Planning a family trip can be both exciting and a challenge. Did you know that by using packing cubes you can save up to 30% of space in your luggage? In this guide, we will take a look at some of the best packing cubes for family trips that are available to help ensure that your trip or holiday is as organised as possible. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or planning your first big family holiday, packing cubes can really help to transform your packing experience.
Why should you use packing cubes?
What are the benefits of using packing cubes?
Space-saving Many packing cubes have a compression feature that reduces the bulk of your clothes. This means that you can fit more items into your suitcase without increasing its weight significantly. On average packing cubes can help to save up to 30% of luggage space. This is particularly useful for family trips where every inch of suitcase space is valuable. We have always found that we tend to pack a few extra sets of clothes for our kids so having that ‘extra’ space available is really helpful.
Organisation Having the option to separate items by either family member, type of clothing or activity is great when it comes to keeping things organised when on holiday. For example, we often use one cube for each child’s clothes, one for all of our swimwear and another for toiletries. Different sizes allow for optimal space usage in your luggage. The smaller cubes can be used for undergarments and socks, while the larger cubes are perfect for bulkier items like jackets or trousers.
Protection Using packing cubes help to keep clothes neat, wrinkle-free and protected from any spills or dirt. Packing cubes can also help to prevent the chaos that often happens inside suitcases during transit or when you have started to unpack.
Colour coding and labelling The option to be able to use different colours for each family member or type of item is a huge benefit. This way, it is easy to identify whose clothes are in which cube without having to open them. Some cubes come with labels or the ability where you can create your own to help identify contents quickly. This is especially helpful when unpacking at your destination or during any security checks that require you to unpack.
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How to choose the best packing cubes
Factors to consider
Size With so many options available it is important to choose sizes that fit well into your luggage and suit your own personal packing needs. We have a mix of small, medium and large cubes for different types of clothing and gear so that we are able to pick and choose which ones work best for the type of trip we are going on.
Material When looking at packing cubes for clothing, look for those that are made from durable, lightweight and breathable materials like nylon or polyester. Those that come with breathable mesh panels can also help to keep clothes fresh. For other items like toiletries and suncream, consider cubes or bags that are waterproof so that should any spills or leaks happen, it will be confined to the cube and not spill onto the contents of your suitcase (we’ve been there and done that and it’s not fun to clean up!).
Durability Look for packing cubes that are made with high-quality zippers and stitching. Durable packing cubes can withstand frequent use and the wear and tear of travel and will last a lot longer.
Types of packing cube
Compression cubes These are ideal for saving space in your luggage by reducing clothing bulk. These cubes often have extra zippers that help compress the contents even further.
Mesh cubes These are great for clothing and allow visibility and breathability for your items. The mesh panels make it easy to see what is inside each cube without the need to open it.
Waterproof cubes These are great for protecting clothes from any moisture and / or spills. They are especially useful for beach trips or if you’re travelling to a rainy or humid destination.
Budget vs premium options
Cost is always an important factor when it comes to any purchase and it is no different when looking at packing cubes. There are so many different options for packing cubes that are available in so many different price ranges but we have tried to consider the benefits of both the budget and the premium ends of the market.
Budget There are plenty of affordable options available that still offer good organisation and space-saving. The budget-friendly brands provide cost-effective solutions without compromising too much on quality. They are a great option for those that do not travel too frequently.
Premium There are some fantastic options for the ‘higher-end’ cubes that come with added features like extra compression and durability. The premium brands often use higher-quality materials and offer better warranties. They provide a level of longevity and durability that means they can be used for more frequent travels and endure the more testing environments and travel situations.
Packing tips and tricks
How to pack efficiently using packing cubes
Roll clothes Rolling clothes instead of folding maximises space and reduces any creases and wrinkles. This method also makes it much easier to fit your clothes into the packing cubes.
Use compression cubes Compress the bulky items like jackets to save space. Compression cubes can help you fit more into your suitcase without making it too heavy.
