If you want to spend less time on the trip digging through your bag and more time having fun, try using packing cubes. The strain of travel is real. One cheap and easy solution is to invest in a set of packing cubes. 

Packing cubes can help you stay organized whether you’re taking a trip alone or with the whole family. Let’s break down exactly what they are, how they function, and how to select and utilize them. 

Packing Cubes Explained

Packing cubes are flexible, zip-closure containers that fit inside baggage to keep the contents tidy. They are available in various forms, sizes, and materials. You may find them in premade sets or buy them separately to customize your collection. Consider packing cubes as movable, soft-sided drawers for your suitcase. 

Benefits of Packing Cubes 

Minimize the need for extra room. 

When airlines adopted luggage taxes, tiny luggage became a necessity,” explains Breanne Kiefner, founder of Root Adventures. Compressing the contents with the zipper closure allows you to use the available space in your bag better. 

Save time. 

Using packing cubes to organize your belongings by category, you can quickly discover what you’re looking for without digging through your entire luggage. 

Separate dirty laundry. 

After a day of exploring a new city or out in the wilderness, there’s no need to mix your soiled gear with your clean garments in the wash. Place dirty goods in a designated packing cube. 

Organize

For group trips, the best packing cubes of different colors can keep everyone’s belongings organized. Plus, smaller packing cubes can be utilized in your carry-on to contain your wires, chargers, and other equipment. 

To reduce the appearance of wrinkles. 

Use packing cubes to keep your belongings organized and secure in your luggage. Some models have a folding board for compact storage of folded garments. 

Safeguard personal property. 

Packing cubes designed to keep water out or in are available. They help store wet swimwear or muddy shoes, and they can even prevent clothing from getting ruined by liquid toiletries. Should your bags open in transportation, you won’t have to chase after your clothes as they roll along the conveyor belt at baggage claim. 

Tips for Buying Packing Cubes 

The first step is figuring out what sort and how many are required. Features to think about include: 

Material 

You should select waterproof packing cubes if you intend to store liquid toiletries in them or if you frequently wear wet swimwear on your trips. Anti-microbial packing cubes are a must-have To keep your dirty clothes from contaminating your clean ones.

Size

Adjust the size of your suitcase accordingly, but keep in mind that you may need multiple sizes (especially for shoes and other tiny items). 

Color

Packing cubes come in various sizes and shapes; if you’re taking a trip with a group, it may be helpful to get cubes in different colors so that everyone can identify their belongings. You can buy premade ones, or you can color-code your own, assigning different shades to different types of clothing.