Packing is both an art and a science—finding the balance between bringing everything you need and avoiding the dreaded can’t-zip-it-until-you-sit-on-it suitcase. Whether you’re headed on a quick weekend getaway or a months-long adventure, there’s one game-changer that can keep your essentials streamlined: packing cubes. These simple yet helpful bags help organize your belongings while eliminating the ever-so-common chaos and maximizing every inch of space in your luggage (which is always needed). Ahead, we’ll ~unpack~ the best ways for you to get the most out of your luggage space, one cube at a time.
Roll Clothes Before Packing
Plain and simple, one of the easiest and most effective ways to make the most of your packing cube space is by rolling your clothes instead of folding them. Rolling your clothes tightly saves a ton of space compared to folding, and it also helps reduce wrinkles—perfect for when you’re in a rush or trying to skip the ironing while traveling. When you pack rolled clothes into cubes, they stack neatly and fit together more tightly, leaving extra room for other essentials. This trick works great for everything from shirts and pants to dresses and even bulky sweaters.
Group Items by Category
Packing cubes make it super easy to organize your stuff by grouping items into categories, so you don’t have to dig through your entire suitcase every time you need something. For example, use one cube for tops, another for pants, and a third for underwear and socks. Categorizing like this helps keep your luggage neat and compact, plus it prevents you from overpacking one area while leaving other sections empty. It’s a total time-saver, especially when you need to grab something quickly.
Use Compression Packing Cubes
If you’re trying to fit in more items, compression packing cubes are a total game-changer. With a zipper system that lets you shrink your clothes down, they’re perfect for bulky items like jackets, sweaters, and towels. By compressing these larger pieces, you free up space for smaller things. Just keep in mind that while they maximize space, be sure to still keep an eye on your luggage’s weight!
Fill Every Inch
When packing with cubes, it’s important to use every inch of space. Packing cubes can be a bit stiff, so be sure to fill any gaps left in your suitcase. Small items like toiletries and accessories can fit into those unused corners or spaces between the cubes. If you’ve got extra room in your carry-on, try using a shoe bag to keep your shoes organized, or pack a small cube with your essentials and squeeze it into any leftover space.
Pack by Outfit
If you don’t want to pack by item, you can pack by outfit. This is especially helpful for longer trips or when you have specific items you plan to wear on certain days. Packing entire outfits in one cube means you won’t have to waste time searching for a matching top or pants. It also helps you avoid overpacking or underpacking any one area of your luggage. Plus, unpacking is a breeze since your clothes are already organized for each day of your trip.
Leave a Cube Empty for Souvenirs or Purchases
One of the toughest parts of traveling is leaving room for souvenirs or new purchases. Packing cubes can make this a lot easier. Just leave one cube empty or slightly unzipped so you have space for anything you pick up along the way. It gives you the flexibility to expand your luggage without stressing about overstuffing. Having a cube ready for your new finds means you won’t have to worry about repacking your entire suitcase halfway through your trip.
