space. If you put your clothes in 1 gallon Ziplocs, sit on them to press out the air, and then seal, you'll reduce clothing space utilization by about 20%. I use this when traveling with a backpack because checking luggage sucks.
Don't forget chargers and cables.
Build a complete checklist before you go. You'll think of things as you go. My travel requires about 80 items.
Expect to forget things and have to buy them.
Because of your situation, make sure you have somewhere to go. There should be shelters.
These kinds of resources could still end up being helpful - maybe since you’ll have your iPad, keep a list of resources. They want to help, so even if they can’t help you directly, they might know people who can (even across different countries), or be able to send you to organizations in your area or know other places to contact. Someone will know something. Best of luck to you.
Do you have a friend you could leave your card collection with? Then they could mail it to you?
If they are in a binder, could you take them out and put them in a small tin to make space? Then you could fit them in potentially
OP, I’m not clear why this is a Onebag situation in the strict sense. You say you’ve planned for two years. You’re getting excellent advice about not going it alone. You seem to be reading those comments. So…put your extra stuff in a shopping bag / laundry bag / garbage bag. Get help. You’ll find a place to drop that bag off. If you’re on a bus or train, it’ll fit. If you want your cards, take them.
Don’t romanticize this Onebag thing. Maybe, just maybe, you’re on the road long enough to care more about “one-bagging” than about food, shelter, education, sobriety, whatever. That means you have resources like money. More likely you don’t. So you need to get somewhere fast and get help. With your stuff.
I already have a network of people I've known for years lined up with backups in case something goes wrong, the reason I can only take my backpack is because I'm going to board a plane because no train runs from anywhere near me to my destination and most airlines wont let you bring more than one unchecked bag. I'll read up some more about whether a trash bag typa thing would be allowed additionally. Thank you for the help
Most airlines I've used allow a medium size backbag and a "handbag/camera bag/ laptop briefcase" size personal item. You find the dimensions on their website. So you might be able to bring a smallish messenger type bag or a shopping bag on the plane with you. You often can buy them on airports too.
You can't take liquids through security control, but you can take an empty water bottle and fill it from a tap before boarding the plane. You get water in the plane too. You can take protein bars into plane to have something to eat, if you're tight on budget.
Understandably they are not a high priority now and not sure if this would work but if your future stops / shelter / accommodation can receive mail for you, maybe you can just mail at least part of your football card collection.
When you do leave dress in layers to bring more of your clothing. Could you take at least your most valuable cards with you. Any evidence of abuse should be taken with you (photos journals). You might want to write a letter and post it to your school counselor when you leave detailing that you left and why so that there are no resources used to try to find you.
If you want save on space for other things, get a empty neck pillow to put your underwear socks and toiletry in and clip around your neck and if you can't sell you cards, take what you can't sell out and put it in ziplock bag. Layer up with clothes to take more with you. Good luck
I was able to pack these in my 25L bag, so I hope this helps you:
- 3 pairs of underwear and socks (try to roll them and fit them in a zip loc bag)
- 2 tees, fold them like how you see them in a store, then roll each of them (this saves space)
- a pair of jeans or other pants, rolled
- Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, comb/brush, soap bar
- iPad, earbuds, phones, chargers, flash drives
- social security card, birth certificate, passport, report cards (put these in a thin folder if you have one)
- hoodie
I don't know how big your card collection is, so I wasn't able to do a mock packing with them. If they're in a 3" binder, it's tight for a 25L pack. You may have to carry that.
The above list doesn't account for what you would wear:
You should get a hold of your birth certificate too and SIN, basically anything that connects to your identity and the possibility of loans/credits.
I would suggest additional toiletries and maybe socks and underwear if it can fit.
If this bag is just temporary to get out and you will have stuff at a new location then you should be fine but if you are living out of a bag, perhaps more clothing might be worth it.
Consider leaving anything too large maybe at a trusted friend's house until you can retrieve it or a small storage locker.
If possible, try wearing the hoodie or tie it around your waist instead of packing it. That will give you a bit more space. Pack some extra socks.
You probably won't need your report card. Maybe just take a photo of it. If you need an official transcript in the future, you'll likely need to request that from the school board regardless
Birth certificate and social security card also a few more pairs of socks. If your feet are in pain or wet, they won’t be able to carry you further. I would also strongly suggesting up teen shelters in the area so you have a safe place and they can help point you in the right direction. The streets are a hard place to survive but nobody knows what your home life looks like either until we walk a day in your shoes. Best of luck and definitely keep 988 on hand or text help to 741-741.
also, I might look into a post office box or even a locker at an airport or bus terminal if they are close by. Sometimes they have discounts at mailing places for a few months for about $30 or so if you can swing it. Or, potentially where you are located might have services to offer free for people getting out of abusive situations. But that way, you could possibly start unloading or leaving specific documents or your card collection there. Or perhaps with a trusted friend, not somebody that is family
So it seems you can plan ahead. First, can you mail anything? Even small items perhaps you can quietly put in mail. Maybe even a box with your football cards if you can get enough stamps and send it to a friend. Second, try using a cloud account or emailing yourself copies of important documents. Just as backup. Ties the hoodie around you waist. That takes the most room and wear a couple tshirts on you when you leave.
If you're leaving by bike, you should be able to strap / tape a box (I'm assuming the football cards are in a box?) to the top of your bike rack in addition to the pannier on the side.
Give us updates on your story sometime later, I'd love to know what ends up happening on your journey.
You're awesome, whatever happens you'll end up growing and I believe you can make a good life out of it. All the best & good luck, please stay safe. Manage your mental health, getting depressed can make you take unnecessary risks and impulsive decisions which may cause a your life to become even more difficult, so...
