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Packing and unpacking are often the two most dreaded tasks involved with travel. Fortunately, there are simple ways to alleviate the stress of packing and unpacking your luggage.
Packing cubes are an effective and affordable way to stay organized and keep your clothes and personal items neat. They can also help you plan your outfits for your trip and keep you from overpacking.
I wanted to dedicate an entire post to help you learn more about packing cubes and how to use them to maximize your luggage space.
How To Use Packing Cubes For Travel
What Is A Packing Cube
Packing cubes are small, zip-closure containers of various shapes, sizes, and materials that are designed to keep your clothes, shoes, accessories, and other items organized. They make organizing your suitcase easy so that you can use your luggage space more efficiently. You can buy packing cubes in sets or individually to create a set that works for you.
Finding a system that works for you is the key to using packing cubes. Here are some ideas for ways you can use packing cubes:
Organize similar items together.
One great way to use packing cubes is to keep similar items together. You can assign a packing cube to each type of item you need in your suitcase. Use individual cubes for shirts, pants, socks, and intimates, as well as one as a designated shoe bag.
You can also use smaller packing cubes for your jewelry or accessories. And don’t forget to bring an empty one to use as a laundry bag for your dirty clothes while you’re away.
Organize packing cubes by day or activity.
Another helpful idea is to pack each cube with a complete outfit for each day of your trip. Preplanning your outfits makes it super easy to get ready and saves you time that would have otherwise been spent putting an outfit together.
Use a waterproof packing cube for toiletries.
For any toiletries that you want to pack, be sure to use small cubes designed for wet items. Using the right luggage organizer to pack your toiletries will protect your clothes and other items in your suitcase from accidental spills or leaks.
Best Travel Essentials
Are Packing Cubes TSA Approved
Yes, packing cubes are included in the list of TSA-approved travel gear, as long as what you pack inside of them follows all TSA rules and regulations. When shopping for packing cubes, you’ll want to look for sets that can fit in the luggage you plan on using. Also, keep in mind whether you will check your luggage or carry it on the plane with you if you’re flying.
How Do Packing Cubes Work
Packing cubes keep your packed items separated.
Maybe you have a pair of shoes you don’t want rubbing all over your clothes. Or perhaps you have a cashmere sweater that you want to keep separated from your beaded skirt. With the help of packing cubes, it’s never been easier to separate items in your luggage.
Keep your clothes wrinkle-free with packing cubes.
It’s practically impossible to completely avoid wrinkles when traveling, but packing cubes greatly minimize wrinkling. When your suitcase is neatly organized with packing cubes that are filled to capacity, your items won’t shift during travel. With everything in your suitcase staying in place, your clothes will be far less wrinkled when you unpack.
Packing cubes help protect your personal items from bed bugs.
Some travel experts swear by packing cubes for bed bug prevention. Using packing cubes to store your clothes and personal items while traveling reduces your chances of accidentally packing a bed bug and bringing it home.
Plus, keeping your items in packing cubes until you’re able to wash them dramatically reduces the likelihood of encountering a bed bug infestation. Or any bug infestation, for that matter.
Compression cubes maximize space in your luggage.
A compression packing cube further reduces the space your items take up. Compression bags and cubes are especially great for puffy coats and bulky clothes. You’ll be amazed by how much space can be saved when using compression sacks.
Best Packing Essentials
Are Packing Cubes Worth It
You might be reading this and wondering if packing cubes are actually worth it. I can confidently assure you yes, they are. Regardless of how often you travel, packing cubes help to keep you organized and allow you to make the most of your luggage space.
They’re also great for keeping you organized while you’re on your trip, which can reduce the amount of time and energy you spend getting ready. Investing in the right packing cubes can make a big difference in how you travel.
Best Packing Cubes For Travel
Away Packing Cubes
The company I love specializing in travel essentials is Away – from suitcases and duffle bags to tote bags and organizers – that are lightweight, durable, and functional. The two sets below are my favorite packing cubes I bring with me on every trip.
The Insider Packing Cubes from Away are high-quality packing cubes available in sets of four or six. The set of four is $45 and can fit perfectly in Away’s carry on luggage. The set of six is $65, contains an extra small and large cube, and can fit seamlessly in the checked suitcases designed by Away.
Each packing cube is made from water-resistant nylon with mesh paneling to make it easy to see what’s inside. Each packing cube in either set is a different size and all of them can fold flat when they’re not being used.
The dimensions of the Away The Insider Packing Cubes are:
- Small Wide: 10″ x 4.1″ x 8.25″
- Small Wide: 10″ x 4.1″ x 8.25″ (Only included in the set of six)
- Medium Slim: 10″ x 4.1″ x 4.3″
- Medium Wide: 13″ x 4.1″ x 10″
- Large Slim: 13″ x 4.1″ x 6.9″
- Large Wide: 17″ x 4.1″ x 12.8″ (Only included in the set of six)
Pros
- Cube sizes easily accommodate a wide variety of clothing
- Lightweight
- Easy to store when not in use
Cons
- Thinner material
- Very few color options
Packing cubes are essential for organized, stress-free travel.
Packing cubes have earned a spot at the top of my travel packing checklist. I can personally vouch for their efficiency and guarantee that you’ll be amazed by how much of a difference they can make when it comes time to pack for your next trip. More travel tips here!
