Do Packing Cubes Really Save Space? | No Cubes vs Packing Cubes vs Compression Cubes Comparison

Some people argue that packing cubes are useless and they don't actually save any space. But others use them every time when they're traveling. We decided to test it out for ourselves, so we packed the same amount of clothes in a carry-on without any packing cubes, with packing cubes, and with compression cubes, and then we compared the results and figured out whether packing cubes really do save any space and whether they're worth it.

Turns out, that regular packing cubes save only a tiny amount of space, if any. They're still great though for their organizational features, and they make packing your suitcase quicker and easier.

But if you're really looking to save some space, then you should consider getting compression cubes, because based on our own tests, compression cubes save around 15-30 % of the total space. They're harder to pack, but in the end, it's worth it because of the saved space.

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DISCLOSURE:

[JarlGrimmToys]

The reason I started using packing cubes was for organisation and easy access. So I didn’t have to dig through loose items. Every time I needed to access my toiletries, or camera equipment, or a clean pair of socks etc.

[bbrad]

I’ve traveled the world and found travel cubes don’t really save space, but are great organizers. I label each cube with a number with a permanent sharpie/marker and keep a list in my phone as to what is kept in each cube. When I arrive at my destination (hotel, cruise ship, etc.) I put cubes in dresser drawer/etc. and dress out of the cube. There’s no need to unpack the cubes if you roll clothing rather than fold. Carefully roll and you’ll avoid most wrinkles. When I return home I ensure the cubes are packed same as when I left home using my phone list.

[chedelirio]

The main advantage of plain cubes is organization (and preventing things from shuffling around) and that itself can lead to another benefit, which is that some travelers could use an aid to thinking through sytematically about the packing since you have to decide ahead of time what goes in which cube.

[christinef]

There is definitely a technique to loading the regular cubes, like rolling & sliding items in with the zipper half zipped, pushing them towards the back. You can get a ton of clothes in that way. The way he packed them was the same way you would lay the in the suitcase 🙄

[scottbergman]

You might want to do the same experiment with clothes that are “rolled” (aka military roll in the US) vs. just folded, like in this video. If you rolled the shirts and pants, I would assume that you might be able to save even more space.

[aslprobro]

Great video. Exactly what I was looking for. Nobody else has a simple comparison video like this.

[quakerwildcat]

I ran a similar experiment recently with compression cubes and used a scale to measure the weight impact.
3 observations:
1) Smaller compression cubes provide a bigger space advantage (because most of the compression benefit is at the edges)
2) Packing soft, fluffy items like socks and fleece in small-to-medium compression cubes cut volume by about 15% (though as you pointed out it's not the most usable space)
3) For these items, the cubes added about 10% to the weight of the items
Bottom line: If weight is a concern, packing cubes don't help. If space is a concern, then compression cubes help only marginally. If you're going to unpack everything upon arrival anyway, there's very little benefit. But if you're going to live out of your bag, then regular (non-compression) packing cubes can help you stay organized.

[happilyeversafter-hehw]

I don’t think they save space (unless they’re compression cubes) HOWEVER, I’ll sacrifice space to ensure organization.

[blondecomet]

That space in the corners created by the packing cubes is great for adding little pouches of belongings.

[jodiesyoutube]

I use them to keep my stuff clean, organised and mainly to keep it safe for instances of my zip breaking or the suitcase fail. I flew once and find the zip busted wide open when I collected my case. I had a strap round it but even so if I hadn't cube packed my stuff smaller items would have escaped. I also like that i can put my cubes on shelves and in drawers at my destination and mu stuff stays clean and organised. They also add an amount of protection against spills and stuff like that.

[mikalaf]

I love the cubes for organization. I use each cube for similar items (e.g. all pants, tops, under garments). Just packed 4 dresses, 5 pants, 5 tops, 3 cardigans, 10 undergarments, 4 socks, 2 bras, 2 night gowns into 4 cubes and 3 pairs shoes.

[chryseass.]

I found that regular packing cubes also make it very easy to unpack, as well. I put things that need washing in one cube and the other cubes are organized such as I can put things directly back into drawers when I get home.

[kauaiboyo]

The problem with compression cubes is that you'll put more stuff into your backpack or suitcase and make them heavier carry around😆 Otherwise they are great because you'll have room for your purchases from your trip...Also if for some reason you'll need to open your bag while on your trip, you will most likely not loose stuff if they are in packing cubes...

[Copolia]

I definitely prefer the packing cubes to keep things organised and it is easier to go straight to an item you may need if they are in the cubes as opposed to having to pull out all the clothes to get to that item.

[jooky]

The key to packing cubes is the modular approach that keeps everything in place as luggage gets tossed around. I’ve found that small to medium ones work best for softer items (socks, underwear, tees, etc). I roll them and stuff them in non-compression no-name cubes that still compresses them despite not having the second zipper

[janiced]

Saving space is all very well, but as most airlines these days go by weight I cannot see their value. As for organising my packing I find ziplock bags in a variety of sizes answer just as well. Not only can I see exactly what is in each bag but they are significantly cheaper.

[raejohnson]

I've been using packing cubes for about 8 years now - I have tried packing for short trips without them and I just can't do it - once you get used to using them it is very hard to go back. I have never thought of them as being space savers - I just absolutely love them for the organisation. We mainly travel during the warmer months and I use one cube for a few winter items and that cube remains untouched unless the weather turns nasty.

[elgallito]

The principal key to using packing cubes is the way you fold the clothes. There are a few videos that show you how to do it. Again, taking advantage of the packing cubes is how you fold and arrange the clothes inside the cubes.

[corriepitt]

The combination of cube sizes is like a puzzle. If you have the right combination of sizes for your specific bag, they do save space. I have used them for years - different combinations in different suitcases.

The compression cube set used here, is not in a combination that works in the presenter’s bag. Also, if wrinkling matters to you, consider packing cubes.

[zrsztqe]

you have to role the clothes for packing cubes... otherwise it defeats the purpose...