How can I minimize the weight of the suitcase of my checked in luggage?

• Buy a strong, light suit case. I have a large "Samsonite" suitcase and it is so light. These kind of suitcases are usually more expensive but for the durability and the saving on the long run, they are really worth it.
• Cardboard boxes are a good idea if no other option, make sure to wrap it with plastic at the airport for extra strength. Also, ask the guy who wrap it to make a handle. They have a way of making a handle with the plastic wrap, this will make carrying it much easier (something similar to this).

Reducing the weight of your luggage is a major factor. Most people don't realize that the old bulky piece that you bought at a budget department store could take upto 1/3 of your carry on allowance before it's packed.

Make sure you only bring what you need. Pare down to your absolute essentials, and leave the four pairs of shoes you love to travel with at home.

You could use a cardboard box, but it will be a pain in the bum to carry around to your destination.

If you're flying with a budget airline, you'll still have to watch out, as budget airlines tend to be more anal about what you carry on. They can mess you over on both size and weight of your hand luggage.

That said, the solution is pretty straightforward, in generic terms: put larger, lighter items in your checked in luggage and heavier, smaller items in your carry on. If what you check in is not fragile, you can use a light cloth or canvas bag to minimize the weight of your luggage, even though then you might have a harder time lugging your stuff around at your destination.

I personally take what is absolutely necessary… I wear the heavier shoes, switch them with light sneakers later. I wear the heavier coat and sweater and I sling my jacket over my shoulder. Most airlines will allow you a laptop bag along with the carry on, keep your books in there too!

For your question I'd suggest using a scale to determine which items are really heavier than the others. You don't have to weigh everything, just the items you suspect could be heavy. You would be surprised how deceitful volume can be!

Also consider duffel bags. Collapsible and easy to store.

I personally swear by them. I had a cheap one purchased from K-Mart. It traveled with me to South America, the Caribbean, up and down the US East Coast, to Europe, etc. and survived! I travelled with that thing for 10+ years until the strap finally ripped on my last trip.

But it was great to travel with since packing light isn't my specialty. As a fairly petite person, I was happy that I didn't have to sacrifice having wheels since they weren't too bulky. However, I also found a sturdy wheel-less one at an army surplus store that was HUGE but light and folded pretty flat. Perfect when I moved away to college.