How to Use Packing Cubes: Packing Tips for Traveling with Kids
USING PACKING CUBES WITH KIDS
Packing cubes: some love them, some just don’t understand them.
If you’ve never tried them, you might be wondering what the deal is? Why is everyone so excited about them? Are packing cubes worth the money, or are they just one more thing travel influencers are trying to get you to spend money on?
As a frequent traveler and mom of 4, I’m here to tell you that packing cubes are TOTALLY worth it. In fact, I will never travel without them again! Whether I’m road tripping or flying, by myself or with the kids, I can always find a use for my trusty packing cubes.
The good news is, you don’t have to spend much to enjoy the benefits of these nifty nylon bags, and there are tons of different ways to use them!
Today I’ll share with you why you should use packing cubes, what to look for when you’re buying packing cubes, and exactly HOW to use them when you’re traveling with kids.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
WHY USE PACKING CUBES?
First, let’s cover why you might want to consider using packing cubes. I mean, can’t you just fold your clothes and put them in a suitcase? It’s worked for people for decades!
Sure, of course, you can pack that way. You can pack however you like! That’s one of the most underrated travel tips: do what works for YOU and your family, no matter what “travel hacks” people share with you.
However, you’re probably reading this blog post because you’re looking for a more organized way to pack with kids.
Packing cubes could be your solution. Why? I’ve got 3 reasons:
Organization: Packing cubes keep your bag or suitcase more organized. You can keep like items together, and they act as portable “drawers.” Things are much easier to find while you’re on the road, and put away when you’re done. If you’re a parent traveling with little kids like me, you know organization is KING.
More space: Packing cubes help you to make the most of the space you have in your backpack or suitcase. Whether or not you own compression packing cubes, they keep clothes more tightly packed together so you can fit more. I’m often packing for multiple people in the same bag or suitcase, so I need all the extra space I can get.
They add structure: Packing cubes add structured but are still soft enough to conform to whatever bag they’re in. They come in different shapes and sizes so you can structure them inside your suitcase however you want. Stack them. Line them up vertically. Play Tetris with them.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING PACKING CUBES
Don’t overthink it! Seriously, there are only a few things I would look for when you’re shopping for packing cubes; otherwise, have fun with it and stay within your budget!
Durable material. I’m not saying you have to buy the most expensive and high-quality packing cubes. I’ve been using some inexpensive ones for 3 years and over 50 trips and they still look brand new! Just make sure they’re not made of super-thin material that’s going to rip after a few uses.
Mesh. Make sure there’s mesh somewhere on the outside of the packing cube so you can easily see what’s inside.
A variety of colors and sizes. I would say a variety of sizes is more important than different colors, but they both have their uses. Large packing cubes are great for sweatshirts, jeans, sweaters, etc. Medium cubes are perfect for packing the majority of your clothes - t-shirts, blouses, shorts, leggings, tanks. Small cubes work for undergarments, socks, toiletries, cords, or miscellaneous small items you want to corral in one place.
HOW TO USE PACKING CUBES WITH KIDS
Truthfully, you can use packing cubes however you’d like! Experiment and see what works for your family. If you’re looking for some tips, I’ll share a few different ways that I’ve used packing cubes for our family.
METHOD 1: CHRONOLOGICAL PACKING CUBE METHOD
In this method, I pack everyone’s outfits for each day of the trip in one packing cube.
This comes in handy in a few situations:
You’re on a road trip and you are making multiple stops throughout the trip. If you have everyone’s outfit for the day in one cube, and everyone’s toiletries in another, you can just bring those bags into the hotel instead of hauling 3, 4, or 5 suitcases inside.
You’re coordinating outfits. I like to somewhat coordinate outfits when we’re on vacation so everyone looks cohesive in group pictures AND so it’s easier to find the kids when we’re out and about. (They don’t have to be matching outfits, just coordinated colors).
Someone is helping you. If we’re visiting our parents or a family member is traveling with us, I like to have everyone’s outfits for each day together so someone who is not used to dressing the kids doesn’t have to ask me where everything is.
METHOD 2: PERSONAL PACKING CUBES METHOD
In this method, each person gets their own packing cube or set of packing cubes.
I use this method when we have a longer trip. This way I can combine multiple kids in one suitcase and they each have an assigned color of packing cubes. It’s easy to find which clothes belong to which kid.
I also use this method more now that my kids are getting old enough to help pack and get themselves dressed. It helps teach them to take responsibility for their things.
METHOD 3: CUBE BY CATEGORY
The last way we’ve used packing cubes is to fill them according to activity or category. For example, we might put all swimwear, swim diapers, sun hats, and goggles in one packing cube. Another might contain hiking and outdoor outfits, while another might contain pajamas.
This makes it quick and easy to get your whole family prepared for your next scheduled activity.
HOW TO FOLD CLOTHES IN A PACKING CUBE
For the longest time, I just folded my clothes flat in my packing cubes. Then I realized I wasn’t making the most efficient use of my space.
We started using the Marie Kondo method of folding at home, but for some reason, I didn’t carry that over to my suitcase packing. When it finally occurred to me, I tried the KonMarie method (otherwise known as file folding), I felt like it was a game-changer for maximizing space.
With the file folding method, you can see everything that’s in the packing cube at the same time, making it easier to choose an item of clothing without messing up your entire suitcase.
The video below shows how I used this folding method to fit a week’s worth of clothes for my 3-year-old in a medium-sized packing cube.
Another option is to roll your clothes. This is pretty simple and also helps to maximize space. I like to roll clothes and line them up along the bottom of the packing cube, then lining rolled clothing items in all the open spaces along the edges. Once the entire bottom is filled up, I see if I can add a second layer.
WHAT ARE THE BEST PACKING CUBES TO BUY?
Personally, I think you should start with an inexpensive set to start with. Play around with them and see how you like using packing cubes.
Once you’re addicted like I am, then go ahead and invest in some different kinds. High quality, different shapes, compression, different sizes and colors. Since packing cubes are so affordable, it’s totally doable to add one set to your collection each time you go on a trip.
We use the TravelWise packing cubes that are available on Amazon. As I mentioned above, they have served us well! We really like them, and they have lasted a long time.
You can also try slim packing cubes which seem PERFECT for fitting a few different categories of clothes into a carry-on. I think this will be the next type of packing cube I try.
If you want to go all-in right away and make sure you have enough for your whole family you can get this 10-piece organizer set that comes with multiple sizes and colors, including a few slim sizes.
Finally, you might consider compression packing cubes if you’re trying to fit as much as possible in a small space. For example, if you’re trying to fly carry-on only or you’re packing for multiple destinations with different types of clothes.
Related: Minimalist Packing with Kids (How to Avoid Overpacking)
Packing cubes have completely changed the way I pack for travel! I love how easy it is to stay organized on the road with 4 little kids, and I love even more how simple it is to unpack when we get home!
I hope this post was helpful as you attempt to navigate packing for young children. Let me know if you use packing cubes and what you think of them in the comments below!
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Emily Krause is a Florida-based travel blogger who writes about exploring the world with kids. On A Mom Explores you’ll find best family travel destinations, Disney World tips, and how to make travel with babies and toddlers a little easier.
Emily believes that exploring starts in our own backyards, and adventure can happen anywhere with the right mindset.
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