Travel can be good for mind, body, and soul. It can help us get away from our troubles, and calm our otherwise frantic minds. Well, so we hope: all that calming can quickly be undercut by the chaos of cluttered luggage.
The aftermath of a “just toss it all in a suitcase” packing strategy, paired with everything getting further tossed about in a plane or trunk, can mean major headaches when you go to unpack. Especially if you’re packing clothes for yourself and your kids in one case. Not to mention further unpleasantness when you get home, and the worn and unworn clothes get all mixed together.
Packing cubes are the best way to keep your luggage organized while traveling. Whether you are packing a carry-on suitcase or checking a larger bag, packing cubes allow you to fit everything into your bag like a puzzle. Use different cubes for each person in your family. Separate your clothes from your undergarments and save one for dirty clothes that you can toss right into the laundry upon your return home. Does it get any easier than that?
We analyzed reviews of more than 20 products to help narrow down our selection, as well as used our own personal experience traveling with packing cubes. There are lots of types of packing cubes out there, so we made sure to include a variety of types and sizes, as well as kept varying budgets in mind. We focused on looking for durable products that make the packing process easier, not more complicated.
From packing cubes with built-in compression to see-through cubes to easily choose an outfit, we've found the best packing cubes to keep your luggage organized on your next adventure.
This is probably the most versatile set of packing cubes out there. Not only can you organize your clothes, but you’ll also have a designated bag for shoes, laundry, underwear, toiletries, and makeup.
The three packing cubes for clothes have a buckle inside for added compression and exterior double zippers. Opt for the six-piece set if you already have a go-to makeup bag or dopp kit.
New to packing cubes? Keep it simple, fellow traveller. Overly elaborate sets of cubes offer a ton of possibilities, but that can mean figuring out how to pack those cubes can be just as complicated as packing was without them.
This duo of packing cubes from Rollink is ideal for beginners, or those just looking for a basic set. Slim and durable, the larger cube is labelled “Shirts/Pants Bag” while the smaller is “Underwear Bag,” making it easy to remember what goes where on even the most hectic of getaways.
The material is washable and water-resistant, and they have a soft inner-lining that helps keep the contents from getting wrinkled.
3
Best All-In-One
Petunia Pickle Bottom Inter-Mix Deluxe Kit in Moon Leopard (Set of 5)
3
Best All-In-One
Petunia Pickle Bottom Inter-Mix Deluxe Kit in Moon Leopard (Set of 5)
Let's face it: unless you're constantly on the go, the packing cubes you purchase may well spend more time in your home than on the road or in the air, so a cumbersome set that's hard to store might be more hassle than its worth.
That's why this set of cubes from Petunia Pickle Bottom caught our eye. It's extremely multi-functional, able to serve as packing cubes for grown-up travel, or an everyday bag for baby things. It even has an integrated stroller strap. Best of all, the four smaller cubes slot neatly into the largest bag, making it easy to keep them all together when you're tight on space, and use only the cubes you need when packing to go away.
Packing cubes can be a great way to keep your suitcase's contents organized. But what about keeping track of in what cube you packed each particular item? Organizing does no good if you're unzipping every mini-bag every time you need something.
So if you can be a bit forgetful about just where you've packed what, these clear packing cubes are perfect for you. Spot your sought after socks, toiletries, and other items in a newly neatly organized suitcase, and maybe even save some time in the TSA line if they pull you aside for one of those more thorough probes through your bags.
5
Best Under $25
Veken Packing Cubes with Laundry and Shoe Bag (Set of 6)
5
Best Under $25
Veken Packing Cubes with Laundry and Shoe Bag (Set of 6)
With some unique shapes and striking color, this set has a lot to offer even casual travelers. You can organize and sort your entire packing list into these durable cubes for long vacations, or just use a few of the smaller ones for shorter trips.
The included laundry and shoe bags are great for keeping dirty clothes and kicks separated from your fresh attire. The different shapes and sizes offer a wide variety of packing options, all at a price that makes it worthwhile for even infrequent travelers.
This set of six packing cubes from Away offers variety in sizes so you can tailor your packing needs depending on the type of travel. Made from water-resistant nylon, these packing cubes will not only protect your clothes, but they compress to give you a little extra room in your suitcase.
If you're an avid Away luggage user, you'll love that these packing cubes are designed to perfectly fit into Away's carry-on. But they'll also work great with virtually any style of luggage, making them a solid choice for most travelers.
Whether you are gearing up for your next camping trip or outdoor adventure, these lightweight and water-resistant packing cubes will definitely come in handy. They are less structured than your typical packing cube, making them ideal for keeping your backpack organized. Store a fresh set of clothes in one and toss your dirty hiking clothes into another.
"My wife have and I have done considerable traveling over the past five years," one 5-star reviewer wrote to explain their admiration for the TRIPPED Travel Gear cubes. They go on to highlight “...the nylon fabric used makes a HUGE difference compared to mesh and cheap fabric styles,” while also noting that “...the positioning of where the handle is stitched into, as well as the size of the handle make a big difference down the line, and can handle wear and tear.”
Not only are these packing cubes adorable and available in six playful patterns, you’ll get three cubes, three laundry pouches, and a shoe bag. The packing cubes and laundry pouches come in three different sizes so you can sort your bulky clothes from delicates when they’re clean and dirty.
"I don't know how I packed for all these years without these," one reviewer wrote. "The variety of sizes is great, and I found something for each bag...tops, pants, underwear, meds, etc....each in their own separate case."
These compression packing cubes are durable and waterproof, and the brand totes their high-quality, stick-free zippers that are easy to use. We like that there's a double zipper, which can help you store as much as possible into each packing cube. You'll never have to worry about over-packing again.
Concerned about figuring out how to compress versus how to unzip? Fear not! “I really liked that this product came with two different colors for the zippers,” one 5-star reviewer notes. “Red zipper to represent the compression zipper, and black to represent the compartment zipper. This makes it easy to grab something out of your suitcase on the go.”
A self-proclaimed music junkie, Kasey enjoys festivals and concerts on the weekends but lately snuggling with her Boston Terrier, Rufio. Her words have also been featured on DuJour.com, Vogue.com, and ThePlunge.com. Follow her on Instagram at @aseykay for who she’s listening to at the moment and her latest beauty obsession.