How to Use Packing Cubes for Efficient & Stress-Free Travels

The first time I packed in these handy luggage organizers, my life was changed. I’m showing you exactly how to use packing cubes so you can save space, stay organized and make your trip so much less hectic. If you have kids, this will also make packing for family trips a breeze!

Patterned Packing Cube Sets

Be honest—how many times have you rummaged through your suitcase to find that one item that you now you packed, but can’t remember exactly where it is? You end up with a once organized suitcase that now looks like a dog rummaged through it! Or, are you constantly worrying about your belongings getting mixed up or wrinkled during travel?

Good news! There’s a super handy solution—packing cubes are my secret weapon to organized, stress-free travel.

If you haven’t used them yet, I hope I can convince you because I used to think there was no need or them, but after packing for myself and two kids, I have a newfound appreciation for this organization staple! I’m going to show you how to use packing cubes, also known as travel organizers, effectively, so you can keep your belongings organized and easily accessible. Say goodbye to those nightmare trips where your bag looks like an explosion! 

Whether you travel often or just a few times of ear, packing cubes are a game-changer. No more messy suitcases or wasting time searching for items. You can sort and compartmentalize your clothes, shoes, toiletries, and more, making packing and unpacking a breeze. Plus, no more to wrinkled clothes! I love that these neatly organized cubes fit perfectly in your suitcase too. These lightweight cubes won’t add extra bulk to your bag either.

They’re also great for organizing stuff outside your suitcase—kids toys, snacks, cords and iPads for your carry-on. It’s a game changer, plus my kids think it’s fun to have their own “bag”.

Let’s dive in! We’ll cover everything from selecting the right cubes to using them efficiently. Plus, my best tips for maximizing space, avoiding overpacking, and keeping your belongings safe and secure during transit. Get ready to love packing and traveling—yes, even with kiddos!

Santorini White Dot Packing Cubes

Benefits of Using Packing Cubes

When it comes to travel, one of the biggest challenges is keeping your belongings organized and accessible. That’s where these travel accessories come in handy. These lightweight and durable cubes offer numerous benefits that will make your travel experience stress-free.

First and most obviously, packing cubes help you stay organized. With separate cubes for different categories of items, such as clothes, shoes, and toiletries, you can easily find what you need without unpacking your entire suitcase. No more digging through a sea of clothes to find that one t-shirt you want to wear. For my kids, I pack all their stuff in one cube each so I can just plop it in their room and they have everything they need.

Another advantage of regular packing cubes is that they help maximize space in your suitcase. By compressing your clothes and other items, you can fit more into your luggage without exceeding weight limits. I’m always surprised by how much I can fit into them—they do a great job of squeezing in more.

Different Types of Packing Cubes

Now that you know why these travel organizer bags are magic, let’s explore the different types available in the market. There are various options to choose from, depending on your needs and preferences.

1. Classic Cubes: These are the most common type of packing cubes, usually rectangular in shape. They come in different sizes to accommodate various items and fit snugly in your suitcase. These are easily my favorite and most used luggage organizers! I love the mesh panel on top so I can easily see what’s inside, plus the fun patterns are a nice way to make packing even more fun.

These travel packing cubes fit a variety of different suitcase sizes and can be used for a bunch of different types of items from clothing to tech accessories (a spot for all your chargers is pretty handy!).

2. Compression Cubes: If you’re looking to save even more space, compression cubes are the way to go. These cubes have an additional zipper that compresses the contents, allowing you to pack more while maintaining organization. While this can be great for saving space, these can cause more wrinkles if compressed too tightly.

3. Shoe Bags: As the name suggests, these bags are specifically designed for shoes. They keep your footwear separate from your clothes, preventing any dirt or odor from transferring. Shoe bags often have drawstrings to close them for easy use.

4. Toiletry Cubes: Toiletry cubes are waterproof and have compartments for your travel-sized toiletries. They keep everything in one place and ensure that any leaks or spills won’t ruin your clothes. Personally I just a makeup bag or toiletry kit for mine, but these are a great option.

5. Electronics Cubes: If you’re a tech-savvy traveler, consider investing in electronics cubes. These cubes have padded compartments to protect your gadgets and keep all your cables and accessories organized. I typically always bring my laptop or iPad and definitely don’t want it to get damaged. A laptop sleeve is another great option for protecting your gear while on the go.

