My daughter is a big champion of packing cubes and has been using them for a couple of years. I was pretty satisfied with my jumbo ziplock bag method and didn't feel the need to change things up. The ziplock bags are great because they are protective and it's so easy to squeeze all the air out. I can fit so much into my suitcase and there is a barrier if anything should leak. They also make it convenient to bring home the dirty laundry and are super for wet bathing suits or other liquid souvenirs (perfume, wine, etc.).
You know how it is to buy gifts for the men in your life and this year I caved and bought hubby two sets of packing cubes. He travels so much for work, doesn't use the ziplocks, and is generally quite fussy about his clothes. I also threw in an electronics organizer, perfect for taming those charging cords and headphones. I found some reusable twist ties that attach directly onto the cables so they don't get lost and they are amazing for keeping the long wires from getting tangled.
Of course, I also ordered a set for myself to give packing cubes a try. I found the Bagail Packing Cubes on Amazon and they were highly rated and recommended by my daughter. I purchased a pretty teal set containing 4 sizes, from small to extra large. Also included was a drawstring laundry bag. The brand features extra durable cubes made of high quality nylon fabric. Two way easy-pull zippers are a nice bonus and the open mesh design makes it easy to see what's inside.
For our recent trip to Vegas I found I didn't need to use the extra large cube, a 17.5" x 12.75" rectangle that basically covers the entire bottom of a large suitcase. The small, medium, and large were perfect and obviously allow for compartmentalizing similar size items for optimum use of luggage space. Since I already do the Marie Kondo way of folding my clothes in drawers, it's very fast to select items to pack and add them to the cubes. If they aren't already rolled, this is the preferred method of putting your clothes within each cube. It was actually fun to pack! I also picked up a second set of lesser quality, smaller cubes at the discount store to handle any overflow of tiny items. These were less sturdy and the zippers were not as durable but they were good enough for light items I wanted to contain.
Once we checked into our hotel I discovered a lovely benefit of the packing cubes is being able to slip the entire set right into the dresser drawers. I was surprised that my cubes all fit into the bedside table. It was great to be able to have everything right there and easy to find. This system kept everything organized, tidy, and clean (and separate from husband's!!).
Also, another great feature is when it's time to pack up to go home. The cubes are ready to go, the laundry bag is full, and there's extra room for souvenirs. I've never been able to pack up faster from a trip! Usually it is a big ordeal the night before we have to check out but this time it was amazingly easy. It was much less stressful and hubby was able to quickly take care of his own packing. No more missing socks at the back of the drawer or under the bed!
Finally, if you ever find your luggage is overweight at the airport bag-drop, no more exposing your 'dirty laundry' to every other traveler while trying to lighten things up. Simply pull out one appropriately sized cube to pop into your carry-on and the lighter suitcase is good to go! Packing cubes are also excellent for carry on luggage and fit perfectly. I even used a couple small extra ones in my backpack to keep my Pandora jewelry and makeup bag easy to access.
Yes, I am a convert and I love packing cubes! They are so light, efficient, and convenient and I have to admit, better than all my ziplock bags. I found I packed more sensibly (and didn't overpack) and my suitcase wasn't nearly as heavy. I like to be organized and have things simple to deal with before, during, and after the trip. I still put my toiletry bag into a medium ziplock for a little extra insurance against any leaking and I always make sure to add an empty extra one for wet bathing suits. It is now my perfect packing system!!! Daughter was right, smart girl!
