There is one important aspect of traveling that can often be a hassle – packing! Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, organising items from your luggage efficiently and effectively can be stressful, especially when you’re an over-packer. Space is just not on your side.
Fear not, dear traveling friend, for there is one travel hack I have discovered that can make all the difference: packing cubes…
Packing cubes are a simple yet revolutionary solution to the age-old problem of disorganised, overflowing luggage. Packing cubes are small, lightweight, and come in various sizes, fabrics and colours, making them the perfect addition to any traveler’s packing arsenal.
Essentially, packing cubes are fabric containers that help compartmentalise and compress your belongings, making them easy to find and a serious space-saver in your suitcase or weekend bag.
If you’re someone who has ever struggled with overpacking (raises hand) or lost items, or you just dread rummaging through a messy suitcase, then packing cubes are the travel hack you’ve been missing out on. They can help keep your clothes wrinkle-free, your toiletries organised, and your electronics and chargers in one place. Plus, they make packing and unpacking a breeze, saving you time and energy during your travels.
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How to use packing cubes effectively
Categorise your clothes.
If you usually just toss everything into your suitcase like I do, using packing cubes to organise your clothes by category is a game-changer that will keep you from ever having to rummage through your case again.
When organising, you could use one cube for tops, another for pants, another for dresses or skirts, and a third for socks and underwear. This way, when you arrive at your destination, you can easily find what you need without having to dig through your entire suitcase. Hack: use different coloured cubes for different categories to easily know which cube you need to grab.
Make more room…
Packing cubes are great for maximising the space in your suitcase. I like to roll up my clothes tightly and place them in the cubes, which then compress them and make them take up less space. This allows you to fit more into your suitcase without over-stuffing.
Short trip? Sort by outfit.
If you’re only going for 3 or 4 days, use packing cubes to sort complete outfits for each day of your trip. This way, you won’t have to spend time each morning trying to figure out what to wear, pulling different items from different cubes. This is great for when you’re on a business trip and need to have your outfits planned and ready to go.
Don’t forget the dirty laundry cube!
After you’ve worn something, you obviously don’t want to mix your dirty laundry back in with your clean clothes. Use a packing cube specifically for dirty clothes so you don’t contaminate the rest of your luggage. I like using the slightly bigger cubes for dirty clothes, especially if I don’t frequently get the option of tossing dirty clothes in the wash on my trip.
All your electronics and accessories in one place.
Packing cubes aren’t just for clothes – you can use them to organise your electronics and accessories, too. Use one cube for your laptop, charger, and other electronic devices, and another cube for things like toiletries, jewellry, and other small items. This will keep everything in its place and make it easy to find what you need. Gone are the days of rummaging through your entire suitcase to find that one tiny ring.
Where to buy your packing cubes
Willow Shop
Travel Luggage Organizer Pods Stone Lining for R699.00 from Willow.
Thandana
Travel Luggage Organizer Pods 6 piece set for R699.00 from Thandana.
Typo
Get Stuffed Packing Cells, R299.00 from Typo.
Takealot
6 Piece Travel Packing Organizer Cubes – Compression Pouches for Suitcases, R299 from Takealot.
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Feature Image: Getty
