Are Packing Cubes Worth It? The Ultimate Guide

Are Packing Cubes Worth It? The Ultimate Guide

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There are many debates in travel, like window vs. aisle seat, carry-on or checked bag, and whether or not packing cubes are worth it. I was anti-packing cubes for a long time, but I finally decided to try them on a few trips to decide if packing cubes were worth it or not.

I used them on a 10-day trip to Costa Rica with a carry-on and a backpack, then again on a short backpacking trip to Amsterdam. And I’ve decided…

Packing cubes ARE worth it… sometimes.

If you are traveling from place to place or going on a long trip with different types of clothes (athletic, comfy, dresses, etc.), they are great for keeping you organized. But, if I’m going to stay in one place for an entire trip, they’re more annoying to deal with and are not worth it.

Keep reading for some pros and cons of packing cubes and whether or not you should buy some if you’re unsure.

Published: February 26, 2024

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Struggling to pack? Here are some packing lists that can help!

What Are Packing Cubes?

Packing cubes are small, lightweight containers made of fabric, often with mesh tops, that fit into your luggage like little drawers.

Their primary role is to categorize your travel items, making packing, organizing, and finding your belongings easier.

Typically zippered and available in various sizes, these cubes allow you to sort your gear by type, outfit, or event. They will make packing easier and help keep your bag organized.

The Pros of Packing Cubes

There are many benefits of using packing cubes that help you travel more functionally.

One of the primary advantages is that they keep your suitcase organized. By compartmentalizing your items, packing cubes allow you to categorize your clothing and accessories, making it easier to find what you need without tearing your bag apart. This is very helpful when you need to find something quickly or are traveling to multiple destinations and need to pack and unpack frequently.

Another benefit of packing cubes is that they help you maximize luggage space. By neatly folding or rolling your clothing into cubes, you can actually fit more into your suitcase as the cubes push out excess air. Packing cubes can help you use your luggage space more efficiently and maybe even downsize your luggage to a smaller bag.

Finally, packing cubes can even provide extra protection for your belongings. Soft fabrics are kept safe from zippers and rough handling, and the cubes also help keep your things away from any spills. This is especially helpful when packing easily wrinkled items or packing your clothes with things like toiletries or shoes.

Using packing cubes helps you pack better, keeping your stuff safe and making you think about what you really need, so you end up traveling lighter with a suitcase full of essentials.

The Cons of Packing Cubes

While packing cubes offer many benefits, they are not without any downsides.

One disadvantage is the potential for added weight. Although individual cubes are typically lightweight, the additional weight can add up when you use a set, subtly increasing your luggage weight. This could be an issue for travelers struggling to meet airline weight restrictions without incurring extra fees. And, if you have more space thanks to the packing cubes, the more you’ll pack, and the more weight you’ll add.

Another consideration is the cost. Packing cubes come in a range of prices. While budget options are available, those seeking high-quality materials and durability might find themselves looking at a higher price. If you want to try them out, get a cheaper option. Then, if you decide you like them, you can invest in a higher-quality set in the sizes and materials you like.

Furthermore, packing cubes may cause you to overpack. Packing cubes give you more space because they compress your clothes. But, this might encourage you to pack more items than necessary, meaning heavier bags and less space to bring things home from your trip.

There’s also the matter of the learning curve, which I certainly struggled with. For some, the use of packing cubes doesn’t come naturally, and they require an adjustment period to figure out the best way to use them effectively. Not everyone finds the arrangement and organization of items into cubes intuitive, which makes them not worth it.

These limitations of packing cubes are why sometimes packing cubes are not worth it. They get in the way if you are on a simple trip to one place, like a beach trip.

Packing Cubes FAQs

If you are still trying to decide if packing cubes is worth it, use these FAQs to help you decide.

Do packing cubes really save space?

Packing cubes can save space by allowing you to compress items and organize them more efficiently within your luggage. By neatly folding or rolling clothes into these cubes, you often find that you can fit more into your bag than if you packed items loosely. Additionally, the organizational benefits can help prevent overpacking, as you can visualize and plan out the space each cube will occupy.

Can packing cubes reduce the weight of my luggage?

While packing cubes help with organization and can indirectly lead to lighter packing by preventing overpacking, they do not inherently reduce the weight of your luggage. They add a small amount of weight due to their material. However, by facilitating better space management, they can help you prioritize essential items, potentially leading to a lighter suitcase.

Are packing cubes suitable for all types of luggage?

Packing cubes come in various dimensions and are designed to be versatile enough to fit into different types and sizes of luggage, from carry-on bags to large checked suitcases. Choosing the right sizes and shapes for your specific luggage is important to ensure a snug and efficient fit.

How many packing cubes do I need?

The number of packing cubes you need depends on several factors, such as the length of your trip, the type of items you bring, and the size of your luggage. For a weekend getaway, a small set of cubes might suffice. In contrast, longer trips with bigger wardrobes could require multiple sets of varying sizes to keep everything organized and accessible.

So, are packing cubes worth it or not?

This article discusses the benefits and drawbacks of packing cubes for travelers.

Key points include improved organization, space efficiency, and added protection for belongings, though they may also increase weight and cost.

Whether packing cubes are worth it is up to you, so hopefully, you can now decide if they’re right for you.

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