How to use Packing Cubes and why You’ll Never Travel without them Again
If you don’t use packing cubes, or maybe have never heard of them, you are missing out. Whether you are a frequent traveler or just someone who likes to stay organized when traveling, you are going to want these cubes. They are a traveler’s dream! Basically, they are small, soft-sided bags that allow you to compartmentalize your clothes and other items, allowing you to maximize the space inside your suitcase. These bags come in various sizes and shapes to provide you with the ultimate opportunity in space saving and organization.
Top qualities in good Packing Cubes
- Mesh Top – This is a must!! The mesh top allows you to see what clothes are in your bag without, having to unzip it. The mesh also allows for air to flow through your bag, keeping your clothes inside fresh. Make sure the mesh is soft so that it won’t damage delicate fabrics.
- Handles – Each cube should have a handle or two. The best handles are woven for strength, and are attached securely to the side of the bag. Handles are great for when you have to pull your packing cube out of the suitcase, or having to carry it around.
- Zippers with Pulls – It’s essential that your packing cubes have great quality zippers. Depending on how full you pack your cubes, it will put a lot of tension on the zipper. If they are not strong enough, then they could rip out, leaving you with a mess.
- Finished Interior – The interior of the bag where your clothes will be touching. Make sure the inside of the bag is finished out. For example, seems should be smooth and flat without rough edges.
- Shape and Size – Packing cubes come in various shapes and sizes, which is helpful because you can find the ones that best fit your luggage! Whether you use a checked bag, carry-on, or backpack, there are cubes that work for all sizes. I would suggest doing a quick measure of the interior of your suitcase so that as you shop for your cubes, you can find the ones that work
best for you. - Price – Buying good quality packing cubes does not have to be expensive. We recently purchased two new sets of cubes: one for me and one for my husband. Each set contained four bags: 1 large, 1 medium and 2 small. We paid $32 for each set.
How to use packing cubes?
Everyone has their own way to pack a suitcase, and using the packing cubes is the same. It is going to be trial and error until you find what works best for you. The beauty of packing cubes is they keep your stuff organized.
Now, before we go any further, let’s discuss the big question: Folding or Rolling?
Here is my opinion… use both.
You have to look at the purpose of your trip. Is it pleasure or is it business? Then, look at the type of clothes you will be taking. Is it shorts and t-shirts or dress pants and shirts.
If it is a pleasure trip, then roll. Rolling will allow you to pack more in your bags. And honestly, you shouldn’t be taking clothes that wrinkle easily on vacation anyway. Who wants to iron? You’re on vacation!!
HELPFUL HINT: Another bonus for rolling, is it allows you to see all of your clothes at once, instead of only seeing the item on the top. Now you can pull out only the item you need, without having to dig through your cube and disturbing everything else.
Now if it is a business trip, I would fold. It is going to be difficult to roll dress shirts or pants and they not come out wrinkled.
HELPFUL HINT: When packing items like dress shirts or dresses, place sheets of tissue paper between the folds. This will help to keep wrinkles to a minimum.
For now, let’s assume we are packing for a pleasure trip, and so we are going to roll.
The first thing I do is lay all my clothes out on the bed, with liked items together. For example, pants/shorts together, shirts together, undergarments together and so on. The reason why I sort my clothes this way is because this is how I will pack my cube: like items together.
I start with the larger items first. These will go into the largest cube. I take a pair of jeans, fold them in half, then starting at the waist, I begin rolling down the leg. Once rolled, I place it at one end of the cube.
- I then take the next pair of pants and do the same thing. I then lay them tightly against the last pair that I have already placed in the cube.
- When I get to the shirts, I fold them in half, matching the sleeves together. I then fold the sleeves in towards the shirt. Start at the neck and begin rolling down.
- I continue this process going through all of the pants, and then the shirts, until everything is in my large cube.
HELPFUL HINT: When you’re packing at home, place a dryer sheet in the bag. This helps to keep your clothes smelling fresh.
- Next, I take my medium cube and do the same thing, except this time with items such as undergarments, pj’s, scarfs, swimsuits, etc. Continue rolling each item and placing them tightly in the cube.
- I like to use my smaller bag for socks, cords, medications, and so on. Basically, anything small can go in this cube.
- Now that everything is packed, I look at each bag to make sure I have used all available space. I don’t want bags underfilled, because the contents will shift around and begin to unroll. I want them full and tightly packed.
