Updated August 1, 2024

These 12 tested examples of packing cubes and other organizers bring order, convenience, and efficiency to packed luggage. Squeezing socks, underwear, and charging cords into shoes or nooks and crannies can make great use of tiny pockets of unclaimed space. However, packing cubes and other organizers contain, compress, and organize stuff, freeing up extra space in the process.

Packing cubes and other organizers

Having a selection of folders, cubes, pouches, and envelopes makes it easier to find the right ones for each packing experience. Yes, I admit it; I’m a packing organizer junkie. In the event it’s useful, here’s a description of the mainstays of my collection.

1. Packing folders

A packing folder keeps clothing pieces together in one compact bundle. If a packing folder fits your packing style, choose a size that’s compatible with the dimensions of your bag.

For example, the width of my Eagle Creek Pack-It Garment Folder matches the width of my convertible carry on. The length of my handmade folder also mirrors the width of my bag. The Eagle Creek folder fits snugly landscape style while the handmade folder fits portrait style. Leaving the folding card and removable base of the Eagle Creek at home lightens the load.

When I choose to take a packing folder, I’m partial to a fold-and-stack approach to organizing clothes. I tried the bundling method but found it too inconvenient to access an item by having to unbundle everything around it. Mind you, bundling works for a one-stop destination where the intention is to unpack everything.

2. Packing cubes

For packing organizers containing several items of clothing, mesh cubes allow you to see what’s inside.

I like the eBags Packing Cubes (medium size for tops). For more information, see Julianna Barnaby’s detailed eBags Packing Cubes Review: At a Glance at The Discoveries Of.

For shirts, my preference is to roll ranger style to achieve a nice tight roll. Rolling clothes in this way takes up less space. It’s also an efficient use of space because the width of the roll can extend to the entire width or length of the cube. Because clothes are packed side by side, a quick glance reveals how many clean pieces are left. Von Malegowski does an excellent job of demonstrating the ranger roll technique in How to Pack Clothes for Traveling.

3. Mesh packing pouches

For the same reason I like packing cubes with a mesh cover, when panties are packed side by side, a quick glance reveals how many clean ones are left.

The rolling method described by Elektra King in How to fold underwear quick and easy is very effective.

4. Compression bags

These are especially useful for bulky clothing. The Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Sacs take up no space or weight when empty. The medium size accommodates outerwear and the small is a good size for dirty/damp clothing. Each one has one-way valves at one end. I find sitting on a packed sac releases air, and then rolling it squeezes out the rest. Stretch out the crinkles and you’ll have a thin flat package.

5. Compression cubes

I love the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Compression Cube Set. Each set, available in a variety of colours, consists of a 7.5-litre cube and a 3-litre half cube. Each one expands to twice its volume, while compressing an amazing amount of stuff. They’re ultralight and strong, made of silnylon ripstop with a durable zipper system. They’re fantastic when travelling between colder and warmer climates, and outdoors and indoors.

For example, on a cold winter day in Ottawa, my friend and I stuffed our bulky outerwear in one large cube when touring indoor sites. I especially liked the way the packed cube sat comfortably against my back in a daypack. They pack just as well in a standard carry-on bag, and the variety of colours allows colour-coding for what’s packed.

They’re more versatile than the Eagle Creek Pack-It Compression Sacs described above. There are no sharp edges and I’ve used one as a pillow (stuffed with a hoody) on flights.

For a detailed review, see The best packing compression cubes ever made.

6. Dry bags 

The main purpose of a dry bag is to keep its contents dry. Dry bags built with travellers in mind aren’t as heavy or durable as those designed for water sports enthusiasts. Packed inside another bag such as a daypack or travel bag, they do a good job of keeping water out. They also keep water in so they can be useful as a packing organizer for a damp swimsuit or travel towel. They’re also effective as a laundry bag for separating dirty clothes from those that are clean. For other ideas, see 10 Reasons to travel with dry bags.

7. Solid soap bar cases

Pack solid soap, shampoo, or conditioner bars in breathable, soft-sided cases. The Matador FlatPak Soap Bar Case is a perfect size for body soap. For smaller shampoo and conditioner bars, look for PUL (polyurethane laminate) pouches or ‘wet bags.’ Mine are from the EcoAdorable shop at the online marketplace, Etsy.

8. Plastic envelope or folder 

Sometimes, carrying printed documents is a matter of necessity. Some countries require an e-visa to be printed, or some airlines will charge a fee to print a boarding pass at the airport. Or a transportation company requires a printed ticket so an agent can mark it in some way. On international trips, it might be wise to carry a printed copy of your itinerary.

