Beginner's Guide to Travel Packing Cubes

If you've never used packing cubes, you might wonder what all the fuss is about. They're just fabric containers, right? But ask any frequent traveller who's converted to the packing cube system, and they'll tell you it's a game-changer. This guide explains everything beginners need to know about these simple yet transformative travel organisers.

What Are Packing Cubes?

Packing cubes are lightweight, rectangular fabric containers with zippered closures designed to organise and compartmentalise your luggage. They come in various sizes—typically small, medium, and large—allowing you to categorise your belongings and locate items without rummaging through your entire bag.

The concept is simple: instead of placing loose clothing and items directly into your suitcase, you pack items into cubes, then place the cubes in your luggage. Each cube becomes a self-contained unit that can be easily removed, accessed, and replaced.

Benefits of Using Packing Cubes

The advantages extend far beyond simple organisation. Here's why packing cubes have become essential for savvy travellers:

Superior Organisation

The most obvious benefit is knowing exactly where everything is. With a system in place—tops in one cube, bottoms in another, undergarments in a third—you never need to dig through your entire bag to find a specific item. This organisation persists throughout your trip, not just at the outset.

Faster Packing and Unpacking

Arriving at a hotel? Simply remove your cubes and place them in drawers or on shelves. No need to unpack individual items. When leaving, reverse the process. This efficiency is particularly valuable for travellers staying multiple nights in several locations.

Space Optimisation

Contrary to what you might expect, packing cubes can actually increase usable space in your luggage. By compressing clothing and eliminating air pockets, cubes allow more efficient use of your bag's volume. Compression cubes take this further, removing excess air through secondary zippers.

Wrinkle Reduction

Properly packed cubes keep clothing compressed and stationary during transit, significantly reducing wrinkles compared to loosely packed items. Clothes don't shift and bunch as your bag is handled, maintaining their folded or rolled positions.

Separation of Clean and Dirty

Designate one cube for dirty laundry as your trip progresses. This keeps worn items separate from clean clothes without needing a separate laundry bag—just use a cube you've emptied. Some cube sets include a dedicated dirty laundry compartment.

Easy Security Checks

If your bag is selected for random inspection (either by airport security or customs), cubes allow inspectors to check contents without completely dismantling your packing. This means quicker checks and easier repacking.

Types of Packing Cubes

Not all packing cubes are created equal. Understanding the different types helps you choose the right system for your needs.

Standard Packing Cubes

Basic cubes feature a simple zippered enclosure with mesh panels for visibility and ventilation. These are the most affordable option and work well for most travellers. Mesh panels allow you to see contents at a glance and prevent odour buildup from trapped moisture.

Compression Packing Cubes

Compression cubes add a secondary zipper system that compresses the cube after initial packing. After filling the cube and closing the main zipper, a second compression zipper squeezes out excess air and reduces the cube's thickness by 30-60%. Ideal for maximising carry-on space or fitting more into checked luggage.

Double-Sided Cubes

Some cubes feature two separate compartments accessed from opposite sides. These are useful for separating clean from dirty clothing in a single cube, or for keeping similar items (like different types of tops) organised but accessible.

Specialty Cubes

Manufacturers offer specialised cubes for specific purposes:

• Shoe bags: Designed to isolate footwear from clothing
• Toiletry cubes: Water-resistant options for bathroom essentials
• Tech organisers: Padded compartments for cables and electronics
• Garment folders: Flat cubes designed to keep dress shirts and formal wear wrinkle-free

How to Use Packing Cubes Effectively

Owning packing cubes is one thing; using them effectively is another. Here's how to maximise their benefits:

Develop a System

Create a consistent packing system you use every trip. A common approach:

• Large cube: Bulky items—jumpers, jeans, jackets
• Medium cube: Tops—shirts, t-shirts, blouses
• Small cube: Undergarments—underwear, socks, bras
• Extra small cube: Accessories—belts, ties, jewellery

Some travellers prefer to pack by outfit (each cube contains a complete day's clothing) or by activity (workout clothes in one cube, casual wear in another, evening attire in a third).

Rolling vs Folding in Cubes

Both techniques work with packing cubes, but rolling is generally more effective. Rolled items:

• Pack more densely with fewer air gaps
• Create a flatter, more uniform cube shape
• Allow you to see more items at once when the cube is opened
• Reduce wrinkles on casual clothing

The exception is formal or structured clothing, which should be folded carefully or placed in dedicated garment folders to maintain shape.

Fill Cubes Appropriately

Overstuffed cubes are difficult to close and less effective at keeping contents organised. Aim to fill cubes about 80-90% full—enough to compress contents slightly without straining zippers. If using compression cubes, fill them to 100% before compression.

Position Cubes Strategically

In your suitcase, consider which cubes you'll need to access most frequently. Place frequently-needed items (like toiletries or daily clothing cubes) near the top or in easily accessible positions. Items needed less often can go at the bottom.

Choosing the Right Packing Cube Set

With dozens of options available, selecting the right cubes can be overwhelming. Consider these factors:

Size Variety

Look for sets that include multiple sizes. A good starter set typically includes 4-6 cubes in small, medium, and large sizes. This variety ensures you have appropriate cubes for different item types.

Material Quality

Quality cubes use durable, lightweight ripstop nylon that resists tears and abrasion. Cheap cubes often use thin polyester that wears through quickly. Zippers should be robust and smooth-operating—YKK zippers are a quality indicator.

Weight

Packing cubes should add minimal weight to your luggage. A good set of 4-6 cubes should weigh under 400 grams total. Heavier cubes eat into your packing allowance without additional benefit.

Mesh vs Solid Panels

Mesh panels offer visibility and ventilation but are less durable than solid fabric. Solid panels provide more protection and privacy but require opening each cube to see contents. Many travellers prefer mesh tops with solid bottoms—visibility with durability where it matters most.

Colour Coding

Sets with different coloured cubes make organisation even easier. Assign colours to categories (blue for tops, green for bottoms) or family members when travelling with others. Some sets include matching cubes, which looks cleaner but offers less organisational advantage.

Packing Cube Maintenance

Caring for your packing cubes extends their lifespan and keeps them fresh:

• Air out cubes after each trip before storing
• Hand wash periodically in mild detergent, or machine wash on gentle cycle in a laundry bag
• Allow to dry completely before storing—trapped moisture causes mildew
• Store flat or nested inside each other to save space

Are Packing Cubes Worth It?

For occasional travellers, packing cubes are a nice-to-have convenience. For frequent travellers, they become essential. The time saved in packing, unpacking, and finding items adds up significantly over multiple trips.

At typically $30-60 for a quality set that lasts years, packing cubes offer excellent value. They transform the travel experience from a chaotic scramble to find items into an organised, efficient system that makes every trip smoother.

If you're sceptical, try a basic set on your next trip. Most converts become packing cube evangelists after just one journey—the benefits are that immediately apparent.