Packing cubes

[sixkristy6]

I keep reading about packing cubes in different threads. I understand that clothes are less likely to become wrinkled right? They help you stay organized as well.

I read in another thread that someone fit a lot of clothes (for 4 or 5 family members) into 2 carry-ons using the packing cubes. Do the cubes allow you to pack more in a smaller space? For example, can you fit a lot of clothes in a packing cube that would normally take up more space if put in a suitcase?

I know it might be a dumb question, but before I buy them, I want to know more. Thanks!

ETA: I guess what I am hoping is that if we buy packing cubes, we can fit more into our carry ons (in the cubes) and only take 1 suitcase. it is me, DH and DD-4 traveling, so just 3 of us

 

[sixkristy6]

OK, I found a photo on Amazon that shows 3 cubes (small, med. and large) fitting into a small carry-on. It looks like we can fit a lot of clothes in the packing cubes/carry on. If the cubes are $23 on Amazon, and it would be $40 ($20 each way) for checking a 2nd suitcase, it will definitely be worth it.

I think I answered my own question!

 

[aubriee]

Personally I like the packing folders better than the cubes, but use both. I am pooh size and can pack 8 pairs of shorts and 8-9 tshirts/tanks, plus a maxi sundress in one 18" packing folder which fits perfectly on one side of my Hey's spinner carry on. It's really full, but as long as I can get the velcro flaps to meet, it holds. I then slip a pair of flip flops in at each end and clip that half of the carry on closed. In the other half of the carry on I put packing cubes. I usually have a small packing cube that holds bras, panties, and a night gown, then another that holds odds and ends and leave some space left over (since stuff always seems to take more space coming home). I can pack for a 9 day trip using my 21" Heys spinner and a personal item (usually a small Vera Bradley duffel or back pack). I normally use the slim cubes and small cubes more than the other packing cubes, but have them in just about every size. I usually put blouses and shorts in packing folders, but if I was going to put them in cubes, I'd proably use the medium size ones. I also have the 15" and 20" packing folders, but use the 18" more. The only time I use the 15" is if everything doesn't fit in the 18" and I have just a couple of outfits that I put in the 15" then add that to my personal item. The 20" folder I only use if my husband and I are doing a checked bag.

It just seems like I can squeeze more into a 18" packing folder than the packing cubes. Use the guide that comes with them and clothes don't seem to wrinkle as much either. As long as you can get the velco flaps to close, the packing folders will hold, so you can really squeeze alot into them. I always arrange my clothes into outfits, then fold them into the packing folders in the opposite order that I'll be wearing them, so the first day's outfit rounds up on top and the 9th day's outfit on bottom. When I get to the room, I just open up the packing folder and place it on the closet shelf and then each day's outfit is handy in the order that I'll be wearing them.

Just FYI: I got my first packing folders and packing cubes from ebags, and then ordered some of the smaller quarter cube size cubes from Zappos, but later actually found them alot cheaper at TJMaxx. The ones at TJMaxx were also the good Eagle Creek ones.

This is the carry on I usually use (except mine is an older plaid color) and the 18" folder fits perfectly in the side of the carryon that clips closed (the top side--on the left):
http://www.luggagepros.com/disney-b...utm_term=Disney by Heys&utm_campaign=PID15967

Read the reviews for packing folders and packing cubes on ebags and zappos:
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=10150082
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/small-packing-cubes-3-pc-set/93507?productid=10152615
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/packing-cubes-3pc-set/13032?productid=10150076&rlid=DETAIL
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/large-packing-cubes-3pc-set/48438?productid=1234148&rlid=DETAIL
http://www.zappos.com/eagle-creek-pack-it-quarter-cube-zambia
http://www.zappos.com/eagle-creek-pack-it-double-cube-zambia

 

[sixkristy6]

