How to use packing cubes efficiently

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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.

Black, pink and blue sets of packing cubes

Family packing cubes – one color for each person

What are packing cubes?

Think of packing cubes as light-weight storage boxes for your clothes when traveling.

They come in different sizes and colors.

In fact, I have three different colors as each of us has our own set.

This makes it easy to see whose clothes are in that 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. 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.

The Ebags 4 piece Classic Plus set includes this narrow cube, along with a small, medium and large cube.

The large cube is where the main clothes go. My daughter’s clothes fit in here perfectly for our last 3-week trip.

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.

My daughter’s clothes for a 3 week Europe trip

Rolled clothes and shoes in a black packing cube with shoes on top

My clothes rolled with flip-flops on top

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.

This is quick to unpack when you arrive at your hotel room.