Do packing cubes actually make things easier?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We use plastic bags to separate stuff. Are cubes so much better?

+1
We have use ziploc bags

+2. why buy something when there's an alternative that is mutlifunctional, widely available, and free?

[Anonymous]

For me, it depends on how much organization the suitcase has. If it's a big sack that must be unpacked to find anything, then they are essential.

They can still be a good option in a more organized suitcase, but are less crucial.

[Anonymous]

I’m a pretty efficient packer, but yes they help. Especially with kids, it’s so much easier for them to know that their stuff is in a certain color bag. But even if I travel for work I use at least a small one for my pjs, undies and socks.

I actually use stuff sacks from camping rather than actual packing cubes (though at some point I may get some that have compression).

[Anonymous]

I used to scoff at them. Then, our family of four took a 10 day vacation to Scotland using only a Travel Backpack each in order to only do carry-ons and avoid lost luggage woes. The packing cubes with compression were the key to the success. It also made it easier to segregate dirty and clean items. We have LLBean cubes, but I have given friends Eagle Creek and some others that are popular on Amazon and they all seemed to appreciate them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I used to scoff at them. Then, our family of four took a 10 day vacation to Scotland using only a Travel Backpack each in order to only do carry-ons and avoid lost luggage woes. The packing cubes with compression were the key to the success. It also made it easier to segregate dirty and clean items. We have LLBean cubes, but I have given friends Eagle Creek and some others that are popular on Amazon and they all seemed to appreciate them.

Yup. Backpackers used them before anyone else and they are crucial to the backpacking lifestyle. Though mostly they were stuff sacks then. A long term trip with a million different hotels requires them.

[Anonymous]

We're going on a 9-day vacation in Ireland with carry-ons only, a rental car, and multiple hotels. I never considered packing cubes under those circumstances. I'm intrigued.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're going on a 9-day vacation in Ireland with carry-ons only, a rental car, and multiple hotels. I never considered packing cubes under those circumstances. I'm intrigued.

Get the compression kind and roll up your stuff. Bags will be heavy but not bulky. Ziplocks work but thats more plastic and they do break.

[Anonymous]

Packing cubes allow me to pack by outift. I can grab one cube and have everything I need for that outfit (from bra to socks to jewelry). I just find it easier. It does tend to take up more space to pack that way, so I don’t always do it. It’s really handy for work trips.

[Anonymous]

I love packing cubes. They are great for either packing for just one night out of a longer trip, or organizing items by type to make finding everything easy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP who has also been curious. I couldn’t figure out which ones to buy before our last family trip, so I used fabric shopping bags instead. It was sort of helpful to have things separated by family member and type (bathing suits and undies for Kid 1 in one bag, shorts and t shirts for kid 2 in another bag), but I discovered that I would want clear packing cubes if I decided to buy. And I wasn’t sure it was useful enough to purchase them for future trips. For those who love them, how would I change my use to make them a must-use?

I like the nylon cubes with side made of mesh. They're breathable but you can see inside without opening.

[Anonymous]

I was a real hold out on travel cubes and I do think they help keep things together. Sometimes I like to put all socks and underwear in one, etc. All my running clothes in one, etc. I am a newbie - I am sure there are even better ways to use them.

I also sometimes use for dirty clothes too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We use plastic bags to separate stuff. Are cubes so much better?

+1
We have use ziploc bags

+2. why buy something when there's an alternative that is mutlifunctional, widely available, and free?

Who’s giving you free Ziploc bags , I have to buy mine

[Anonymous]

I really like packing cubes now when I travel with my family. I use the small ones for socks and underwear and the medium ones for other clothes. The big ones are too large and useless.
Each kid has their own color packing cube so everyone can find their things easily.

[Anonymous]

We use the vacuum seal bags outgoing. Since we stay at Airbnb or relatives, we can find a vacuum to re-seal upon departure. And if no vacuum available, then the bags act like a ziploc bag (aka the same thing as a packing cube).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We use plastic bags to separate stuff. Are cubes so much better?

+1
We have use ziploc bags

+2. why buy something when there's an alternative that is mutlifunctional, widely available, and free?

Free ziplock bags?