Hey there!
Want something that will make packing easier? Who doesn't?
Several years ago, I purchased four sets of eBags Packing Cubes in different colors – one for each member of my family. I've used them on many trips since then, and they have been a great way to organize our stuff for a trip.
The sets I bought came with one small, medium and large bag each. I have never used all 12 of our packing cubes for a single trip, but I do like having a variety of sizes and colors. After using eBags for a while, nobody in my family consistently gets “their” color because the right size matters more than color.
My sister also borrows them for her family's big camping trip each year. I toss our eBags in the washer and dryer and they still look new.
Here are three ways I use my eBags Packing Cubes.
Organize
This is my favorite way to use my eBags. I collect items like toiletries or underwear into bags, which makes it easy to organize my suitcase. This also works for grouping family items, like swimsuits or dress clothes.
When cubes aren't stuffed full, they fit the contours of the case and fill in all the space. They also keep dirty items separate from clean items. When my lotion oozed inside a small eBag, it kept the mess away from the rest of the suitcase.
My family of four shared one large suitcase on a long weekend in Orlando. We were flying Frontier, and it was much less expensive to check one large bag than to carry on four small suitcases. Each person packed their clothes in 1-2 eBags, making it easier to share a suitcase.
Related:
Compress
When you need to squeeze more stuff into less space, eBags can help. I fit four summer outfits for my children (ages 7 and 10) in one small eBag each.
We packed everything for 10 days in one large checked bag and two backpacks on our New York and Adirondacks trip. We planned to leave the airport during a 6-hour layover in Philadelphia to see Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, without paying a lot for bag check fees. Packing cubes made it possible.
There are a few disadvantages to this method, so I only use it when space is the top priority. Be aware that:
- Rolling and stuffing takes extra time.
- eBags do not fit the contours of the suitcase as well when they are stuffed full.
- Clothes may require more ironing when they are packed tight.
Related:
Mini-suitcases
eBags packing cubes have handles, so I use them like mini-suitcases. On one road trip, I ran out of space in the suitcase for shoes, so I put them in a large packing cube and tossed them in the van separately.
Our tent space was limited and our van was parked a few steps away on a camping trip at Bryce Canyon National Park. I filled our large suitcase with one large packing cube for the family for each day. Instead of bringing all of the clothes into the tent, we just grabbed the one or two cubes we needed. Clean clothes came in the tent and dirty clothes went out every day. This method kept the tent clutter down.
Related:
Conclusion
Packing cubes are a great accessory for families who travel often because they can help you organize and maximize your luggage space. I've been happy with my eBags Packing Cubes because they've gone with us (and my sister's family) on dozens of trips and still work and look like new. It's nice to have a variety of sizes and colors.
Amazon.com has lots of eBags options, as well as other packing cube brands. Click the image below to see the eBags Packing Cubes we bought.
Happy travels!
lesleycarter
I never thought of using packing cubes before, yet I always travel very light and I’m always looking for ways to save space. It’s time I give them a try.
Globalmouse
I have never used packing cubes but they look fantastic. We try to travel hand luggage only wherever possible and these would be perfect for this.
Sarah
I’ve been wondering about these. Very cool
Beth Blair
Okay, this is brilliant. You make packing look easy.
Dana
Great ways to use packing cubes. We love our set and I’ve been contemplating purchasing more to pack all the families clothing and gear.
Kids Are A Trip
Can I just say we never go anywhere without our packing cubes? I have been using these for years to sort the clothes for each child (each one has a separate colored bag for their clothes). So helpful to just be able to take out at the hotel and have each kid know where their clothes will be the entire time. Love these!
Katja - globetotting
I have never used these before but I have used random small bags that have been lying around the house (i.e. plastic bags) to pack shoes / underwear / toiletries etc.. These seem like a much better way to pack!!
Robin
OK, I never would have thought to try these until reading your article! Great tip!
[email protected]
I was skeptical about these at first but my husband is obsessed with these, so got me hooked too!
Dean Cattell
I’ve used cubes for several years and agree they work great. Our family uses Ospre Transporter duffles when we travel and cubes keep them organized.
stuffedsuitcase
I’ve always thought about trying these, but haven’t actually purchased them to try. Sounds like they’d be a good investment option!
malaysianmeanders
I was reluctant to buy cubes for a long time because they seemed so expensive, especially compared to the Jumbo baggies I was using. I found some cheap ones in Asia and am really liking them. I typically use them to sort clothes by child with each kid assigned their own color. One bag each for daytime clothes and another bag for PJs, undies and socks. Clean clothes stay in the cubes and dirty ones are loose in the luggage.
eileen @ FamiliesGo!
I thought I was organized, but man, this is organized! I like the idea of not bringing suitcases into the room each night on road trips, but the ideas of all that forethought kind of exhausts me!
Allison
Thanks, Eileen! I’m not sure if we were really as organized as it sounds, but I’ve found that packing by the day instead of by person works best for us. In the end, whatever works for your family is the right way!
Jolanta aka Casual Traveler
I see myself using the small cubes for toiletries, but I’m not sure I would figure out how to pack the big ones. I generally pack my clothes flat. I’ll have to think about that.
Colleen Lanin
Is it crazy that I’ve never tried packing cubes?! I think you’ve convinced me!
our next life
I LOOOOOOVE packing cubes. I travel for work just about every week so I have a set cube for each category of item, and then never really have to unpack my bag. Just take out the dirty clothes and put new clothes into each category cube — biz clothes in the big cube, workout clothes in the medium, underwear in the small.
Allison
That sounds like a great way to keep everything organized for frequent travel!