Personally I like the packing folders better than the cubes, but use both. I am pooh size and can pack 8 pairs of shorts and 8-9 tshirts/tanks, plus a maxi sundress in one 18" packing folder which fits perfectly on one side of my Hey's spinner carry on. It's really full, but as long as I can get the velcro flaps to meet, it holds. I then slip a pair of flip flops in at each end and clip that half of the carry on closed. In the other half of the carry on I put packing cubes. I usually have a small packing cube that holds bras, panties, and a night gown, then another that holds odds and ends and leave some space left over (since stuff always seems to take more space coming home). I can pack for a 9 day trip using my 21" Heys spinner and a personal item (usually a small Vera Bradley duffel or back pack). I normally use the slim cubes and small cubes more than the other packing cubes, but have them in just about every size. I usually put blouses and shorts in packing folders, but if ai was going to put them in cubes, I;d proably use the medium size ones. I also have the 15" and 20" packing folders, but use the 18" more. The only time I use the 15" is if everything doesn't fit in the 18" and I have just a couple of outfits that I put in the 15" then add that to my personal item. The 20" folder I only use if my husband and I are doing a checked bag.

It just seems like I can squeeze more into a 18" packing folder than the packing cubes. Use the guide that comes with them and clothes don't seem to wrinkle as much either. As long as you can get the velco flaps to close, the packing folders will hold, so you can really squeeze alot into them. I always arrange my clothes into outfits, then fold them into the packing folders in the opposite order that I'll be wearing them, so the first day's outfit rounds up on top and the 9th day's outfit on bottom. When I get to the room, I just open up the packing folder and place it on the closet shelf and then each day's outfit is handy in the order that I'll be wearing them.

Just FYI: I got my first packing folders and packing cubes from ebags, and then ordered some of the smaller quarter cube size cubes from Zappos, but later actually found them alot cheaper at TJMaxx. The ones at TJMaxx were also the good Eagle Creek ones.

This is the carry on I usually use (except mine is an older plaid color) and the 18" folder fits perfectly in the side of the carryon that clips closed (the top side--on the left):
http://www.luggagepros.com/disney-b...utm_term=Disney by Heys&utm_campaign=PID15967

Read the reviews for packing folders and packing cubes on ebags and zappos:
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=10150082
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/small-packing-cubes-3-pc-set/93507?productid=10152615
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/packing-cubes-3pc-set/13032?productid=10150076&rlid=DETAIL
http://www.ebags.com/product/ebags/large-packing-cubes-3pc-set/48438?productid=1234148&rlid=DETAIL
http://www.zappos.com/eagle-creek-pack-it-quarter-cube-zambia
http://www.zappos.com/eagle-creek-pack-it-double-cube-zambia

Wow, thanks! I have never heard of packing folders! In fact, I never heard of packing cubes until I joined Dis. It looks impossible to pack that many clothes in the folders, but I read the reviews so it must be possible!

I ordered these from Amazon (free shipping and returns)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013KGEHY/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01

However, I am going to check out packing folders as well. I will do a practice run with packing and see which ones I like better. I love free returns!

There is a TJ Maxx right near my work. I am going to use my break and check them out tomorrow. If not I will order some online. I don't travel by plane much since we had DD (age 4). In fact the last time I flew was 7/07. I wish I knew about packing cubes then, however, there were no baggage fees back then! (or seat fees).

Thanks so much!

 

[sixkristy6]

I will look at TJ Maxx, but unless they are very inexpensive (and they work), I will stay with the cubes since they will fit more. DD can use the small, me the med. and DH the large. The cubes are the same price as a med. envelope (or large depending on the site). I will still look into it more. Who knows, maybe I'll do both! Since we don't travel much, I don't want to spend too much money on them.

