How to Use Packing Cubes (Beyond Just Travel)

Packing cubes are a simple invention with big benefits. These small, zippered fabric containers help you stay organized. Most people use them for travel, but their versatility goes far beyond that. If you’ve ever opened a messy suitcase or struggled with clutter at home, packing cubes could be a game-changer for you.

What Are Packing Cubes?

Packing cubes are soft square or rectangular pouches made from lightweight fabric. They usually have mesh tops, so you can see what’s inside. They come in different sizes and colors, which makes it easy to sort and group your items. You zip them shut and stack them neatly inside your suitcase, backpack, or drawer.

Let’s break down how to use them for travel and explore other creative ways they can make your life easier.

View our packing cubes here.

Packing Cubes for Travel

Learn more about using packing cubes for travel.

Packing cubes are most commonly used for trips. Here’s how to use them effectively:

1. Sort by Clothing Type

Use one cube for shirts, another for pants, and another for underwear and socks. You can unpack easily and keep clothes in order throughout your trip.

2. Plan Outfits

Group each day’s outfit in a cube. This saves time when you’re getting dressed and keeps things tidy.

3. Separate Clean and Dirty Clothes

Bring an extra cube or two for used clothes. Keep dirty laundry away from clean items without using a plastic bag.

4. Use Different Sizes

Large cubes fit jeans and jackets. Medium ones are perfect for tops. Small cubes hold underwear, swimsuits, or accessories.

5. Save Space

Packing cubes compress clothes slightly, helping you fit more in your suitcase. You’ll also avoid overpacking because you can see exactly what fits in each cube. Experiment with rolling or folding to see what works best for you. 

View our previous article to discover how to use packing cubes for travel.

Creative Ways to Use Packing Cubes at Home

You don’t need to wait for your next vacation to use packing cubes. Here are some smart, everyday uses:

1. Organize Drawers

Place cubes inside dresser drawers to separate underwear, tops and jeans. They create structure inside wide drawers and make it easier to grab what you need.

2. Pack For The Gym

Tuck a change of clothes, snacks, or hygiene items in a cube. Use your packing cubes to prep for morning gym or training sessions so there’s less to do before you leave.

3. Prepare for Emergencies

Use cubes to store small emergency kits in your car or home. Pack one with first-aid supplies, another with flashlights and batteries, and another with snacks and water.

4. Store Seasonal Clothes

Store off-season items like gloves, swimsuits, or scarves in labeled packing cubes. They slide easily onto a closet shelf and are quick to grab when the weather changes.

5. Organize Tech Gear

Cubes are great for cables, chargers, earphones, and portable gadgets. Label each cube by category and avoid digging through a tangled mess.

6. Keep Kids’ Toys in Check

Sort toys by type—LEGO, dolls, cars—into separate cubes. Kids can pull out what they want and clean up faster.

7. Manage Office Supplies

Keep pens, sticky notes, and chargers contained. If you move between workspaces, it’s easy to grab a cube and go.

8. Delicates Laundry

Some more delicate pieces of clothing benefit from being washed inside a laundry bag – packing cubes can be great for this, just remember to zip fully to protect what’s inside. 

View our previous article on the must have accessories for travel.

Tips for Using Packing Cubes

• Color-code by purpose. Assign one color to travel, one to gym gear, one to kids’ toys.
• Label each cube. Use tags or write directly on the mesh with fabric-safe markers.
• Wash them regularly. Most are machine-washable—just check the label.

Final Thoughts

Packing cubes are more than a travel accessory. They bring order to busy lives, whether you’re packing for a flight, organizing a closet, or prepping a diaper bag. With a small investment, you can cut clutter and find what you need—fast. Once you start using them, you’ll wonder how you managed without them.