If you're heading off on holiday this year packing cubes are the best way to add some organisation to the packing process for your family. Whether you're jetting off somewhere abroad or heading off on a staycation, it's an exciting time for the family and simplifying your luggage couldn't be easier.
You'll have a change of scenery to explore and be able to spend plenty of quality time with each other, but before you enjoy it, we know the lead-up can be stressful: trying to get all the clothes and toiletries together for the whole family holiday can take some of the joy out of going away. If you want to take the unnecessary stress out of the packing, we recommend using packing cubes.
Related: The baby holiday essentials to pack for your next getaway
How do packing cubes work?
Packing cubes are soft containers that come in all shapes and sizes. You can start adding your bits to them weeks before your holiday so you can start packing ahead of time. You won't need to get your suitcases out of storage until the last minute and worry about them taking up space in your home.
The easiest way to use packing cubes is by rolling clothes inside to maximise the space. You can fold your clothes too - you just won't be able to fit as much inside them. You may also want to pop a luggage tracker in your packing cubes too.
The best way for families to use packing cubes is by giving each family member different coloured cubes. When you arrive at your destination, you'll know straight away whose clothes they are.
One of the biggest anxieties anyone has when travelling is their luggage going missing. If this is something you are worried about, packing cubes can help. You can swap them around in suitcases so that every family member has some clothes in each piece of luggage you are taking with you. Then, if the worst does happen and one of your suitcases doesn't arrive at your destination, everyone will still have something to wear during their holiday.
Top pick
Description
Keep track of all your holiday essentials with the help of this six-pack of packing cubes. With sizes ranging from extra-large to small, each cube has a mesh viewing panel so you can quickly access and identify what you need when you reach your destination.
Pros: They have handles for convenient carrying
Cons: Some reviews state that the cubes are shallow
Review: "These are such a good idea and I will put them to good use time and time again as we tend to travel quite a bit plus they are very easy to store when you are not using them as they can all go inside each other and don’t take up much room as they are soft too. They have a great selection of sizes you can use all with an easy-to-carry handle and mesh side so you can see what you have got in each cube. It really minimises the amount of hassle you have when packing your bags for holiday as you can section off all your clothes and keep all your toiletries or bags or shoes separate too. I would really recommend these to anyone who is a keen traveller like us as it really makes packing a lot more hassle-free."
Editor's choice
Description
There's a lot of variety in this set of packing cubes. There are three main cubes for your clothes, but there is also a bag specifically for shoes, one designed for toiletries and even a laundry bag that you can put your dirty washing in for travelling home. What more could you want?
Pros: Variety in types of packing cube
Cons: Some customers have commented that these packing cubes are flimsy
Review: "These are great. I used them to help organise my hospital bag when having my baby. I had very limited space and most dividers are a bit bulky. These were lightweight and lots of different sizes to choose from. I will be using these again for future holidays."
Great value
Description
With 10 pieces included in this set, these packing cubes are great value for money. We've picked the pink ones for our list, but if you wanted to have a different colour for each member of your family, there are six more colours to choose from.
Pros: Made from lightweight material
Cons: They may tear if overpacked
Review: "These bags are really good for packing clothes separately in suitcases for holidays or nights away from home, and because one side is netting you can easily see what's in each bag, and not have to rummage until you find the one you want. Also, they're great for packing summer/winter clothes away at home when not required. There are varying sizes, so good for trousers, shirts, tee shirts, jumpers, underwear .... everything, even shoes. Super invention! Good selection of colours too."
Recommended
Description
This packing cube set will have your clothes organised before and after your holiday. As well as three clothes cubes and two drawstring bags for shoes, there are three laundry pouches you can stuff with everything that needs chucking in the washing machine once you're home.
Pros: Helps to keep clean and dirty clothes separate.
Cons: Not as many cubes as other sets
Review: "I purchased these for my son to organise him for a holiday he was going on without me....and my goodness did they do the job! I have since ordered another pack and we've just returned from a holiday having used them, not only are they great for packing, they make the unpacking and washing process a lot easier too! Dirty washing in 1 set, clean in the other.....hey presto, unpacked and sorted hassle-free. Genius idea, good value and well worth a try."
Recommended
Description
Who said packing cubes can't be pretty? We love the gorgeous floral print of these ones. These lightweight organisers come in a set of eight so you can have separate bags for your little one's tops, bottoms and toiletries.
Pros: We love the design, practical and pretty
Cons: Some customers wished the dimensions were bigger
Review: "These are fab for travel, also weekends away. They keep your clothes neat and tidy hold them in place cut down creases. Easy to organise your outfits and separate your underwear. Would recommend them and have bought them for the full family now."