 

[sven1277]

My wife bought us several sets of these. We have a set for each family member, plus some extra folders and cubes. It makes it so much easier to pack and fit everything in neatly. We find it makes packing easier for our kids too. It helps them organize!


http://shop.eaglecreek.com/packit-world-traveler-system-set/d/1144_c_211

 

[sixkristy6]

My wife bought us several sets of these. We have a set for each family member, plus some extra folders and cubes. It makes it so much easier to pack and fit everything in neatly. We find it makes packing easier for our kids too. It helps them organize!


http://shop.eaglecreek.com/packit-world-traveler-system-set/d/1144_c_211

I like that this is a set, I will have to look into it more.

 

[aubriee]

I will look at TJ Maxx, but unless they are very inexpensive (and they work), I will stay with the cubes since they will fit more. DD can use the small, me the med. and DH the large. The cubes are the same price as a med. envelope (or large depending on the site). I will still look into it more. Who knows, maybe I'll do both! Since we don't travel much, I don't want to spend too much money on them.

Personally I can get more in a 18" or 20" packing folder, than I can in the cubes and like how the outfits are matched and in the order I want to wear them. The ones I found at TJ Maxx were the good Eagle Creek ones, but quite a bit cheaper than the ones I found online or at the local luggage outlet store. The packing folders were like $9.00, $12.00 and $14.00 for the 15", 18", and 20". The packing cubes were like $4.00-$9.00 a piece, depending on the size. They weren't sold in sets, so I liked that I could pick and choose what I wanted in each size, though the smaller cubes were sold in pairs.

Whichever you round up with, don't be shocked when you get them and they look small. Those things will stretch and as long as you can get them closed will hold. I've had mine for at least six years and have yet to break one. Jamstew that used to post here on the DIS turned me onto them. She said she would never pack without them again and after using them once agree. Over the years, I've accumlated them in just about every size and like having a large variety to choose from. What I normally use though is an 18" folder in my carry on, maybe a 15" folder in my personal item, maybe a 20" folder if I'm checking a bag, then two slim cubes, a quarter cube for odds and ends, and maybe a small cube. It just depends on which type of bags I'm packing and what time of the year it is.

I also have a 20" Jansport packing folder that I don't particularly like. It doesn't seem to hold as much as the Eagle Creek 20" packing folders. I would not purchase that brand again, but the Ebags and Eagle Creek ones are great.

 

[Echo queen]

Wow Aubriee, I definitely need to start using my packing folder, I used it once to pack dinner cloths for my 2 boys for a cruise. I really like my packing cubes, I am going to use both for my up coming trip.

 

[sixkristy6]

The reason I was looking at the cubes was because they seemed like they fit more based on the reviews. Well, I am off to TJ Maxx tomorrow and we have 73 days left anyway, so I have some time anyway. Thank you!!

 

[mayaflysmama]

For those of you who have used packing folders/ cubes, are they that much better than zip locks? I realize for wrinkles the most likely are, but as far as optimizing space do you get a lot more space? I love the look and organization of the cubes and folders, but for the money wasn't sure if I'd actually gain more space.

 

[mansionmama]

Although they aren't "breathable" like the nylon/mesh cubes, in a pinch I've used some of the heavy plastic zippered bags that sheet sets come in to pack my son's clothes. Just roll the shorts/shirts and fill them up.

 

[sixkristy6]

Although they aren't "breathable" like the nylon/mesh cubes, in a pinch I've used some of the heavy plastic zippered bags that sheet sets come in to pack my son's clothes. Just roll the shorts/shirts and fill them up.

I think I have some of those, good idea!

 

[kristenrice]

Here's the clothes I packed in my DD9's carryon.

Here is the clothes packed in an eBags SLIM packing cube...

That is 3 pairs of shorts, 3 shirts, 3 pairs of undies and a pair of socks. Since we stay in a DVC villa with a w/d, this would have been enough clothes for our 5 day stay, but of course I always overpack. This easily fits into a carryon so we can pack just one checked bag (mostly for our liquids and food that cannot go in a carryon) for the entire family. I think have about 25 eBags packing cubes, in three different colors and four different sizes. I love them and I cannot travel without them anymore.