Do Packing Cubes Really Help? A Look at the Packing Cube Hype

Get ready to say bye-bye to the packing panic! You know the drill – shoving everything you possibly can into that suitcase and still not feeling prepared. 😣 The never-ending battle of trying to fit your entire closet into one bag. Been there, done that. 🙋‍♀️

But before you resign yourself to sitting on your suitcase to force it closed again, it may be time to get hip to one of travel’s hottest tips: packing cubes!

These nifty little bags promise to make fitting all your travel necessities a breeze. No more endless digging for buried items or mixing up your delicates with your dirty laundry (eek!). Packing cubes aim to make getting ready for trips way less stressful. 🙌

But is the hype legit? Are packing cubes worth it? Do they really live up to their rep and make travel prep a snap?

As a regular jetsetter yourself, you may be skeptical.

But hear us out! Let’s take a little packing cube test drive to see if they can revolutionize your travel routine…

Packing Cubes: A Traveler’s Best Friend?

Here at Vacation Countdown, our team unanimously agrees—packing cubes are amazing! But we wanted to get perspectives beyond our office walls.

Packing cubes have become an increasingly popular tool among travelers seeking packing simplicity. But do these zippered pouches live up to their reputation for compressing clothing, maximizing space, and keeping things tidy?

We decided to ask fellow travelers for their takes.

We Surveyed 53 Travelers: Do Packing Cubes Really Help?

When we polled seasoned travelers about packing cubes, the results were clear:

A whopping 83% swear by packing cubes! They raved about the enhanced organization, compressed packing, reduced wrinkling, and tidiness packing cubes provide. It’s safe to say most consider them a travel necessity.

As for the other 17%? Even some admitted user errors, like overstuffing. Rookie mistake!

The consensus is decisive—packing cubes simplify packing. For those considering trying them, travelers confirm the benefits are significant. Our survey makes it clear packing cubes take the pain out of travel prep. Welcome to the family, tried-and-true travel friend!

The travelers we surveyed had glowing reviews about how packing cubes make travel easier.

Here are five of the most helpful quotes:

• Quote 1 – Family traveler
• Quote 2 – Solo female traveler
• Quote 3 – Business traveler
• Quote 4 – Minimalist traveler
• Quote 5 – Solo female traveler
• Quote 6 – Backpacker

“I’m a mom of 2 who travels with the whole family twice a year. Packing cubes have been a lifesaver for me. I bought different colored cubes for each person in the family, so we could easily find what we were looking for. They’ve helped us stay organized and save space in our suitcases. I also use the packing cubes to separate dirty laundry while we’re on vacation.” – Maria

Maria from Conneticut, USA

“I’m a female solo traveler. I’ve been using packing cubes for a few years and love them! They help me stay organized and maximize the space in my suitcase. I can fit so much more in my suitcase when I use packing cubes. I also find it easier to locate items in my suitcase when they’re in packing cubes.” – Emily

EMILY FROM CALIFORNIA, USA

“I’ve been using packing cubes for years for short business trips. They help me stay organized and make it easy to find what I need. I can fit more in my carry-on bag when I use packing cubes, which is great because I hate checking bags. Packing cubes have saved me time and money. I think people who say packing cubes don’t really work, are using too many or the ones that are too heavy and bulky.

ALEXIS FROM IRELAND

“I’m a minimalist traveler and I love compression cubes. They help me save space in my suitcase and keep my belongings organized. I can fit everything I need in a Carry-On-sized suitcase when I use compression cubes. I usually take two small cubes, two medium cubes, and one large cube as well as a travel gadget organizer and a laundry bag. I tried many different brands and my favorite ones are the Tripped Gear Compression Cubes. They are super lightweight and extremely durable.”

NORA FROM GEORGIA, USA

I’m a solo female traveler and I’ve used packing cubes for years. I love them because they keep my clothes from wrinkling and I can easily find everything I need. Plus, if I’m ever in a tight spot, I can just take out one cube and have a smaller bag to carry. I really love the ones with handles because they double as a laundry bag.”

Saray from Brisbane, Australia

“I just used packing cubes for a 4-week backpacking trip in Europe. They were amazing! I was able to fit everything I needed into one backpack and still had space for souvenirs. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who’s planning a long trip. My recommendation for travelers who aren’t sure if packing cubes will work for them is: Make sure to buy high-quality and lightweight cubes. And as always: Don’t overpack.”

NICOLE FROM ABBOTSFORD, CANADA

So, there you have it. If you are wondering “Are packing cubes worth it?”, these responses from real-world travelers make a compelling case that the answer is yes. Packing cubes seem to make travel packing easier, more organized, and efficient for most users.

Addressing Common Complaints About Packing Cubes

While most travelers love packing cubes, some still have hesitations. Through our research, here are the top 5 concerns we heard, along with perspectives to consider:

Packing cubes are too expensive.

