Where have these been all my life?! Packing cubes just make travel easier. Simply put: they’re the best travel accessory for packing out there.

Packing cubes certainly bring joy to the overly-organized traveler. But they also provide a little extra breathing room to the last-minute packer who cuts things just a liiittle too close between closing up the suitcase and making it to the airport on time.

You haven’t packed. The bar closed an hour ago. Your flight is in 45 minutes and the airport is 15 minutes away. Sounds like you could use some packing cubes. Not calling anyone out here.

Hold up: what’s a packing cube?

Good question. Packing cubes are small, lightweight, portable cases designed to streamline and simplify the process of packing, unpacking and keeping things organized while you travel.

Gone are the days of just throwing everything directly into your suitcase. Pack tops in one cube, bottoms in another, and use a mini-cube for socks & undergarments. But packing cubes aren’t just for clothing. I also use them for shoes, toiletries and sometimes electronics.

When each of your cubes are packed, toss them into your suitcase. Most come with handles, so when it’s time to unpack, they’re easy to pull out of your suitcase and throw directly onto a shelf or into a dresser drawer in your hotel room or Airbnb.

Do I really need this so-called best travel accessory for packing?

Well, if either of my 80 years-young grandmothers have something to say about it, yes you do! They are forever-changed travelers.

Packing cubes are the ultimate space saver when it comes to packing for a trip of any length. Your clothes will be more organized than ever before, and you’ll be able to fit that extra outfit, after all.

A cube for all travelers

Everywhere we go, packing cubes come along for the ride.

Adam was skeptical at first, but now he doesn’t go anywhere without them. And yes, he has his own set. Pretty sure he recently brought a packing cube to a golf course (side note: he’s apparently not a golfer).

If any of the following types of travel apply to you, packing cubes will be your new best friend:

• Solo travel
• Backpacking
• Business travel
• Overnight travel
• Carry-on-only travel
• International travel
• Family travel — 1 packing cube/kid? Easy!*
• Couples travel (suggest you each get your own set – trust us, you’ll become attached and may not want to share)
• Are you with us yet?

*Clarification: we are not suggesting that you put each of your kids in a packing cube. Pack their clothes in the cubes, and try to limit it to one cube per kid, to manage space within a shared suitcase.

Packing cube breakdown & buying guide

Packing cubes come in many colors, sizes and configurations. It might appear overwhelming, but don’t fret: most options available on Amazon or eBags…or anywhere for that matter…will (most likely) serve you well.

In the chart below, we’ll make it a little easier for you by narrowing it down to 6 different options.

CUBES	# of Cubes	Features	Colors	DnA tested & approved?
TravelWise Packing Cube System - Durable 5 Piece Weekender+ Luggage Organizer Set	5	1 small 2 medium 2 large Lightweight Durable nylon Breathable mesh 2-way easy pull zippers	7	Yes! These are the cubes Adam has had for the last 2 years. They have survived 11 countries and multiple US states. Click here to buy!
6 Set Packing Cubes,3 Various Sizes Travel Luggage Packing Organizers Black	6	2 small 2 medium 2 large Lightweight High-quality fabric Mesh top panel	14	Yes! These are the cubes D has used for the last 2 years. Great for any type of travel. The 2 small sizes are perfect for undergarments or electronics. Also offered as a set of 4. Click here to buy!
Packing Cubes Travel Organizer- Compression Travel Bags (White and Green, 6 Piece Set)	6 / 3 / 2	2 small 2 large 1 slim bag 1 laundry or shoe bag Compression Lightweight Durable nylon Water-resistant	3	Friends of DnA tested and approved! PRO: compression packing cubes help save extra space. CON: more expensive. Click here to buy!
Eagle Creek Pack It Specter Compression Cube Set, White/Strobe, 2 Pack	2	2 Medium Extra-compression Ultra-lightweight Durable silnylon material Water-resistant	5	Friends of DnA tested and approved. More expensive then #4 in this list, but backed by a well-known brand. PRO: compression packing cubes help save extra space. CON: more expensive. Click here to buy!
Shacke Pak - 4 Set Packing Cubes - Travel Organizers with Laundry Bag (Aqua Teal)	4	1 extra large 1 large 1 medium 1 small Lightweight Durable nylon Water-resistant	8	No, however they have over 7,000 customer reviews on Amazon, so we were convinced of their reliability. Click here to buy!
Packing Cubes Travel Set |Packing Cubes for Travel | Compression Packing Cube	7	1 small 1 medium 2 large 1 toiletry bag 1 laundry bag 1 shoe bag High-quality polyester	6	No, however we like their diverse offering! Check out the reviews before you buy. Click here to buy!

Tips for using packing cubes

7 Pairs of Pants

No problem!

With space leftover for more…

• Separate clothes by bottoms/tops/undergarments etc. for the ultimate level of organization.
• Roll all clothes that don’t wrinkle to maximize space in the cube.
• If you have a shirt that wrinkles easily, lay it neatly and flat on top of the rolled clothing before closing the cube.
• Unless an article of clothing needs to be unrolled when you arrive at your destination, leave it in the packing cube until you use it. This is a great way to determine which clothes you actually wore on a trip and which got left behind to accumulate that wonderful hotel-drawer dust!

If you begin to notice—as we have—that you frequently over-pack, leave an outfit or 2 at home next time, and use that extra suitcase space to bring back something special for a loved one, or for yourself.

***

And finally, back to my grandmothers: the latest packing cube converts. Both are standing by and ready to field questions if you need any more convincing.

If you want to see more travel-gear related posts, check out our article on the Top 7 Universal Travel Items we recommend for any traveler or our Gear & Tech page!

Cheers!

-DnA

PS – the internet is rich with content on packing cubes: the best travel accessory for packing out there. This one by Travel + Leisure and this one by SmarterTravel are good reads.