HELPFUL HINT: When packing at the end of your trip, use your large cube for dirty clothes. This will keep your clean and dirty clothes separate.
Other Positives
- Packing cubes will almost eliminate unpacking once you arrive at your destination. Simply take your packing cubes out of your suitcase, unzip the top flap, tuck it under the cube and set the entire cube in the dresser drawer. All of your clothes are still neatly packed and in full view.
- Have you ever had a suitcase that is overweight and you had to scramble to take things out of one bag and into another? That happened to me in the middle of the Venice airport. My bag was too heavy, so I was frantically trying to pull items out and stick them into my personal bag, while trying desperately not to sling underwear across the airport. If I had my packing cubes back then, I could have easily reached in and quickly pulled out one of my small cubes and placed it into my personal bag. Would have saved me a ton of embarrassment.
- Packing cubes also help when dealing with airport personnel.
- For instance, if you are carrying on your bag and TSA happens to open it for inspection, using packing cubes makes it easy for them to sort through the bag without destroying your contents in the process.
- Same goes for checked bags. I had an instance once when I landed at the Dusseldorf airport, I went to baggage claim only to discover my suitcase was nowhere to be found. After checking with the airline and walking the baggage claim area several times, I finally found my bag. It was in a corner with its contents falling out. After closer inspection, I discovered the zipper had broken. If I had my packing cubes then, my contents would have all stayed together and not be spilling out of my bag.
So if you have never used packing cubes, I highly recommend them. They keep your suitcase organized, allow you to pack more items for your trip and they are inexpensive. I really think that once you give them a try you will wonder how you ever lived without them.
Want to remember this? Post this “How to use Packing Cubes” to your favorite Pinterest board!
16 Comments
Debbie
I have always wondered how these would work. They look like a great idea and I could have used them on my cruise. Thanks for the great information.
admin
Debbie, you really need to give them a try. Figuring out how they work best for you is a little bit of trial and error, but once you have it down you won’t travel without them again.
Erica (The Prepping Wife)
Whoever invented packing cubes is a genius! They are a big plus for traveling! Another way that I utilize them myself is in my bug out bags for my husband and me. I can fit more in them and still be better organized at the same time. I definitely agree with you.
admin
What is a bug out bag? Sounds intriguing.
Toni
This is a great idea. I have not tried to use packing cubes but see how they can keep everything organized and orderly while packing and in packing.
admin
I personally love them because they keep my stuff organized. Hope you give them a try.
Natalie
These are especially great for hostels! I used to use plastic bags to hold clothes and to keep smaller things organized, but I learned how loud they can be when you’re trying to unpack in the dark in a room full of sleeping people 😅 A zipper is much quieter than a plastic bag and it’s easier to find things!
admin
Great point Natalie!! I have never run into the plastic bag problem personally, but I am sure others out there like you who do. Thanks for your tip!! I really like using packing cubes while traveling. It keeps my suitcase neat and organized, and I can always find what I am looking for.
Kristen Brown
Hi! I loved reading about your packing cubes! Maybe I missed it, but I didn’t see a link to where I can buy these. My husband, mother in law, and I are going to Barcelona in August and I can see this as something I definitely need to buy before our trip. Thanks for the tip!
admin
Hi Kristen…When I originally wrote the post, I wasn’t necessarily trying to promote any one brand. I did purchase them from eBags. Here is a link to the one I purchased. https://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/packing-cubes-4pc-classic-plus-set/297340?productid=10371836
Julie
These look great – I’ve never used them before. I think this would be really useful in my RV!
admin
Hi Julie…Thanks for your comment. Yeah, I think they would be great for RVing. Give them a try and let me know what you think.
Nikole
I had not realized how useful these can be.. I might have to invest!
admin
The good thing is they are not expensive. Happy Travels.
Sherri
I’ve been using packing cubes for the last few years on family vacations, fishing trips, weekends with the girls & several cruises. In a few months, I will be packing up for a trip to Greece. Packing cubes are the way to go! Everything is neatly organized & easy to find. No muss, no fuss! I highly recommend investing in a set before your next trip, no matter where you’re going.
admin
Thank you Sherri for your comment. Yes, I love them as well. I don’t think I will ever travel again without them. They are a time and space saver. Happy Travels!!