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Best Way to Use Packing Cubes – You’ll Never Travel Without Them Again!

By Sandra Roussy March 29, 2023 Travel

Do you use packing cubes when you travel? If not, do you want to learn how to use them? My travel experiences completely changed when I discovered packing cubes. I never travel without them anymore.

Here Are 5 Top-Ranking Packing Cubes:

  1. Cotopaxi Cubos Del Dia Travel Cubes – Set of 3 at REI – Fun colorful set of packing cubes.
  2. BAGAIL 8 Set Packing Cubes on Amazon – Extensive set of 8 cubes of various sizes.
  3. MIAMI CARRYON Collins 6-Pc. Packing Cube Set at Macy’s – Set of 6 packing cubes that includes zippered pouches.
  4. Go Clear 3PC Packing Cubes at Samsonite – Made with a see-through plastic to see everything that is in each packing cube.
  5. Classic Medium 3pc Packing Cubes at eBags – Set of 3 packing cubes that are offered in colors like eggplant and aquamarine.

Packing cubes are small, lightweight bags designed to help organize clothing and other items in a suitcase or backpack. They are usually rectangular or square-shaped and come in a variety of sizes, from small pouches to larger bags that can hold multiple garments.

packing cubes

Packing cubes are made from materials such as nylon or polyester and typically have a zippered opening to access the contents inside. They may also have mesh panels or other features to allow for ventilation and visibility of the items inside.

Using packing cubes can have several benefits when traveling as they:

  • Keep your clothes and other items organized and separated.
  • Make it easier to find and access items in your suitcase.
  • Reduce wrinkling or damage.
  • Maximize the space in your suitcase by compressing clothing and other soft items.
  • Simplify the process of packing and unpacking your suitcase.

Packing cubes can be a useful tool for anyone who wants to stay organized and efficient when traveling.

Who Are Packing Cubes For

Packing cubes can be helpful for a wide variety of travelers.

Frequent Travelers

People who travel frequently, whether for work or leisure, can benefit from packing cubes to help them stay organized and efficient when packing and unpacking their suitcases.

Backpackers and Hikers

Backpackers and hikers who need to carry all of their gear on their backs can use packing cubes to help them organize their clothing and equipment and make the most of the limited space in their packs.

Families

Families with multiple people sharing a suitcase can use packing cubes to keep each person’s clothing and accessories separate and organized.

Long-Term Travelers

People who are traveling for an extended period of time, such as for a gap year or a sabbatical, can use packing cubes to help them stay organized and make it easier to find what they need without unpacking their entire suitcase.

How to Use Packing Cubes When Traveling

I use my packing cubes to help me stay organized, prevent wrinkling, and also to maximize the space in my suitcase when traveling. I can even travel for extended periods of time with a simple carry-on when my personal items are arranged in packing cubes.

Here are some tips on the best ways to use packing cubes.

Group Items by Category

Use different packing cubes for different types of items, such as clothes, toiletries, electronics, and accessories. This will make it easier to find what you need and keep your suitcase organized.

Roll Your Clothes

I always roll my clothes in my packing cubes. Rolling instead of folding can help save space and prevent wrinkles.

Use Compression Cubes

If you need to pack bulky items such as jackets or sweaters, consider using compression packing cubes. These cubes have a zippered panel that allows you to let out extra air and compress the contents, reducing their size and making them easier to pack.

Remember that compressed garments may be smaller but still weigh the same. Something to consider for baggage weight limitations on certain airlines.

20 Travel Compression Bags on Amazon

20 Travel Compression Bags on Amazon

Pack a Spare Cube

Bring an extra empty packing cube with you on your trip. This can come in handy if you need to pack something new that you buy during your travels. I usually end up using the spare packing cube to separate my laundry from my clean clothes.

Maximize Space

When packing your suitcase, use the space between and around the packing cubes. For example, you could put shoes or other flat items in the space between two cubes. Just be careful not to overpack your suitcase and exceed weight limits.

Customize Your Packing

Every traveler has their own preferences for how they like to pack. Experiment with different ways to use packing cubes to find the method that works best for you.

I had a little trial and error period when I started using my packing cubes until I found the perfect solution that suits my traveling style.

Where to Purchase Packing Cubes

You can find packing cubes at a variety of retailers both in-store and online.

Travel Supply Stores

Stores that specialize in travel gear and accessories, such as REI, The Container Store, and Eagle Creek, often carry a wide selection of packing cubes.

Cotopaxi Cubos Del Dia Travel Cubes - Set of 3 at REI

Cotopaxi Cubos Del Dia Travel Cubes – Set of 3 at REI

Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes Reveal Aizome Blue Set Of 3 at The Container Store

Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes Reveal Aizome Blue Set Of 3 at The Container Store

Online

Online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart offer a huge variety of packing cubes, often at competitive prices.

BAGAIL 8 Set Packing Cubes on Amazon

BAGAIL 8 Set Packing Cubes on Amazon

Department Stores

Large department stores such as Macy’s and Nordstrom usually have a travel section that includes packing cubes.

MIAMI CARRYON Collins 6-Pc. Packing Cube Set at Macy’s

MIAMI CARRYON Collins 6-Pc. Packing Cube Set at Macy’s

Luggage Retailers

Stores that sell luggage and travel bags, such as Samsonite, Tumi, and Briggs & Riley, often have packing cubes as part of their product line.

Go Clear 3PC Packing Cubes at Samsonite

Go Clear 3PC Packing Cubes at Samsonite

Specialty Websites

There are several websites that specialize in travel gear and accessories, such as eBags and TravelSmith, that offer a variety of packing cubes in different sizes, colors, and materials.

Classic Medium 3pc Packing Cubes at eBags

Classic Medium 3pc Packing Cubes at eBags

No matter where you decide to buy packing cubes, be sure to read reviews and compare prices to find the best quality and value for your needs.

Read PACK IT OR BUY IT? 9 TIPS ON SAVING SPACE AND MONEY WHEN TRAVELING ON A BUDGET.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you use packing cubes? Where do you purchase your packing cubes? How do you pack your cubes? Do you have any suggestions for the community? Let us know in the comments below.

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4 Comments
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Marian

I first used packing cubes on a 10 day trip where my husband and I shared a suitcase. I’ll never go back. Now my son & daughter-in-law won’t go anywhere with their 2 year old and 2 month old children, unless they use the cubes! Cannot recommend them enough!!

Gail

These are the best idea ever! I have used them for years, even just for small overnight or weekend bags when NOT flying….so great to keep things organized and unwrinkled!

shaggy maggie

Retired flight attendant here. Could not agree with you more!
I keep my smallest one for toiletries, first aid, and meds. So
very convient!

Bethany

I’ve had a few small ones that I’ve used before, but had no idea they made larger ones for clothing! Great article! I’m ordering a set of them today!

The Author

Sandra is the middle-aged woman you hear about who sheds everything she owns and sets out into the world to rediscover and redefine herself. After more than twenty years spent in the fashion industry designing collections for brands such as La Senza, Victoria’s Secret, and JACOB Lingerie, she shifted her path and pursued her longtime passion for writing, traveling, and photography. Sandra was published in the NY Times best selling book Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It. A deeply personal essay hand-picked by Elizabeth Gilbert about loss, facing fears, and going after dreams. Visit her website: www.sandraroussy.com

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