Simple trick: how to use packing cubes efficiently
Love them or hate them. That seems to be the consensus with those that have used packing cubes. However, if you are unaware of how to use packing cubes efficiently, then this post is for you!
First, let me tell you that I am NOT a light-packer. I wish we could just take carry-ons, but that’s never going to happen.
With a child, I probably overpack. She has enough outfits so that she wears them 2-3 times each. Plus, two pair of shoes and flip-flops for swimming. When you are packing for a 2-3 week trip to Europe, it does add up.
This is where packing cubes come in! While I may pack a lot of stuff, packing cubes let me do it efficiently.
Let me show you.
What are packing cubes?
Think of packing cubes as lightweight storage boxes for your clothes when traveling.
They come in different sizes and colors.
In fact, I have so many different colors and sets. Maybe I’m a packing cube addict, I don’t know. But, I like every single item in my suitcase in a cube.
Different colors make it easy to see whose clothes are in each cube. After arriving at our destination, we either unpack the cubes or just put the whole cube in a drawer (separated by color). This allows us to get the big suitcase stowed and out of the way.
My daughter likes it because it is now easy for her to find her own clothes.
Packing cube sizes
A set of packing cubes typically comes with three or four different-sized cubes.
These packing cubes from Well Traveled even include a shoe drawstring bag.
My favorite cube is the narrow one. It is perfect for just underwear and socks – no rummaging through large cubes to find what you need. I wish it was a little longer though (and then it would be perfect for my needs anyway).
Plus, I use one for hairbrushes, deodorant, and any other small loose items.
The large cube is where the main clothes go. Our clothes fit in here perfectly for a one-week trip.
Here’s the exact ones I recommend on Amazon.
- SPACE-SAVING DESIGN: Experience the revolution of packing with our HybridMax DOUBLE CAPACITY COMPRESSION DESIGN (patent-pending). No matter the journey, our packing cubes turn chaos into order. Designed for both carry-on and check-in suitcases, our innovative COMPRESSION DESIGN makes travel prep a breeze
- FEEL THE LUXURY: Elevate your travels with our PREMIUM TWILL FABRIC packing cube bags. Unlike ordinary cubes with low-quality thin materials, ours offer a superior, tactile experience that whispers quality with every touch
- DURABLE STITCHING & ZIPPERS: Say goodbye to travel worries. Our cubes feature robust reinforced stitching and SMOOTH 2-WAY ZIPPERS, ensuring secure, WATER-RESISTANT protection for your belongings
- VERSATILITY & STYLE: Our packing cubes organizer set is more than just convenient; its a statement. Small, medium, and large cubes make a PERFECT SET for storing your essentials, while our array of EXCITING COLORS AND DESIGNS adds a stylish flair to your travel routine!
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Use the small or medium cube to pack swimsuits, coverups and pajamas separately. Again, this makes it easier to find something you are looking for quickly.
In fact, when we stay at an airport hotel for a quick overnight before a flight, I pack everything we need into a single cube and just remove that from the luggage.
How to use Packing Cubes
I am definitely a roller. By that, I mean I start at one end of the cube and roll each clothing item. Pack the first item next to the edge of the cube and tightly add additional items as you roll them.
As you fill half a cube, pull the zipper halfway around so the clothes stay in tightly.
Keep rolling until the bottom is filled with clothes.
Do you have room on top of that layer? If yes, then roll some more and start a second layer – pushing your rolled clothes all the way to the back of the bag first.
Sometimes, I am able to fit a pair of shoes on top, too.
My goal is to not have any loose items in the luggage – everything is in cubes. Use the small cubes for combs, brushes, elastic ponytail holders – anything that is loose.
Compression zippers
What’s great about Well Traveled’s packing cubes is the compression zipper!
So, instead of just a top zipper, there is also one at the bottom of the packing cube that reduces a full inch when closed.
Truthfully, I have used another brands’ cubes with compression zips and I did not like them at all. I could not ever get them closed without having to take out a lot of clothes.
I did not have this trouble with the Well Traveled ones. I’m guessing it’s because their zipper went straight across whereas the other brand I have does it on a diagonal.
So, if you are looking to save some suitcase space, purchase packing cubes with a compression zipper!
This is quick to unpack when you arrive at your hotel room.
There you have it. Are you a believer yet?
Buy these packing cubes on Amazon.
Please note: While I have many packing cube sets, I was contacted by Well Traveled to use and review theirs in exchange for a complimentary set. My opinions are my own. I really love packing cubes!
Do you use packing cubes? Do you think packing cubes are worth it? Let me know in the comments!
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