For me, packing cubes have been both a blessing and a curse. I use them on some trips and skip them on others, creating a love/hate relationship. For this post, I'm referring to regular packing cubes and not compression cubes, which to me, are different.
What are packing cubes?
Packing cubes, like these, are fabric packs used to organize and segment luggage. It's crucial to note that packing cubes aren't primarily for saving space; they serve as an organization tool.
Why I love packing cubes:
Organizing for different climates:
I find packing cubes incredibly useful when traveling to places with varying climates. I can neatly separate my clothes into different cubes based on the climate, allowing easy access to the appropriate outfits.
This approach helps me break up my trip, accessing only the clothes suitable for the current climate. However, it's not foolproof, as unexpected weather changes can disrupt my organized packing.
Breaking my clothes into groups:
Another benefit is breaking my clothes into groups: pants in one cube, shirts in another, socks, and undergarments in a separate one, etc. This makes it easy to retrieve items quickly without creating a mess in my entire suitcase.
Why I dislike packing cubes:
They're not space-savers:
Contrary to popular belief, packing cubes don't necessarily save space. Initially thinking they were meant for that purpose, I was disappointed to learn otherwise. As I'm already an organized packer, I found them less necessary.
Additionally, my luggage already has built-in compartments, allowing me to compartmentalize my clothes and toiletries effectively.
Not Suitable for Odd-Shaped Items:
A significant drawback is that packing cubes don't accommodate odd-shaped items well. This often forces me to place these items outside the cubes, as the tight packing leaves no room for them.
Squeezing odd-shaped things, like my toiletry bag, becomes challenging as the cubes make the luggage space tight.
Overall Suggestion:
Would I recommend packing cubes? For me, an already organized packer, I probably wouldn't buy them again. However, if you have a hard time staying organized with your packing, they can be a valuable packing tool.
If you're looking to save space, normal packing cubes are not your answer. In that case, you'll want to consider compression cubes like these. However, be aware that they may save some space, but ultimately, cutting down on how much you pack is key. I also suggest, for the best packing practices, that you roll your items as much as possible, even when putting them in the cubes. But that's a post for a different day.
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