Packing Cubes Rock!

[kjs1976]

I'll be gone all the day the three days before our trip so I have been packing for a while to save my sanity on those last busy days. I am using packing cubes for the first time and LOVE THEM!!! I was double checking everything today and was like, I have sooooo much space and just about everything is packed! I also put DD's, who is 2, clothes in a big zip lock bag for each day. That way I just pull out the bag with the outfit that day and we save time. I rolled all the air out of them and there is even more room!I can't believe how organized and space-saving I am for this trip! I also use a toiletry bag from LL Bean and everything for the bathroom fits in it and can unfold and hang neatly in the bathroom, as well as a smaller section just for the shower.

I wanted to buy some more last week, but they wouldn't arrive until the day of our trip. I got mine at E-Bags and got free shipping! They have a great deal going on now for 20% off and free shipping. Woot!

 

[ILoveMyGirls]

do they fit inside of a suitcase?

 

[kjs1976]

Yes! They are nylon fabric with a zipper. They help organize everything in your suit case.

 

[jamstew]

I don't know how I traveled without them. I have 3 sizes (quarter cube, half cube & full cube) plus two sizes of the folders.

 

[aubriee]

I don't know how I traveled without them. I have 3 sizes (quarter cube, half cube & full cube) plus two sizes of the folders.

What she said! except I have the small, medium, and large cubes, plus the long slim cubes and three sizes of the folders (15", 18" and 20"). Truthfully I love the folders, more than the cubes, but can't imagine packing now without either and love having a variety of sizes to choose from. I usually round up using an 18" folder, two slim cubes, and one small cube (sometimes a medium cube), then put an empty 20" folder in my checked bag to repack dirty clothes into every night. I always put a dryer sheet in it so it smells nice. That way my clothes are already repacked at the end of the trip and all I have to do is drop the now full packing folder back into my duffel. Makes repacking to go home a breeze and once I get home all I have to do is empty the 20" folder full of dirty clothes into the hamper as I walk in the back door.

 

[Ellajoan]

I am impatiently waiting for mine to come in the mail so I can try 'em out for our trip this week. Also got the deal from ebags--got 'em for cheap in the discontinued colors to boot! To those who have used them--is it better to roll your clothes in them or can you still fold them? Which size do you find works best?

 

[LadybugMomma]

Are these just for organization of things or are they compression bags too?

 

[jamstew]

Truthfully I love the folders, more than the cubes, but can't imagine packing now without either and love having a variety of sizes to choose from.

Me, too

I then put an empty 20" folder in my checked bag to repack dirty clothes into every night. I always put a dryer sheet in it so it smells nice. That way my clothes are already repacked at the end of the trip and all I have to do is drop the now full packing folder back into my duffel. Makes repacking to go home a breeze and once I get home all I have to do is empty the 20" folder full of dirty clothes into the hamper as I walk in the back door.

Great minds think alike, Vanessa

 

[jamstew]

I am impatiently waiting for mine to come in the mail so I can try 'em out for our trip this week. Also got the deal from ebags--got 'em for cheap in the discontinued colors to boot! To those who have used them--is it better to roll your clothes in them or can you still fold them? Which size do you find works best?

I roll things like tees, underwear & sleepwear, and fold shorts, capris, and woven blouses that would otherwise wrinkle. I think there used to be a video on the Eagle Creek website that shows you how to use them, but I've had mine for years, so that might not be the case any more.

 

[adorelc]

I am impatiently waiting for mine to come in the mail so I can try 'em out for our trip this week. Also got the deal from ebags--got 'em for cheap in the discontinued colors to boot! To those who have used them--is it better to roll your clothes in them or can you still fold them? Which size do you find works best?

I just ordered the discontinued blossom color as well. I have 8 of the large size already. I can't pack without them anymore. Each member of my family has a different color. I fold each item as normal and then when we get to the hotel, I remove the packing cube and unzip it and put it right in the drawer. They are terrific!

 

[whamma]

Thanks to the DISBoards I found packing cubes too! I LOVE them and they save time for me both packing and when we arrive at our destination. Before we go I can pack the cubes and keep them in a laundry basket until I'm ready to put them in suitcases. At the location, I just put the cubes into drawers--no more taking individual pieces of clothing out the suitcase. Plus I plan what we're wearing each day and put all the clothes in one cube for each day.

Are these just for organization of things or are they compression bags too?

They are just for organization. They are not compression bags.

To those who have used them--is it better to roll your clothes in them or can you still fold them? Which size do you find works best?

I have the e-bags brand in all 3 sizes. I use the smallest for socks and underwear but I really like the largest size best. I have WAY more of those and use them the most since they hold clothing. I've never rolled my clothes--I just leave them flat.

 

[aubriee]

Thanks to the DISBoards I found packing cubes too! I LOVE them and they save time for me both packing and when we arrive at our destination. Before we go I can pack the cubes and keep them in a laundry basket until I'm ready to put them in suitcases. At the location, I just put the cubes into drawers--no more taking individual pieces of clothing out the suitcase. Plus I plan what we're wearing each day and put all the clothes in one cube for each day.