Plan ahead Make a packing list to ensure you only pack what you need. Planning ahead can prevent overpacking and ensure you have everything you need.
Organising clothes and essentials for different family members
Colour-code cubes Assign a colour to each family member for easy identification. This makes it easy to find everyone’s clothes without having to open up all the cubes.
Label cubes Use labels or tags to mark the contents of each cube. This is especially helpful for keeping track of small items like socks and underwear.
Separate categories: Keep clothing types (shirts, trousers, underwear) in separate cubes where possible. This helps to keep everything organised and makes unpacking easier.
Tips for packing cubes for different types of trips (Beach, City, Adventure)
Beach trips Use waterproof cubes for swimwear and towels. These cubes will help to protect the rest of your clothes from getting wet.
City trips Pack versatile clothing into compression cubes to save on space. City trips often require a variety of outfits and compression cubes can help you to fit in everything you need into your luggage.
Adventure trips Make use of durable, water-resistant cubes for gear and outerwear. Adventure trips often involve rugged conditions and these cubes can help protect your gear.
Keeping track of packed items
Inventory list Keep a list of items packed in each cube. This can help you remember what you’ve packed and make it easier to find items during your trip.
Checklists Use packing checklists to ensure nothing is forgotten. Checklists can help you stay organised and make sure that you have everything you need.
What are the best packing cubes for families?
With so many different options available to buy it is really hard to narrow down what the best packing cubes are. A huge part of this comes down to the specific needs and budgets of the family buying them. To help, we have identified 3 different sets of packing cubes that are, in our opinion, all very good but also all meet slightly different needs so hopefully there will be one to suit you.
Amazon Basics 4 piece packing cube set
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The Amazon Basics 4 Piece Packing Cube Set is a favourite among travellers for its affordability and functionality. This set includes four different sized cubes, making it a budget friendly and versatile option for packing various items efficiently. Made from high-quality nylon, these cubes are designed to be durable and lightweight which makes them ideal for family trips.
Pros
Cons
Features
- Material High-quality nylon that is lightweight and durable.
- Zippers Smooth and durable zippers that ensure the cubes stay closed during transit.
- Handles Each cube comes with a handle, making it easy to carry and arrange in your luggage.
- Mesh top The mesh top allows for easy identification of contents and provides ventilation.
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BAGAIL packing cubes for suitcase 8 set
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The BAGAIL Packing Cubes for Suitcase 8 Set is designed for families needing a complete packing solution for their holiday. This set includes eight cubes in various sizes, providing great options and space for your packing. The cubes are made from premium quality, lightweight nylon fabric and feature sturdy zippers, making them both durable and easy to use.
Pros
Cons
Features
- Material Premium quality nylon fabric that is both lightweight and durable.
- Zippers High-quality zippers that are easy to use and durable.
- Handles Convenient handles on each cube for easy handling and organisation.
- Mesh panels Mesh panels allow you to see the contents of each cube and provide ventilation.
Murmush Eco Packing Cubes for Suitcases 8 PCS
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The Murmush Eco Packing Cubes for Suitcases 8 PCS set is an excellent choice for eco-conscious travellers. Made from recycled materials, these packing cubes are both sustainable and durable. The set includes eight cubes of various sizes, making it perfect for organising your family’s belongings while minimising your environmental impact.
Pros
Cons
Features
- Material Made from recycled materials, these cubes are both eco-friendly and durable.
- Zippers High-quality, sturdy zippers that are designed to last.
- Handles Each cube comes with a handle for easy carrying and organisation.
- Mesh panels Allows for easy identification of contents and provides ventilation.
Have you sorted all your travel accessories that the kids will need?
Packing cubes are a complete game-changer for our family trips, making our packing so much more organised. By choosing the right packing cubes you can help to make packing and finding your clothes so much easier when you are away. Ready to transform your packing routine?
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Last update on 2025-12-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API