It’s true packing cubes require an upfront investment whether used in carry-on or checked bags. However, fans cite costs saved from avoiding forgotten items, replacing wrinkled clothes, and buying travel necessities last-minute, making cubes pay for themselves over time.

Packing cubes are too big and bulky.

This depends on the quality and materials. Opt for lightweight, compressible packing cubes that fold down slim, so they don’t take up precious space in your bag. Bonus if they have mesh panels that allow compression. Compression packing cubes are even better than regular packing cubes.

Packing cubes don’t really help.

If you’re not using packing cubes correctly, they won’t be helpful. Make sure you’re using the right size and type for your needs and not overpacking them. When used properly, fans swear by their organizational benefits.

They add unnecessary weight to your luggage.

Choose ultra-lightweight packing cubes made of lightweight ripstop nylon or mesh to avoid adding bulk or weight.

You can’t fit as much using packing cubes.

This myth stems from overstuffing cubes, which defeats the purpose. Packing cubes save space! When you use packing cubes properly, packing cubes help organize and compress contents, allowing travelers to fit more in their bags.

Choosing the Right Packing Cubes for Your Needs

With so many packing cube options out there, it can be tricky to decide which type is best for your particular packing needs and travel style. Here are some tips on choosing the right packing cubes:

1. Regular Packing Cubes

These standard packing cubes help organize and separate items in your luggage. They come in a range of sizes and materials. Regular packing cubes are useful for:

• Organizing toiletries, underwear, accessories
• Separating outfits or categories of clothing
• Helping packers stay tidy and avoid digging for items

2. Compression Packing Cubes

As the name implies, these packing cubes are designed to compress and condense your contents. They are excellent for bulky items:

• Compressing sweaters, jackets, and cold weather gear
• Fitting more clothes into the cube by compressing
• Maximizing space in your suitcase

3. Dirty Clothes Packing Cubes

While there aren’t cubes designed specifically for dirty garments, you have a few options:

Dual-Compartment Cubes

These cubes have separate sections to keep your stinky clothes separated. For example:

• Eagle Creek Clean/Dirty Packing Cubes
• Bago Compartmental Packing Cubes

Laundry Bags

Many regular packing cubes can pull double-duty as laundry bags:

• Use an empty cube to store worn clothes.
• Look for cubes with ventilation to allow airflow.
• Choose lightweight material that folds down small/

Zippered Mesh Bags

Mesh laundry bags allow visibility of contents and airflow to minimize odors. They take up little room when not in use.

No matter which option you choose, having a separate spot for dirty clothes helps keep the rest of your items clean when traveling.

Specialty Packing Cubes

Some other varieties include:

• Shoe cubes to protect other items from dirt
• toiletry bags
• Electronic or gadget cubes to organize cords, chargers

The right packing cubes for you depend on your packing habits, problem areas, and travel style. Try out different types to see which ones solve your unique packing pain points.

Packing Cubes Pro Tips

So you’re convinced to try packing cubes, but not sure how to start? Check out these tips from expert users:

Pick the Right Sizes and Types

Variety is key here. Luckily, most packing cubes come in sets with several small and medium cubes and at least one large packing cube. Get different sizes and use them for different items:

• Small cubes for undies, toiletries, etc.
• Medium cubes for tops, bottoms, pajamas
• Large cubes for bulky stuff like sweaters, jackets

Next-Level Packing Cube Hacks

Take your organization up a notch with these power-user tips:

• Compress contents to fit more using compression packing cubes.
• Pre-organize cubes at home for easy access on trips
• Use cubes to protect delicate items from wrinkling
• Contain leaks and spills by using cubes as grab-and-go toiletry kits.
• Repurpose cubes as laundry bags to separate clean/dirty
• Prioritize lightweight and mesh cubes that fold down small
• Look for breathable mesh panels to avoid a steamy suitcase
• Get cubes with handles so they’re easy to transport
• Resist overstuffing – leave a little room for compression
• Use compression packing cubes for bulky sweaters, jackets, and more.

Pack It Up With Packing Cubes!

Well, would ya look at that – we made it to the end of our packing cube journey! 🛫 Did you come into this thinking they were just another gimmicky travel product? We wouldn’t blame you! 😆 But now that you’ve heard all the first-hand accounts and pro tips, are you convinced packing cubes might be the solution you need?

Here’s the sitch: Packing cubes aren’t magic, but when used properly, they make fitting all your travel necessities a breeze. No more endless digging through a messy suitcase or desperately squishing and rolling clothes to get them to fit! With a quality packing cube system, keeping organized and maximizing space is easy. 👌

So don’t resign yourself to another stressful packing session. Grab some packing cubes and transform the way you get ready for upcoming voyages! From frequent flyers to first-time backpackers, packing cubes can help any travel pro hit the road with organization and peace of mind. 🙂

Safe travels, and happy packing!