- Sep 21, 2022
- 4 min read

What's the Big Deal with Packing Cubes?

Top 4 reasons why I love packing cubes.

I wrote a review several years ago because I was going to try packing cubes for the first time. Everyone was talking about it so, I wondered if I was missing something. FOMO at its best!

Putting a bag in a bag seemed counterintuitive to saving space, and as an over-packer, I need space, but after trying them I won't leave home without them now.

I still have not tried compression cubes since I can't seem to buy in on the wrinkle-free claim when you are compressing your clothes into a tiny pancake. However, it would really help if you want to free yourself from the "FOLL" (fear of lost luggage) and take a carry-on only. Just watch the weight of the bag.

Back to the question of saving space, I really can't say it does, but it doesn't use more space. Let's talk about rolling. It is supposed to help with wrinkles and saving space. I'm going to say a big no on wrinkles. I've tried to save space by rolling, but still don't see it. I end up laying the clothes flat. It is recommended with cubes too so I'd love to hear if you have made it work.

So, why do I love them so much? Here is why:

1) Organization

Packing, to me, is a nightmare. What to bring? Will I need this or that? Where do I put shoes which have walked on the streets of Europe, Disney, and my neighborhood? Yeah, a plastic bag works on that one. I need things quick when I travel.

Trying to make everything fit is one thing, finding it later is another. When I need something from the suitcase, I'm searching through layer upon layer in my suitcase, and my clothes end up all over the place and wrinkled as the trip goes on.

Hello packing cubes! I have a cube for each clothing group. Shirts, pants, shoes, socks, and undergarments, etc. The latter is my favorite. I used to roll small items and stick them in every open space, now they are all in one place.

Pro tip: Always mix and match as much as possible. So when you open the "shirt" bag it matches anything in the pants bag. Jeans can be worn multiple times so don't pack a pair for each day. And, when possible, use the laundry service.

2) Wrinkles

Let me start by saying, my clothes are not wrinkle-free, however, the cubes do make a difference in the amount of wrinkles for a few reasons. Without them, everything bunches together at the bottom, with them they wrinkle a little. I really need to try rolling on my next trip.

3) They Fit in Everything.

Use as many or as few as you like and use them in every bag. I put them in my carry-on or even a "personal item" the airline allows me to have. They really help with wrinkles in those types of bags and help you stay organized too.

Safari side note: Many safari tours only allow a soft-side or duffle bag and very limited weight. The words organization and duffle bag, just don't go together but cubes would really help here. You can find information about what to wear on a safari in my blog.

4) A Sanity-Saver on Multi-Stop Tour Hell

So I'm one of those people that unpacks when I arrive at EVERY hotel. I can't live out of my suitcase unless there is no other option. I'm busy when I travel and I just need to find things quickly so I can get down to breakfast and a much-needed cup of coffee. When I take a private or group tour, sometimes you are packing and unpacking daily and at minimum every few days on the tour. For me, that is no problem because I unpack my cubes, they go in a drawer, and done!

Tips for Your Cube Choices

With so many choices on cubes, here are a few tips:

Some come with a laundry bag, mine did, and others with shoe bags. There are many combinations or you can just buy two sets.
Check the zippers. I've heard they have issues. I have not had any with mine.
Get one where you can see the clothes. Many have a mesh top in case you forget which bag has what item in it.

Check out the post I wrote before I tried them, with an update after I tried them. The post includes the top cubes on Amazon, which still have 4.5 to 5-star reviews today. A link is at the bottom of this article.

Vibrant Travel researches, plans, and books vacations for curious travelers, busy professionals, and groups looking for authentic and enriching experiences. We save our clients hours of searching the internet and precious time trying to pull together all the details needed to create memorable, hassle-free trips. We would love to help you too.

Call today at 407-517-4744 to end the frustration of doing it all yourself.

If you enjoyed the article please like it and share it with your friends.

To get notified when I post articles, videos, tips, and giveaways subscribe here.