Choose the type of packing cubes that suit your travel needs and preferences. A combination of different cubes can be a great way to optimize your packing and keep everything neat and tidy.

How to Choose the Right Packing Cubes

Now that you know the different types of packing cubes available, it’s time to choose the right ones for your needs. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the perfect packing cubes for your clothing items:

1. Size: Determine the size of the packing cubes based on the size of your suitcase and the amount of items you plan to pack. Consider getting a variety of sizes to accommodate different types of items. Most sets come with a variety of sizes designed to fit in most carry-ons and large suitcases. Personally I like having some larger cubes, a few medium cubes and smaller cubes are great for undergarments, swimwear, and loose accessories.

2. Material: Look for packing cubes made from durable and lightweight materials, such as nylon or polyester. These materials are not only long-lasting but also help reduce the overall weight of your luggage. Bulkier cubes may not compress as much and can lead to less space in your bag instead of more.

3. Closure: Check the type of closure mechanism the packing cubes have. Some cubes have zippers, while others have drawstring closures. Choose the one that you find most convenient and secure. For packing cubes I highly recommend zippered cubes as they make it easy to compress and keep things organized and tidy inside the cube.

4. Color: Opt for packing cubes in different colors or patterns that match your own personal style. You can also use different patterned or colored cubes to identify which one belongs to which family member—great for when you’re traveling with kids. This will make it even easier to find what you need without rummaging through all the cubes.

These packing cubes are one of my all-time favorite travel accessories because they come in multiple sizes, have a mesh panel on the top so you can easily see what’s inside, and are made with high-quality, durable material. They have a double zipper which makes them easy to open and close and the patterns are so cute! Best of all, they’re only $34.99 per set!

How to Use Packing Cubes for the Most Efficient Packing

This packing method will save you so much time and space and make it so easy when you arrive at your destination.

Step 1: Sorting and organizing your items

Before you start packing, it’s essential to sort and organize your items. This will make the packing process smoother and help you maximize the use of your packing cubes. This will also keep you from overpacking! Follow these steps to effectively sort and organize your belongings:

Make a Packing Checklist

A few days before any trip, I make a note on my phone and start writing down everything I plan to bring. I like to think about what activities I’m doing and what outfits I want to wear. I do this for the kids too. I do clothing, toiletries, electronics, and anything else I need to bring so I don’t forget anything.

Sort by Category (or Person)

Divide your items into categories, such as clothes, workout clothes, undergarments, swimwear, toiletries, and accessories. This will make it easier to pack and find items later. I sometimes put specific outfits into cubes for myself, or create a cube for socks, a cube for underwear, etc. and then use a separate cube for each of my two kids. If you know you have a cube for tops or for your beach gear,  you can easily find it without digging through your bag.

Declutter

Okay, before you actually pack, it’s time to cut back. Typically I find that I’m packing too many outfits, or I’ve packed 3 different pairs of jeans when I can wear the same pair with different outfits. It’s also nice to see visually how much stuff you have. If it looks like too much, it probably is, put some away and only pack what you truly need for your trip.

I know it can be nice to have options, but this is why I plan my outfit and even try them on before I go so I know that I love them!

Roll or Fold Clothes

Decide whether you prefer rolling or folding your clothes. Personally, I do a combo of both. Rolling can save space, while folding keeps clothes wrinkle-free. Bulkier items do better folded than rolled, but for casual pieces and workout gear—I always roll. Even pants and some tops, I find that rolling keeps pants from having a line down them where they were folded!

Once you have sorted and organized your items, you’re ready to move on to the next step: packing with packing cubes.

Step 2: Folding and Packing with packing cubes

Packing cubes are designed to keep your items compact and organized. Follow these steps to effectively fold and pack your belongings using packing cubes:

1. Fold clothes efficiently: Whether you’re rolling or folding your clothes, make sure to do it efficiently to save space. Use techniques like the KonMari method to maximize space in your packing cubes. Rolling won’t work for every piece, but I personally like this for most things I pack.

2. Pack by category: Place each category of items in separate packing cubes. For example, pack all your tops in one cube, another cube for underwear, a cube for socks, a cube for all your sweaters, and so on. This will make it easier to find specific items when you need them. If you’re packing for a quick trip, you can do nice outfits in one bag, casual stuff in another and a small one for underwear and bras. You can even organize by when you’ll be wearing them—a daytime clothing cube and a nighttime clothing cube!

