Packing Cubes

I’ll be honest, I was a long time fan of the rolling method of packing for years. Eventually I wanted to see what the hype was and ordered an inexpensive set to try out for an international 21 day bleasure trip — that’s business and pleasure combined.

The first thing I loved was how organized I could be. I usually sort by clothing type, but for trips with lots of event-specific outfits, I’ve sorted by full outfits or themes. It’s so easy to pull the cubes out and drop them in hotel drawers so you’re not living out of a suitcase, and you can easily find what you need.

The organization is also really helpful on multi-stop trips. Last year I had to go to Mexico for two nights before heading to run a week long event back in the states. I put all my Mexico clothes in one cube so I didn’t have to even open the rest of my suitcase until I was at my second destination.

My dirty (laundry) little secret: Packing cubes! I’ll empty one at the start of my trip, directly into a drawer or closet. That cube becomes my dirty laundry bag. As the cubes empty, they all become laundry bags. On the last night, I’ll put any clean clothes into one cube and try to pack it separately from the dirty cubes. When you get home, just empty the cubes into the washer and off you go! I don’t separate my laundry — the horror — but if you do, you can separate them ahead of time in the cubes.

What to look for when buying packing cubes? I like ones with mesh sides so I can see inside, and so they breathe once they’re dirty laundry bags. You’ll also want a variety of sizes. I use a little zipper bag for intimates, larger cubes for sweaters and jeans, and smaller ones to keep things like swimwear, gym clothes, or nice tops sorted. I like these, they come in a variety of colors, sizes, and have mesh sides.

To compress or not to compress? I have both, because they both serve their own purpose. Sweaters and light bulky items, even jeans, can take up much less space with a compression cube. Sundresses, work shirts, and anything that wrinkles I don’t compress. I also have a very large checked bag and if I compress too much, I can be over the weight limit quickly with room to spare. Compression is a must when doing carry on only, though. I have the kind with zippers along the sides that compress them, and you do have to be careful not to over-fill or they won't compress.

Zipper compression packing cubes with mesh-I love these!

How cute is this pattern?- I might have to try these next!

If you haven’t used packing cubes before, I hope I’ve enlightened you to their many helpful uses. Let me know if you try the out and which ones you love.

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