Ready to learn how to pack a suitcase the right way? It all starts with packing cubes, my absolute favorite travel essential. Explore here for everything you need to know about the best packing cubes for travel, including what they are, why you need them, how to use them, and where to find them!
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How to use the best packing cubes for travel
As exciting as it is to travel, every adventure, unfortunately, has to start with the daunting task of packing. The way you pack your bags can easily make or break your travel experience (been there, done that), so I thought I’d let you in on a little secret packing hack. Enter packing cubes, your new favorite travel companion (trust me).
Before we dive into all the deets, let me tell you a little bit about my journey with packing cubes. Packing cubes were honestly not even on my radar until I started traveling internationally a lot for work. I would have to pack a month’s worth of clothes at a time for these trips and had no idea how to do it, which is how I discovered the magic of packing cubes.
Full transparency, I’m also not the most organized person, and I’m an over-packer, so packing cubes has been a game changer for me. They have made packing much easier and more enjoyable, and unpacking way less annoying and hassle-free. It kind of sounds like a dream, right?
In this post, I’m going to cover EVERYTHING you need to know about travel packing cubes, including what they are, why you need them in your life, how to pack with packing cubes, and where you can buy them.
Need some additional help packing for your trip? Check out these related reads!
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What are packing cubes?
Packing cubes are essentially zippered bags designed to organize and categorize your belongings in your luggage. They act as individual sections for your clothes, shoes, toiletries, and accessories, and they come in different shapes, sizes, and materials.
They’re designed to efficiently use every inch of your suitcase, allowing you to pack more items in less space by compressing your clothing. They come in different shapes and sizes and are made from various materials. In a nutshell, they’re one of the best packing hacks for vacation.
Are packing cubes worth it?
Well, DUH, but allow me to elaborate! Ever feel like your suitcase looks like a tornado went through it as soon as you start looking for an outfit? Ever open up your suitcase and have no idea what’s clean or dirty? This is why you need packing cubes, so let’s talk about some of the benefits of using them.
In essence, packing cubes are basically like the drawers you have in your dresser at home. They allow you to compartmentalize your items, making it easy to separate clothes, accessories, toiletries, and electronics. This organization helps you quickly find what you need, eliminating the need to rummage through your entire suitcase.
You’re also probably wondering, “Do packing cubes save space?” They’re designed to fit snugly within your luggage and therefore DO help to optimize space. By neatly arranging your belongings within these cubes, you can maximize the use of available space. This means you can pack more efficiently and avoid overpacking your suitcase.
Some packing cubes also come with compression zippers, which allow you to remove excess air and compress your clothes. This not only saves space but also minimizes wrinkles, ensuring your clothes arrive at your destination looking fresh.
Another benefit of packing cubes is that it makes unpacking a lot easier when you reach your destination. It’s way easier to transfer your clothes from a packing cube to drawers, as opposed to digging through a suitcase of clothing chaos.
Lastly, I love that the best packing cubes for travel provide a barrier between your clean clothes and dirty shoes or laundry. This helps to keep your suitcase smelling fresh throughout your trip, AND it also makes unpacking when you get home so much more efficient! Unpacking is one of my least favorite things to do, so if packing cubes can help make this process more enjoyable, I’ll take it!
How to use packing cubes for travel
Now that I’ve convinced you why you need them, it’s time to show you how to use them! Don’t worry, it’s super easy, and there really is no right or wrong way. It’s whatever works best for you!
I’m a super visual person, so when I start packing, I like to lay out all my outfits on my bed to ensure I have everything I need. This includes accessories, shoes, etc. If I don’t do this, I will end up having to dig through my suitcase to double-check everything, and it will turn into a hot mess. PASS!
From there, you can either transfer your outfits into the packing cubes by outfit or organize them by category. Meaning pants go with pants, tops go with tops, etc. You get the point! I personally prefer to organize everything by category because I feel like it’s so much easier to find what you’re looking for, but again do what works best for you!
When using travel packing cubes, I recommend rolling each item instead of folding them. This helps to utilize every inch of space fully and will allow you to fit a lot more. Rolling your clothes will also help to eliminate creases/wrinkles, which is a huge win in my book.
I try to use packing cubes as much as I can during my travels, but there are, unfortunately, some items that they don’t work as well with. This includes bulkier items like sweaters, jackets, etc. However, compression bags for travel are a good alternative!
Most packing cube sets usually come in assorted sizes. Depending on what I’m packing, I use the large packing cubes for bulkier items like bottoms/denim and dresses and the small packing cubes for things like swimsuits and tops.
See below for a step-by-step tutorial on how to pack with packing cubes.
STEP 1: Lay out all of your outfits on your bed
I usually lay out all my outfits on my bed to ensure I have everything I need BEFORE transferring things into my packing cubes. This will help to prevent you from second guessing if you packed something or not!
Here’s a closer image of what I’m talking about! Make sure to include any accessories, shoes, etc., when planning your outfits!
STEP 2: Organize items into categories
I like to organize my packing cubes by category (tops with tops, bottoms with bottoms, etc.) because it is easier to find things, but you can also transfer your outfits directly into packing cubes if that works best for you!
STEP 3: How to roll clothes for packing
Rolling your clothes will not only optimize space but also help prevent wrinkles, which is a huge bonus! Just so you know, some items (like jeans) might be easier to keep folded instead of rolling.
And there you have it! Not too hard, right? If you’re only traveling for a weekend and don’t have enough to fill one packing cube, it is ok to combine categories. As I said, it’s whatever is easiest for you!
If you have smaller items like jewelry, hair accessories, toiletries, etc., I like using these cute packing cubes below! Some of them are also waterproof, which is perfect if you’re bringing valuables (like your phone) to the beach or if you have products that could leak.
STEP 4: Place packing cubes flat or upright
Depending on the size of your suitcase, you can either lay the packing cubes flat OR upright, which will help to optimize space even more!
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Different types of packing cubes
In my opinion, durability is the most important thing to consider when choosing the best packing cubes. I initially made the mistake of purchasing a set of Amazon packing cubes, and the quality was terrible. It could have just been the particular brand I bought, but the zipper broke almost immediately, and I had to throw them away!
Another thing to consider is what kind of trip you are going on. All packing cubes are not created equal! Some are made of a more durable technical material that is essential for trips that involve outdoor activities like camping. If you are only using them for work trips or leisurely travel, you won’t need those additional features!
As mentioned above, if you are packing bulky items, I recommend buying some travel compression bags to help free up space in your suitcase. I really like these compression packing cubes from Amazon that include a hand pump.
Lastly, I think most packing cube sets come in assorted sizes, but if not, I would recommend choosing a set that does. You are not going to need large packing cubes for all categories.
Where to buy packing cubes
There are SO many different places to buy packing cubes, and although I have yet to try every brand, Calpak packing cubes are by far my fave! If you want to give packing cubes a test run before you invest, Amazon packing cubes are the most affordable option, but I recommend reading reviews before purchasing.
If you use packing cubes a lot, I suggest buying some that are good quality, even if you have to pay a little more. Some of the best in the market right now are Eagle Creek packing cubes and Gonex packing cubes.
Sharing all of the best packing cubes for travel for any adventure below!
Affordable packing cubes
Basic packing cubes
Cute packing cubes with prints
Performance packing cubes
Other cute bags for travel
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