3. Utilize the full space: Fill each packing cube to its full capacity without overstuffing. This will help maintain the cube’s shape and make it easier to fit into your suitcase.

4. Stack and compress: Once your packing cubes are filled, stack them neatly in your suitcase. If you’re using compression cubes, use the additional zipper to compress the contents and save even more space. I’m always impressed with how much I can fit into each one!

By following these steps, you’ll have a neatly packed suitcase with everything easily accessible. No more digging through layers of clothes to find what you need—wahoo!!! Your friends and family will be jealous when you open your bag and it looks this nice!

Step 3: Maximizing Space and Minimizing Wrinkles

One of the main advantages of using packing cubes is maximizing space and minimizing wrinkles. Follow these expert tips to make the most of your packing cubes:

1. Utilize the Empty Spaces: Fill any gaps or empty spaces in your suitcase with smaller items, such as socks or accessories. This will help maximize the use of space and keep everything in place.

2. Pack strategically: Place heavier items at the bottom of your suitcase and lighter items on top. This will prevent clothes from getting squished and minimize wrinkles. For example, bulky sweaters at the bottom, silk cami at the top!

3. Avoid overpacking: While packing cubes can help you fit more into your suitcase, it’s still important to avoid overpacking. I admit that I do like to bring some spare clothes in case of spills or in case I change my mind. But, do try and stick to your packing checklist and only pack what you truly need, I promise you’ll be glad! Plus, less decision fatigue on wha to wear because you’ll only have one option for each event!

Follow these tips, you’ll have a well-organized suitcase with minimal wrinkles. You’ll be able to arrive at your destination and start exploring without worrying about searching for misplaced items or wondering if you forgot something.

Step 4: Utilizing Packing Cubes for Different Scenarios

As I mentioned earlier, packing cubes are versatile and can be used in various travel scenarios—or shorter trips, day trips or even long trips where you’re brining lots of items. Here are some ways you can utilize packing cubes for different types of trips:

1. Weekend Getaways: For short trips, use smaller packing cubes to pack just the essentials. This will help you travel light and avoid carrying unnecessary items.

2. Business Trips: Separate your work attire from your casual clothes using luggage organizers. This will make it easier to locate your professional outfits and keep them wrinkle-free.

3. Family Vacations: Assign each family member a different color packing cube. This will help everyone identify their belongings and keep them organized throughout the trip.

4. Carry-on Bags: I love using these to keep all my kids stuff organized for the flight. If you’re traveling with babies, these would be perfect for diapers, wipes and an extra outfit (maybe one for you too 😉 !)

No matter the type of trip, packing cubes are so versatile and can really be used in any situation to make your life and trip so much easier and less stressful.

More Tips for Using Travel Organizer Bags

Just a few last tips to make the most of your cubes while you’re vacationing!

1. Use compression bags: If you need to pack bulky items, consider using compression packing cubes in addition to packing cubes. These bags have compression zippers that help further compress your items, saving even more space.

2. Invest in a travel laundry bag: Pack a travel laundry bag to separate dirty laundry from clean clothes. Or bring an extra packing cube to keep your dirty clothing in. This will help you stay organized and prevent dirty clothes from mixing with clean ones.

3. Pack a spare cube: Leave one packing cube empty in case you need extra space for any shopping you do on your trip.

By implementing these tips and tricks, you’ll become a packing pro in no time. What’s even better is that packing cubes make the unpacking process a breeze. Whenever we arrive at a destination, I just unzip my suitcase and pop my cubes into drawers and hand my kids theirs.

I hope I was able to convince you that packing cubes are the ultimate solution for stress-free travels, whether you’re traveling alone or with your kids. By investing in these versatile organizers (these are my cube of choice), you can say goodbye to messy suitcases and hello to neatly packed cubes.

I promise it’s an absolute game-changer when you have limited space and I can’t believe that I traveled so long without them. I don’t even mind the unpacking process when I get home now because I know which items can go back in my closet and which ones are dirty. It just makes the entire trip so much simpler.

If you’re an avid traveler or have a future trip planned, grab a set of these to add to your travel gear essentials and thank me later! This packing method saves time, headache and space and all of your individual items will be organized and in their place—trust me on this one! Happy packing and traveling, friends!

BTW, how to stay healthy while traveling, and 7 best domestic getaways for couples to relax and recharge.