A plastic see-through, durable zippered envelope is ideal for this purpose. It’s also a great place to store credit card receipts until you’re able to review your credit card statement. And it’s perfect for stowing printed material picked up along the way. That said, it’s surprising how much paper weighs, so aim to carry as little paper as possible.

9. Drawstring stuff sacks

There are plenty on the market. I like the Tom Bihn Travel Stuff Sack. It’s durable and compactible. The extra small version at 6.3 x 3.8 x 2.6 inches (160 x 100 x 65 millimetres) packs a huge punch with respect to capacity.

I use it as a gadget bag for electronics accessories:

• charging cords for my iPhone, iPad mini, and Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS200 camera
• camera connector kit
• Lencent USB to AC charger with interlocking international adapters
• USB data blocker
• inCharge X 6-in-1 keychain charger
• microfibre wipe
• fake Duracell battery used as an emergency cash stash.

10. Travel shoe bags 

I prefer lightweight breathable shoe bags with a little stretch to them. They’re small enough to house just one shoe (or two sandals or shower shoes). A one-shoe bag provides the flexibility to separate each shoe to make the best use of packing space. Mine are the Lewis N. Clarks’ Travel Shoe Bags.

For those occasions when damp shoes need to be packed, a dry bag can be pressed into service.

11. Reusable 3-1-1 bag

It’s surprising what can fit in a one-quart/one-litre bag reserved for liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. A couple of years ago, I decided to ditch my hanging toiletries kit and replace it with a hanging 3-1-1 bag. (A ‘3-1-1 bag’ is the term that’s commonly used in North America to describe a bag containing carry-on liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes.)

Many jurisdictions describe these bags as zip-top versions, but frankly, zippered bags have served me well at dozens of airports around the globe. Just in case, I carry an empty one-litre zip-top bag as a backup. My Tom Bihn 3D Clear Organizer Cube was designed as a 3-1-1 bag. Its clear sides reveal the contents, and the built-in hook converts it to a hanging kit. It’s durable, lightweight at 67 grams ( 2.4 ounces), and wipes clean both inside and out.

12. Zippered pouches

Inexpensive, lightweight pouches keep small things organized, secure, accessible, and protected from damage. Allow them to roam free in a cavernous space in your bag and you’ll drive yourself crazy trying to access them when needed. Or they’ll find a way to disappear.

Zippered pouches are a way to carry only what’s needed. They help separate what needs to go in an in-flight personal item and what will be placed in the overhead bin or checked luggage. Take the example of noise-cancelling headphones. They might need a charger and headphone jack during a flight so there’s no need to pack an electronics accessories kit containing items that won’t be needed until you reach your destination. With my Bose QuietComfort 20, I pack its charging cord and a Lightning Dual Ports Dongle for a 3.5 mm Headphone Jack and Lightning Charger for use with an iPhone.

Conclusion

For cheaper packing organizers, use repurposed items such as a zippered pillow case packet or other forms of packaging. See 25 Cheap travel essentials on dollar store shelves for other ideas. Check out cloth pencil cases, plastic filing envelopes, and bags designed for cosmetics and laundry. These can be viable alternatives to the more expensive packing organizers from travel stores.

If your carry-on or day bag feels like a bottomless pit cluttered with individual items, packing organizers might be the solution. They make it much easier to find things in a hurry. Get into the habit of returning each item to its packing organizer (and designated place in your bag) immediately after use. It lessens the chance of losing things.

Another advantage of packing organizers is that you may feel less inclined to unpack on arrival. This is useful if you’re staying for just one night, there’s limited space in your surroundings, or you figure your bag is a more hygienic location for your belongings. By living out of a suitcase (an organized one at that), you’re less likely to leave things behind when it’s time to move on.

 

If you found this post helpful, please share it by selecting one or more social media buttons. Do you use packing cubes and other packing organizers? If so, what are some of your favourites? Please add your thoughts in the comments. Thank you.

 

Might you be interested in these related posts?

• The best compression packing cubes ever made
• 15 Easy ideas on how to pack small things in your travel bags
• 10 Reasons to travel with dry bags
• 18 Tips on organizing a 3-1-1 bag for toiletries and cosmetics
• Top 20 tips on how to pack light
• My favourite travel gear hacks
• 25 Cheap travel essentials on dollar store shelves

 

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