Lifestyle Trend: 12 best packing cubes to help you fit more in your case in 2026 You Should Know

How to use packing cubes

The most common use for packing cubes is to organise different types of clothing and items in your suitcase or weekend bag.

You can use them to keep occasionwear away from the rest of your luggage, to protect your clothes from dirty shoes, or to separate pieces you’ve worn from those you haven’t.

Smaller packing cubes and pouches also lend themselves to other essentials such as electronics and chargers, first aid kits or toiletry bags. Some are even made with hand luggage in mind. And while they may be meant for travel, there are many uses for them around the house, too – wardrobe shelves, we’re looking at you.

What type of packing cubes should I buy?

There are two main types of packing cubes for you to choose between: regular ones, which are ideal for organising your luggage, and compression ones, which you should opt for if you’re looking for a way to fit in extra outfits.

The other consideration is the material – some will be waterproof, which is useful if you’re popping them in a backpack or you want to protect a delicate garment. Whereas ones with mesh windows are handy for seeing what’s inside, but may let in the odd spec of dirt (or liquids if you have a spillage).

Are packing cubes effective?

If you’re the kind of person who likes to live out of your suitcase rather than unpack into a wardrobe on holiday, then packing cubes are a smart choice. You can put underwear in one, T-shirts in another, and so on, so you can quickly reach in and grab what you want. See-through designs are particularly helpful for this.

Chronic over-packers will benefit from compression packing cubes, which remove the air from your piles of clothes and let you cram more in.

Rolling clothes works in a similar way to compression cubes as it squeezes some of the air out of gaps, removing some of the bulk and helping you fit more in. This method also helps reduce wrinkles and creases, which can be a godsend when on the move.

However, packing cubes will add that extra level of organisation in your case and stop things moving around on the journey.