3 Ways to Use Packing Cubes

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:

• How We Saved 99% on Frontier Airlines
• Tips for Visiting Universal Orlando Resort

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:

• 6 Tips for Packing Light
• Tips for Visiting New York
• How to do a Long Layover in Philadelphia

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:

• Camping Tips for Families
• Top Stops for Families at Bryce Canyon National Park

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!

Allison

Hi there! I am the founder of Tips for Family Trips. I am a married mom of two children, ages 14 and 17, living near Salt Lake City, Utah. We took our first child on a two-week road trip when she was four weeks old and we have been traveling as a family ever since. We love to get out of the house to see and do fun things, both far away and in our own neighborhood.