They are just for organization. They are not compression bags.


I have the e-bags brand in all 3 sizes. I use the smallest for socks and underwear but I really like the largest size best. I have WAY more of those and use them the most since they hold clothing. I've never rolled my clothes--I just leave them flat.

If you haven't tried the packing folders, I highly recommend you try them. I'm definitely pooh size, but even so can get a week's worth of tshirts and shorts/capris in a 18" folder. Those things stretch and hold a ton. As long as you can get the velcro tabs to meet, they'll stay closed. I always pack my clothes by outfits and put them in the folder in the opposite order I plan on wearing them. In other words I put the outfit I'm wearing home on Sunday on bottom, then Saturday's outfit, then Friday's, then Thursday, then Wednesday, ect. As long as you use the packing guide that comes with the folders your clothes won't be too wrinkled. I also carry a very light folding closet organizer I got at Walmarts that has like six shelves. It folds flat so takes up almost no room in my suitcase, then when I get to the resort I just use the velcro hanger to hang it on the closet rack. I then slide my clothes out of the packing folder and place them on the shelves and they are already matched and in the order I will wear them. I roll panties, bras, and sleepwear and place them in the long slim cubes and just place them still in the cube into the dresser. I posted a link below showing the shelving unit I use once I get to the resort. Since it hangs down and each shelf holds several outfits I can put a week's worth of clothes in a space that takes up less than a foot of the closet rod. Place a empty 20" packing folder with a fresh dryer sheet in it, on the closet shelf and use it to fold your dirty clothes (including underclothes) into every night. Hang a toiletry bag on the rod beside the shelving unit (I use a Vera Bradley toiletry bag that holds alot, but rolls up easily to fit into a suitcase), close the closet door and everything is neat and out of sight, but easy to access. At the end of the week put the empty 18" packing folder and empty packing cubes in the bottom of your suitcase along with the shelving unit, drop the 20" packing folder that is now full of neatly folded, compressed dirty clothes into your bag, roll up your toiletry organizer and drop it in, along with your shoes and you can be packed and out of the room in about five minutes at the end of your stay. I used to always hate repacking at the end of a trip, but don't mind at all now.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Neu-Home-6-Shelf-Closet-Bag/10574576

http://www.verabradley.com/product/Hanging-Organizer/1000947/defaultColor/Loves Me/p/1000947.uts

http://www.ebags.com/product/eagle-creek/pack-it-folder-18/147919?productid=10019024

 

[aubriee]

oops, duplicate!

 

[alicia080979]

oops, duplicate!

Do you have a link to the packing cubes/folders? I have never heard of these before but want to start packing for our Sept. trip soon.

 

[aubriee]

Here you go:

http://www.ebags.com/product/eagle-creek/pack-it-folder-18/147919?productid=10019024

http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/slim-packing-cubes-3pc-set/107842?productid=1283924

http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/packing-cubes-3pc-set/13032?productid=1062347

http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/medium-packing-cubes-3pc-set/48439?productid=1234136

http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/large-packing-cubes-3pc-set/48438?productid=1318698

http://www.magellans.com/store/Packing_Organizers___Packing_Cubes___FoldersLP920?Args=

http://www.magellans.com/store/Packing_Organizers___Packing_Cubes___Folders?Args=

http://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Creek-T...7056?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1282029236&sr=1-13

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...pparel&hvadid=21380502&ref=pd_sl_442auk0f8z_e

 

[whamma]

Thanks for all of the info about the packing folders aubriee--and for the links too. Now I've got something else to consider buying before the next trip. Sounds like a great idea!

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

DD and I both use the LLBean rolling duffels, so packing cubes and folders are a must! I have a bunch of the Eagle Creek and Magellans cubes, but I have also taken packing cubes to a whole new budget level-lol. I save the plastic zippered pouches that bed linens come in. I have been collecting them for at least 5 years, so I think I have every size possible!

Right now I am in the middle of packing, I have one thin pouch that is just purex detergent sheets, tide clothes clips, laundry bags and stain remover. I have medium pouch with ponchos, misting fans, water safe for the pool and a travel hair dryer. I'll save the Eagle Creek cubes for the clothing.

When we leave, I have drawstring laundy bags I got in the Back to College section of Walmart. It is the exact size of the duffel, so I have a duffel with a laundry bag of whites and another one with darks. DH just wheels it right into the laundry room and we typically have the first load running with in 10 minutes of getting home!

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

I am not finding the discontinued color on ebags, can someone help?

 

[ILoveMyGirls]

great idea about the cubes. i'm just worried they will take up too much room in my suitcases and add extra weight.

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

great idea about the cubes. i'm just worried they will take up too much room in my suitcases and add extra weight.

I just weighed my whole stack of cubes and packing folders (enough for at least 2 people) and it weighed 6.5 pounds.