Packing Cubes
Like any life-enriching travel accessory (you know such things exist, right?), once you start using packing cubes there is no turning back. Packing cubes will revolutionize the way you pack.
Perhaps it’s my unwavering urge to have everything in it’s place (chalk it up to 9 years working in operations), or maybe it’s the aesthetic of all of my favorite things all rolled up in order? Either way, these little cubes of zippered goodness make the entire process of packing easier. They help you to stay organized, keep your belongings compact—and ultimately bring out your inner Martha Stewart-ness.
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Packing cubes are relatively small, lightweight and flexible containers made of fabric, often in a rectangular shape, used for packing clothing. They zip closed and are small enough that you can fit several into a carry-on bag, suitcase, or backpack. The cubes keep your clothing somewhat compressed and your packing organized. My fave blush cubes can be found HERE.
It’s true that you can pack well enough without ever using packing cubes. I did it for years. Once I started using them; however, I discovered the numerous benefits. No more pulling every piece of clothing out of my bag to get to the one thing at the bottom.
Benefits of Using Packing Cubes
Packing cubes help you pack like items together.
Use one cube for your bottoms, one for tops, another for swimwear, etc. You can choose to further organize according to cube size, or even by choosing a specific color to signify which cube holds which belongings.
Keep clothes neat and minimize wrinkles.
It’s unavoidable to have a few wrinkles, even when rolling clothing. By filling packing cubes to capacity with tightly rolled clothing or neatly folded garments, the items are kept in place from point A to B.
Make packing, repacking, and finding exactly what you need easier.
Cubes work like drawers at home. You know what’s in them, so you can take out the relevant cube rather than rummaging around at the bottom of your suitcase. Most of the time I hang up the major outfits and then pull the cubes out and place them in a drawer. So simple to grab and go and find what you need.
Maximize space.
Packing cubes can keep your clothes a bit more compressed, meaning you can fit more into your luggage.
Prevent overpacking.
Cubes help limit what you pack. I am much more efficient with my outfits as a result of the cube method!
Storage option between trips.
There are certain items you might only use when you travel. Store them in a packing cube to make them easy to find.
How to Use Packing Cubes
Roll or Fold?
I’ve tried both. Rolling is better.
When you roll your clothes before putting them into the cube, you’ll be able to see what you’ve got. Curse less and adventure more on your trip; pack smarter, not harder.
Here’s why rolling is better: the mesh top (you did buy a packing cube with a mesh top, right?) makes your entire wardrobe visible in your packing cube. What say you?
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page”