7 Best Packing Cubes to Organize and Optimize Your Suitcase
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Ahh, the packing process. It’s filled with so much anticipation yet so much dread; the build up to a long-haul vacation or a short weekend trip is exciting, but it’s always a struggle to pack everything you need into a reasonably sized suitcase. And doing it efficiently is an art form that savvy frequent fliers have mastered with the help of packing cubes. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your organization game or just trying to figure out how to fit as much stuff into your suitcase as possible, read on for your guide to the best packing cubes to buy now and how to make the most of them, according to experts.
SO what do you need to know about packing cubes?
➼ FAQs
➼ Our Top Picks
➼ More Tried-and-True Options
Our Top Picks:
The One-Cube Wonder
Tumi Large Double-Sided Packing Cube
Colors: Black | Materials: Nylon | Dimensions: 9.8” X 14.0” X 4.5” | Weight: 0.4 pounds
Victor Sanz, the creative director at Tumi, calls this dual-component packing cube a “life-changing packing tool.” It features two sections, great for separating delicate items from everyday things, and a mesh top covering that allows you see what’s inside. “As a frequent flier myself, I‘ve found this to be a life-changing addition to my travel routine,” Sanz says. “I love how it has separate compartments so I can organize outfits, as well as a mesh top so I can easily see what’s in the cube.”
The Best for Overpackers
Monos Compression Packing Cubes (Set of 4)
Colors: 5 | Materials: Nylon | Dimensions (per each cube): Large: 13” × 9.8” × 4.5” Medium: 13” × 7.1” × 4.5” Square Small: 10.2” × 8.3” × 4.5” , Smallest: 9.8” × 4.3” × 4.5”
If you’re an overpacker like myself, add these dynamic compression cubes to your cart. Not only are they great for organization, they’re also specifically designed to give you more suitcase space. Made of tear-resistant nylon twill, the compression-cube zippers allow you to save space and compress height by up to 60 percent, making more room in your suitcase for extra items.
The Fan Favorite
Away The Insider Packing Cubes (Set of 4)
Colors: 13 | Materials: Nylon | Dimensions: Small Wide: 10” x 4.1” x 8.25”, Medium Slim: 10” x 4.1” x 4.3”, Medium Wide: 13” x 4.1” x 10”, Large Slim: 13” x 4.1” x 6.9” | Weight: 0.5 pounds
If you’re on the hunt for classic, dependable, and durable packing cubes, look no further than Away’s best-selling cubes that work to compress and organize. “Away’s signature packing cubes are the Insider Packing Cubes, which come in a set of four or six, depending on how much you plan to pack. They’re made with water-resistant nylon and fit seamlessly into any Away suitcase, offering extra protection for your belongings while allowing you to quickly find what you need with ease,” says Luigi Auricchio, the company’s VP of design. Away also has the Protective Packing Cube, specially made with padded dividers to keep delicate or valuable items extra safe during travel.
More Tried-and-True Options:
The Under-$25 Option
Amazon Basics Travel Organizer Zipper Cubes (Set of 4)
Colors: 6 | Materials: Polyester | Dimensions (per cube): 17.5’’ x 12.75’’ x 3.25’’, 13.75’’ x 9.75’’ x 3’’, 11’’ x 6.75’’ x 3’’, 14’’ x 5’’ x 2.8’’ | Weight: 1.2 pounds
If you’re looking for an option that won’t break the bank and still gets the job done, try these Amazon Basics packing cubes. Similar to other packing-cube sets, this set of four comes with different-size cubes (small, medium, large, and slim), all of which feature a mesh-top panel covering and a convenient handle. And with close to 40,000 reviews, they’re a favorite among most Amazon shoppers and travelers for their price, flexibility, and ultralightweight design.
The Six-Piece Set
Béis The Compression Packing Cubes (Six Piece)
Colors: 5 | Materials: Polyester | Dimensions (per cube): Large: L 13” x W 16” x H 1 - 4.7” Small: L 6’’ x W 10” x H 4.7” Smaller: L 8” x W 10” x H 4.7” | Weight: 1.2 pounds
These chic, colorful, and interchangeable compression cubes are the ideal packing accessory for the traveler who loves label organizers as much as Monica Geller does in Friends. (True fans recall the character’s love of label-makers). In addition to two XL packing cubes and four small ones designed to compress and maximize luggage space, this set also comes with paper labels you can slip into the clear exterior of each cube. “These are the perfect organizational tool for every kind of trip,” says Elizabeth Money, senior VP of brand and creative at Béis. “With compression technology, you can pack more into any bag. And thanks to the label windows, you can easily tell what is where, which keeps you organized on the go.”
The Monogrammable Option
Paravel Packing Cube Quad
Colors: 7 | Materials: Negative Nylon® | Dimensions: Large: 18” x 3.75” x 12”, Medium: 12.75” x 3.75” x 10”, Small: (x2) 8.2” x. 3.75” x 6.25” | Weight: 0.56 pounds
You may already be familiar with Paravel’s sustainable suitcases, but its packing cubes, also made of ethically sourced materials, are a favorite among frequent fliers like Champalimaud design principal Courtney Brannan. “I love the coordinating packing cubes, which help me to stay organized and prepared for multiple destinations where the weather may not be the same,” Brannan told the Cut earlier this year. Made of lightweight, water-resistant nylon, this packing-cube set fits everything from undergarments and pants to larger items like light jackets and towels. It also features a transparent window so you can see what’s inside. Paravel is known for custom monogramming on its luggage and packing cubes for those who love a little personalization.
The One That’s the Most Fun
Calpak Packing Cubes (Set of Five)
Colors: 19 | Materials: Polyester | Dimensions: Envelope: 13” x 10” x 1.5” Small: 12” x 8.8” x 3” Medium: 15” x 11” x 3” Large: 17” x 12” x 3” | Weight: 1.8 pounds
Add a little pizzazz to your packing with these colorful and brightly patterned packing cubes from Calpak. This set features four cubes, ranging in different sizes, and includes one water-resistant envelope pouch — a great addition for those items that need extra protection. Like the Béis set above, these durable cubes also come with paper organization labels.
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