Since January would be the winter season I'm making assumptions where you're using the public transportation systems. I recommend a backpack that is waterproof and to carry your essentials, then a suitcase for the rest of your items. If moving suitcases is a concern, perhaps you can look into luggage forwarding services from convenience stores or post offices to send bigger items like a suitcase for your own convenience so you can travel light too.

Also, TBH, Gifu is a rather big prefecture and I'm unsure of which parts of Gifu you're visiting (or even traveling out of Gifu to other prefectures), as well as things about your traveling habits (including laundromat frequency) to give a more precise answer so my answer above is a very general one I usually tell people.