How to Pack Efficiently with Packing Cubes

Measure your luggage before purchasing packing cubes. Misjudging the size of your luggage can lead to buying packing cubes that are too large. Take accurate measurements of your luggage with a tape measure, so you can compare it to the dimensions of the cubes. If you're a backpacker, ensure that your packing cubes will fit comfortably within your backpack, even when fully packed. For standard travel backpacks, it’s often best to go with a mix of small and medium-sized cubes.

Use small cubes for toiletries and accessories. Small cubes are ideal for organizing loose items like toiletries, belts, hair accessories, or gadgets. These items often get lost when left scattered in your suitcase, but with packing cubes, you can keep them neatly stored in one place, making them easy to access during your travels. Smaller cubes are also great for grouping smaller clothing items like bras, underwear, swimwear, socks, and gloves.

Pack medium-sized cubes with lightweight clothing. These cubes are perfect for storing thin, flexible clothing that can be easily rolled. Consider packing T-shirts, shorts, workout gear, underwear, and socks in a medium-sized cube. They’re also great for short trips when you need to pack a quick change of clothes.

Use larger cubes for bulkier clothes. Larger cubes are ideal for folding or rolling pants, jeans, and sweatshirts, helping to prevent wrinkles. The spacious design makes it easier to pack these items without squeezing or bunching up the fabric, so your clothes stay neat and wrinkle-free.

Utilize double-sided cubes for laundry. Double-sided cubes are a great way to separate dirty laundry from clean clothes, minimizing mess and odor. Some even feature a water-resistant side for wet items like swimsuits and towels, making them perfect for beach trips or water-related activities.

Start with small cubes when buying packing cubes. If you're unsure about the right size or quantity of packing cubes, begin with a few small ones. These will fit in almost any suitcase and give you a chance to experiment with the packing process. Fewer cubes will also help you avoid overpacking. Backpackers might want to consider compression packing cubes as an option, as they can save even more space in your pack.

• This approach also offers flexibility when switching between different types of luggage, as larger cubes may not fit well in all suitcases.

Lay out all your items and sort them. Before you begin packing, organize all your items to help determine how many packing cubes you'll need and prevent unnecessary packing. Group your items into categories such as clothing, electronics, accessories, and toiletries. Once everything is sorted, you’re ready to start packing efficiently.

Sort packing cubes by category. This is one of the easiest and most effective packing methods. Simply pack your belongings into cubes based on type, which helps keep everything organized and easy to access. For example, you could have separate cubes for shirts, pants, swimsuits, and undergarments. Having various sizes and shapes of cubes makes this method even more convenient.

• This strategy works particularly well for long trips when you need to mix and match clothing.

Pack outfits for specific days or activities. If you prefer to plan your outfits ahead of time or have activities that require specific clothing, packing a separate cube for each day can be a great strategy. This method is especially helpful when you're constantly on the move and don't want to waste time searching through your packing cubes for what you need.

• For example, if you're swimming one day and hiking the next, you can pack one cube with your swimsuit, goggles, cover-up, flip-flops, and a change of clothes, and another cube with a T-shirt, shorts, socks, and a light jacket for hiking.

Use different-colored cubes to color-code your packing. If you're packing for multiple people or want to make it easier to find your cubes, color-coding is a useful option. Purchase cubes in various colors and assign them to different categories or individuals.

• For instance, you can choose a color for each person and pack all their belongings in cubes of the same color. This is especially useful for parents packing for their children.
• Alternatively, assign colors to categories like dressy versus casual clothing, or clothing for warm versus cold weather.

Turn packing cubes into weekend bags. Some packing cubes come with handles, allowing them to double as small, portable bags. This is especially convenient for quick trips, like a weekend getaway or an overnight stay, where you only need toiletries and a change of clothes.

Select the right sizes and shapes for your trip. Packing cubes are available in full, half, and quarter sizes, each suited for different types of clothing. For shorter trips, a couple of small quarter-sized cubes should suffice, while longer trips will benefit from a variety of sizes to accommodate all your essentials.

Optimize space by rolling softer clothes. For items made of softer fabrics like underwear, T-shirts, jeans, cotton pants, and knitwear, fold them lengthwise and then roll them up into compact bundles. This method saves space by compressing your clothes, allowing you to fit more into your packing cubes.

• This is particularly useful for longer trips where you need to pack more clothing options.

Fold stiff or delicate clothes instead of rolling. Rolling may damage stiff or delicate fabrics, such as those found in expensive clothing. For these items, it’s better to fold them neatly and stack them in the packing cubes. To prevent wrinkles, consider packing them in a garment bag.

• This technique works best for items like blazers, dress pants, dress skirts, and starched shirts.

Pack the cubes without overstuffing. Ensure that you can easily close the zippers on your packing cubes once filled. If the cubes are too tight or overflowing, remove a few items. While you want to maximize space, everything should still fit comfortably without stress on the zippers.

Stack your clothes to minimize wrinkles. Begin by placing your folded clothes at the bottom of the packing cube, then layer rolled clothes on top. This method helps prevent your clothes from shifting around and getting wrinkled. Stacking also makes better use of space within the packing cubes.

Place your electronics and chargers in a small cube. Position this cube at the top of your bag to protect your electronics from being crushed. The packing cube will help you easily locate your electronics when needed and keep your cords neatly separated from the rest of your items, preventing tangles.

Add a few dryer sheets to your laundry cube. If you’re using a packing cube as a laundry bag, don’t forget to pack some fresh dryer sheets. This will help control odors and keep your laundry smelling fresh.

• Storing dirty clothes in a packing cube keeps them organized, separated from clean items, and compact to save space in your luggage.
• A double-sided packing cube is ideal for laundry storage.

Pack your cubes from largest to smallest. Begin by placing the largest packing cube at the bottom of your suitcase or bag. Then, arrange the smaller cubes around it and on top. This method makes it easier to access and see each cube.

• If you're struggling to fit the cubes, opt for flexible ones instead of rigid ones. Flexible cubes will conform to the shape of your bag, making them easier to pack.