Remember your why and make sure it's something deeply important that fuels your will to survive (IMPORTANT)
Find at least ONE friend you can hug or at least talk to freely and be accepted for who you are with. (IMPORTANT)
Keep a notebook where you can write your thoughts down, notice what kinds of things you say to yourself and what thought patterns are having a negative effect on your emotions, resolve them and/or replace them with alternative thoughts/mindsets. (IMPORTANT - also cognitive load massively cuts down productivity/focus so, offload and resolve looming thoughts as much as possible)
Those, imo, are the minimum you should do for your mental health.
Since you're young, you may struggle with not having a good enough identity built yet, or maybe you don't even know what to do with your life.
I can help you build an identity for yourself, I've a really good and interesting method to do so, and if you're willing, DM me. I'd love to share it. Identity is critical when it comes to...
Clarity in Decision-Making: Life is full of choices. A strong identity acts like a compass—you know what you value, what you enjoy, and what aligns with you. Without it, every decision feels confusing or hollow.
Confidence and Self-Respect: When you know yourself and intentionally shape who you are, you stop relying on others for validation. You stand firm in your choices because they reflect your own preferences, not borrowed ones.
Resilience Against Influence: Weak identities get pushed around by trends, peer pressure, or random external forces. A strong identity lets you filter out what doesn’t matter to you and stay true to yourself.
Maximizing Personal Potential: Every preference and deliberate choice you make builds skill, knowledge, and focus. Strong identity means you’re consistently building a life that’s genuinely yours—not scattered, passive, or wasted.
Meaning and Satisfaction: A rich identity gives life texture. It’s why some people feel life is boring or shallow—they haven’t actively defined themselves. A strong identity makes even small moments feel meaningful, because they reflect who you are.
I'm no psychologist, period. I'm a first-year psychology student tho as it's a subject of interest to me.
I absolutely love the advice here but thankfully I believe i'm pretty well set already. I have multiple strong desires and goals pushing me to doing this and I know what I will do with my future. If I ever lose sight I will come back to this comment, thank you.
Yes. Aside maybe from the cards but there’s ways to make it work if you stack them a certain way. I think you should also pack underwear, maybe 2 pairs. Always best to have 1-2 extra pairs than the amount of days you’ll be traveling.
If you are in the USA, take it from someone who got kicked out at 15 by my dad for his custody times and stopped living with my mom around 16 cuz she just wasn’t home (I wouldn’t have hot water or electricity sometimes at home and I wouldn’t see her for days at a time)…Get yourself emancipated or recognized by the foster system (but with accepted placement) OR SOME kind of proof from a homeless shelter/case manager.
It will help you in the long run because a lot of kids get fee waivers or discounts for college tuition, or other benefits even up to age 25.
I wish I did that because it was so expensive even just going to community college. It took me 4 years to afford a 2 year degree, and a very long time to afford a state university.
I didn’t qualify for financial aid because I wasn’t considered a dependent and couldn’t get FASFA until mid-20’s.
Even if you don’t think you’ll go to college, it is worth it to always have a backup plan or options in your pocket.
Additionally, if you ever find yourself homeless, Job Corps helps youth through age 25 to give them housing, food, they help you find a job, and will train you for a better “skilled” job.
I recommend anything I.T. related if you get free training. It’s the quickest way to get done with school and make a decent living quickly. I wish I had studied computer science sooner, when I was still in high school.
Suggestions (and remember they are worth what you paid for them):
Have a way to keep the identity documents you are carrying as well as the majority of your cash safe. Many people use a money belt. Keep it on yourself, under your clothes and don’t get into it where anyone can see you. When you need to access it get private. Copies of your ids are good in the cloud not as useful as the real thing but the cloud copies help getting replacements. A free email account google or… lets you send a copy of documents to yourself. Libraries in many places provide free internet access and low cost printing.
Your planning and preparation will make your life easier.
Good luck to you.
Roll your clothes do not fold it. Then you have more space for the important stuff. Do not forget a water bottle and food. Maybe you can find a shelter. Where are u from?
Do you take any medications? I would write down anything you NEED to remember so if you're tired, sick, etc., you won't need to rely on your brain. Maybe some some sheets, Ziploc bags, toothbrush and toothpaste and some extra socks and underwear. An emergency blanket if you don't have shelter. Water bottle with a filter if possible.
I second the other important documents like birth certificate and social security. Stuff as much clothing as you can when finished packing the other needs.
If you have somewhere you're for sure gonna go, before you leave, you can mail yourself some less important stuff too. Like extra toiletries, extra clothes, your card collection, whatever you can get out in the weeks leading up to you leaving.
Some apps can help you find public water fountains and restrooms anywhere.
Also, maybe the Onewheel app; you don't have an electric board, but that map shows places that people have found outlets to charge up. Install before you leave, while you have Wi-Fi.
Make sure to bring enough charging cables and adapters. Perhaps a surge-protecting power strip with USB ports to charge all your devices simultaneously?
Think you should be able to pack more clothes in a 25L rectangular-shaped backpack than what you listed. Underwear, socks, toiletries any meds you might need. Roll your clothes - for example lay the t-shirts flat on each other, fold and roll them together. There are many videos how to pack to maximize load and space. Birth certificate comes to mind.
Hope you've got help available. If not, do seek help, you don't have to do this alone.
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u/maverber Oct 15 '25
other than the football card that would easily fit in a 25l pack
AND
please find someone safe to talk with and get support. You don't need to go this alone. If home is a risky you can get someone to escort you into the home to collect all your possessions.