Best Packing Cubes for Travel: Why You’ll Love Them (or Not!)

Have you ever opened your suitcase to find a chaotic mess of tops, accessories, shoes, and clothes you swear you didn’t pack? Same here.

For years, my suitcase was a disaster zone that could double as a cautionary tale.

🙋🏻‍♀️ Over-packing? Guilty.

🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏻‍♀️ Not being able to find what I need? Double guilty.

But everything changed when I discovered the best packing cubes — and let me tell you, they’ve been a total game-changer.

But packing cubes are not for everyone. This is one of the most polarizing topics in the packing world!

So, are packing cubes worth the hype? And most importantly, are they right for you?

Today I’m sharing my personal experience and how packing cubes have revolutionized my packing routine. But I’m also sharing who are packing cubes NOT for, so you have all the info to decide whether or not they’re right for you.

Let’s dive in ladies! ✈️

The Best Packing Cubes For Travel - By Ways of Style

_{*this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you shop for anything using the links inside this blog post, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This really helps support my blog! So thank you so much in advance ❤️*}

WHY I MADE THE SWITCH TO PACKING CUBES

Before discovering packing cubes, my suitcase was a black hole of over-packing madness. I used to travel with a giant suitcase filled with clothes I never wore. Sound familiar?

That all changed in 2021 when my husband and I began traveling the world full-time. Since then, these packing cubes have been my go-to tool for organized and stress-free packing.

These magical little organizers didn’t just transform my suitcase—they changed the way I travel. Suddenly, packing became easy, and unpacking? A breeze! Now, I can’t imagine traveling without them.

For most of my trips, I use 6 packing cubes, each designated for a specific category:

1️⃣ Tops

2️⃣ Pants, skirts, and dresses

3️⃣ Workout clothes

4️⃣ Underwear

5️⃣ Emergency outfit (packed in my backpack)

6️⃣ Miscellaneous items (pajamas, bathing suit, face towel, etc.)

These packing cubes create boundaries within my suitcase, helping me stick to the same quantities for pretty much all my trips, no matter the length. (for context, my trips are between 3 & 6 months and I only use this 20′ carry-on and this backpack)

⭐️ The golden rule? If an item doesn’t fit in its designated packing cube, it doesn’t come with me—it’s as simple as that!

Packing cubes have essentially turned my suitcase into a tiny on-the-go dresser, making packing and unpacking a breeze. No more digging for that elusive favorite t-shirt or perfect pair of jeans. I know exactly where everything is.

Best Packing Cubes For Minimalist Packing

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING THE RIGHT PACKING CUBES FOR YOU

If you’re ready to jump on the packing cube bandwagon, here’s my #1 tip:

🎯Go for compressible packing cubes!

Compressible packing cubes can significantly reduce the amount of space your clothes take up, but here’s the trick—they can’t be stuffed to the brim. Leave a little wiggle room to fully enjoy the magic of compression.

🧳 Want A Customized Packing List? (make packing stress-free!)

Simply answer these 2 questions about your trip and I’ll send you a customized packing list! It’s that easy. The best part? I’ve tried and tested these packing lists for my own trips👇🏼

MY FAVORITE PACKING CUBES: TRIPPED TRAVEL GEAR

When it comes to packing cubes, Tripped Travel Gear is my go-to brand. These compressible packing cubes have been a game-changer for my travels, offering the perfect combination of functionality, durability, and style.

What sets Tripped Travel Gear apart? First, they’re designed by fellow digital nomads who know exactly what travelers need. It’s inspiring to support a brand built by a couple who started their journey with nothing more than a backpack and a dream, growing it into a very successful business 👏🏼.

Best Compressible Packing Cubes For Traveling Light

WHY I LOVE TRIPPED TRAVEL GEAR PACKING CUBES:

✅ Available on Amazon: Convenient and easy to order, with quick shipping options.

✅ Multiple colors and designs: From sleek neutrals to fun, vibrant hues, there’s a style for everyone.

✅ Flexible sizing options: Choose from 2-piece, 3-piece, or 6-piece sets to fit your specific packing needs. Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or a long-term adventure, they’ve got you covered!

✅ Compressible design: The ability to compress these cubes means more space in your suitcase for souvenirs or extra outfits—just remember to leave a bit of wiggle room for the compression magic to work.

✅ Quality & Durability: I’ve been using the same set of packing cubes for the last 4 years and they’re still in great shape.

PS: this is not a sponsored post! I legit LOVE this brand so much.

HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR SUITCASE BEYOND CLOTHING

Packing cubes aren’t the only way to create organized boundaries within your suitcase.

You can apply the same principle to your toiletries!

Use 2 small or 1 larger clear toiletry bag to limit what you pack.
Simplify your beauty routine with multi-functional products and travel-sized containers.

By using this system, you can streamline your packing process while ensuring you bring only what you’ll actually use.

My current toiletry bag situation is pretty simple, this is how it looks like:

If you want to learn how to simplify your toiletry bag, make sure to read this blog post!

ARE PACKING CUBES RIGHT FOR EVERYONE?

Packing cubes aren’t for everyone. My husband is firmly against them! With his *even more* minimalist approach to travel, he simply doesn’t need them. Here’s what his entire suitcase typically contains:

5 t-shirts (versatile enough for the gym or daywear)
4 pairs of shorts
3 “fancy” t-shirts

Joggers
2 pairs of shoes (sneakers and gym shoes)

While packing cubes work wonders for me, his approach to packing highlights that they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. So if you’re an ultralight packer, I think you’re better off without packing cubes!

✈️ Other Packing Light Related Blog Posts To Read Next:

SO, SHOULD YOU TRY PACKING CUBES?

Packing cubes have completely transformed my travel routine by making packing easier, more organized, and less stressful.

If you’re someone who struggles with over-packing or a messy suitcase, they might just be a game-changer for you too.

However, if you’re more of an ultra minimalist like my husband, you might not find them as essential, and that’s ok!

Feel free to give compressible packing cubes a try on your next trip and see if they work for you. Either way, happy packing and safe travels!

Thanks so much for reading and I’ll see you in the next one.

XO,

Aimara

PS: if you’re feeling overwhelmed about what to pack, let me pack for you! Answer these 2 questions and I’ll send you a customized packing list for any spring or summer trip. (it’s free!)

About The Author:

Hi, my name is Aimara and I am the voice behind Ways of Style. I was born and raised in Venezuela until the age of 27 when I moved to Chicago, and 2 years later I met my best friend and husband. We now travel full time and live out of a carry-on bag, so believe me, I know a thing or two about how to maximize every single piece I own.

I love creating new looks, and looking cute while I’m traveling. And in this blog, I try to share all my looks, even if I don’t have the best photos ;) My goal is to help you maximize every piece you have in your closet and to encourage you to live with less things.

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