Packing Cubes: Organization and Efficiency in One

Previously, I wrote about how to successfully pack light for a family trip (yes, it’s doable!). One of the key components for me to be successful in this is using packing cubes. Packing cubes aren’t anything fancy, but they can really help you organize, compress things into easier-to-pack shapes, and visualize what you are bringing with you.

Packing cubes come in many different sizes and styles, and I’ve used many brands over the years with great success. Here are some of my recommendations:

1) Eagle Creek Brand. This is the first brand I ever bought of packing cubes and more than a dozen years later, they are still going strong.

• This multipack with XS/S/M is a great option

• A tube cube is great for smaller, long options (belts, many pairs of rolled socks, ties, etc)

• I appreciate how this starter set includes two cubes (S/M) and one folder, for keeping pants and shirts crisp

2) Amazon Basics. These get the job done for an exceptional price point. I have purchased several sets of these packing cubes and while they aren’t as sturdy as Eagle Creek brand, they absolutely fit the bill for what I needed. I also appreciate how many different colors are offered! One organization tip is to assign a different color cube to each member of the family.

• Go with the 4 piece travel set. You’ll get one small, medium, large, and one slim rectangle for about $25.

• You can also buy in bulk with an 8 piece set (2 large, 2 medium, 4 small) for under $50.

• Looking for just one size? A 4 pack of the same size (these are medium) are great.

3) Bagail. I bought these on a whim after reading the stellar reviews and they are just as good as the Amazon Basics, and often less expensive too. There are several “compression” varieties available, as well.

• This set is the best bang for your buck. Six cubes.

• Their compression series is worth a try and highly reviewed!

4) Briggs & Riley. The more high-end version but also with amazing reviews. Comes in sets of 3.

Once you have your packing cubes set to keep your clothes and accessories organized, don’t forget excellent luggage! Here are two brands WanderWell Travelers recommends.

1. TravelPro Max Lite carry on. Easy enough for a child (5 years +) to push through an airport and holds up very well to travel. We have several of these and love them.

2. TravelPro Max Lite checked baggage. Just like the carry-on, but bigger. So many colors to choose from, too!

3. Briggs and Riley. This brand has hardcore devotees, and for good reason! With a lifetime guarantee on all functional aspects of the luggage, this is a worthwhile investment if you will be traveling a lot. We recommend these products for all ages. The Sympatico Hardside series (large checked, carry on) are the fan favorites. The Baseline series suitcases are recommended if you like a soft fabric suitcase.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which may earn us a small commission from purchases made (at no cost to you). The opinions expressed in the blog are our own and we only recommend products we actually own and love!

Successfully Packing Light

Kids come with a lot of…extras. Toys, safety equipment, strollers, feeding tools, and all the gear. You seemingly can’t leave the house without a diaper or tote bag busting at the seams, so how are you going to holiday in a different country while traveling light? Believe me, it’s possible! Whether out of desire or necessity, you can have a successful trip while packing light.

Your Luggage Matters

My husband and I can approach certain purchases quite differently. I’m usually looking to save money, while he focuses on the long-term investment. After 13 years of marriage and a whole lot of travel under our belts, I’ve come to see his approach as the wisest one. Investing in high quality, durable, and lightweight luggage is something I advise everyone to do. In the days when airlines are really pinching their pennies and issuing tight restrictions on luggage weight, it’s important that your luggage is as light as possible in order to maximize how much you can bring (and also, bring back home with you!).

Have A List

Before every trip, I make an itemized list of what I am packing for each member of the family. Seeing it written down helps to keep me organized and to make sure that I stick to a plan instead of throwing in a lot of extra outfits at the last minute. It also helps for packing up on the return trip, too! I try to keep the same rules for every member of the household (for example, everyone brings 2 swimsuits, 2 pairs of shoes, and 7 outfits). In terms of clothing, plan in terms of multifunctional, mix - and - match pieces. This way you can get the most mileage out of your clothing while still keeping your wardrobe feeling fresh during your travels.

Plan To Do Laundry

One of the reasons why we usually opt for staying at apartment rentals is for the convenience of doing laundry. That way, we only have to pack clothes for half the number of days if we do laundry mid-trip. (And let’s be honest, when traveling with kids, things are bound to get messy and dirty and need a good clean sooner than you anticipate) If you opt for a hotel rather than an AirBNB or VRBO rental, check to see if your hotel offers laundry services.

Make The Most of Your Space

I was first introduced to packing cubes when I backpacked around Europe with friends after graduating college (cliche, I know). That was my first time having to be extremely mindful of what I was packing, as I was literally carrying everything on my back. My friend told me that packing cubes were a non-negotiable and after using them for that trip, I’ve never looked back. Packing cubes serve multiple purposes that are helpful when traveling with a family. For one, they allow you to fit more into a space as the clothes get (slightly) compacted. Secondly, it’s easier to keep clothes wrinkle-free when packed in cubes (although the debate rages on whether to fold or roll clothes…I prefer to roll!). Lastly, it’s a great method for separating peoples’ clothes. This is especially helpful if you are sharing suitcases! When my family of 5 went to Croatia for 15 days last summer, we packed carry-on only. Packing cubes were a tremendous help in being able to do this. I assigned each person one packing cube, put all our swimsuits in another, and our beach towels in yet another. And that was that!

Purchase At Your Destination

Think about what you absolutely need to bring versus what will be available to purchase (or rent) at your destination. Things like diapers, wipes, sunscreen, and general toiletries are easy to find in grocery stores or pharmacies in most places. Also, if you are renting a car and trying to travel light, consider renting a car seat through your rental company. This is of course an extra charge, but some people find this convenience worth every penny.

Test Run! Weigh Your Luggage

This is one step many people overlook! Weighing your luggage is especially important if you are flying a budget airline or if you just can’t cut back on what you plan to bring for your family trip. And don’t forget to take into account space (and weight) for souvineers you might plan to bring home (wine from France? Leather shoes from Milan? German beer? Bulky Norweigan wool sweaters?).

Try these tips above for your next family adventure and let us know about your success in traveling light!