Skip to main content

NewFolks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Packing cubes make vacation travel easier — and these are the best

Packing for travel is one thing, but packing for travel with kids is another. When packing for a family trip, one suitcase may contain your clothes, their clothes, toys, diapers, books, toiletries, snacks, and more. When it’s all in one suitcase, it’s hard to keep it organized. That’s where packing cubes come in.

These organizers make different sections out of your suitcase, so you know what’s where and nothing gets mixed in together. Consider the number of cubes, sizes, colors, opacity, compression, and material when choosing the best packing cubes for travel. Here are our favorites.

Recommended Videos

Well Traveled 3-Piece Compression Packing Cubes

These packing cubes use double-zippers to help compress the contents of the cube, so it takes up 30% less space in your suitcase. In a three-pack with a small, medium, and large, each of the cubes has not only a different color but a beautiful design to keep it interesting. They’re durable with double-stitched seams and rip-stop fabric, and they’re ultra-light, weighing just 10 ounces. They’re even water-resistant!

Why we like these:

  • Aesthetically pleasing design
  • Water-resistant
  • Designed to take up less space in your suitcase

ZOMAKE 6 Set Packing Cubes

This set of six packing cubes features mesh tops that let you see inside. With 30% space compression, a lightweight tear-resistant material, and carrying handles, these cubes are top of the line.

Why we like these:

  • Mesh tops make it easy to see what you’ve packed
  • Designed to take up less space in your suitcase
  • Features tear-resistant material

Idesort Packing Cubes

This pack includes more cubes than most — eight. They are split into two colors (you could use one color for you and one for your child, for example), and each cube also has small icons on the exterior to show what’s inside, like underwear, shirts, shorts, and pants. Each of the cubes has extra-small, small, medium, and large sizes that include a carrying handle. They’re all made of durable double-stitched nylon that is water-resistant, and they have mesh tops to see inside.

Why we like these:

  • Comes with more cubes than most sets
  • Each set has two colors to better help you organize
  • Water-resistant

Veken 6 Set Packing Cubes

We love this set because it comes with a shoe bag and a laundry bag in addition to the four cubes of varying sizes. A shoe bag is perfect for keeping everything else clean, and the laundry bag is a major upgrade from the old plastic bag from the grocery store you might have used. These waterproof cubes might all be one color, but you can see what’s inside with the mesh tops, and each one has a unique symbol to identify them from the outside.

Why we like these:

  • Comes with a shoe bag and laundry bag
  • Waterproof
  • Comes with mesh tops and unique symbols to better help you organize

There’s no question that packing cubes are a great idea for your next trip, but think about ease of use, durability, and other factors when shopping. You want to be able to tell what’s inside without opening every single one to find what you’re looking for, so make sure this is possible with either colors, icons, tags, or mesh tops. Also, consider double zippers and double-stitching for long-lasting cubes and a variety of sizes, so you don’t need an oversized cube for toothbrushes. Any of the four choices above will do the job, but which is best for your family?

Sarah Prager
Sarah is a writer and mom who lives in Massachusetts. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, National…
5 best maternity shoes under $50 for every occasion
Seated woman trying on shoes

If you thought you could make it through your pregnancy with your current collection of shoes, we may have some bad news for you. For some women, pregnancy and feet simply don’t go well together. Your feet swell, you need a new level of support, and comfort is the name of the game. 

But you can’t just get one pair of maternity shoes and call it okay. Just like you need multiple pairs of “normal” shoes to get through your day-to-day life, you’ll need multiple pairs of maternity shoes, too, for everything from work to formal affairs, casual days to going on vacation. Here are the best shoes for pregnancy for a little bit of it all -- and they're all under $50 a pair. 

Read more
5 nursery hampers under $30 that’ll make your life easier
Mom with young daughter doing laundry

While you might think your new baby will hardly use any laundry at all, think again. Between spit-up, diaper explosions, spills, and just general wear, infants can go through a lot of clothes. A baby laundry basket will give you a convenient spot to toss those soiled items for later washing, without mixing (or losing -- let’s face it, baby socks are small) them among your family’s general laundry.

But you don’t want to choose just any nursery hamper. After all, you want something functional as well as stylish. Here are five nursery hampers under $30 that’ll make your life easier and look great in any room in your home.
MCleanPin Laundry Hamper: Simple, sweet, and functional
If you have a rather minimalistic nursery (think more color and pattern-focused than cartoon characters and animal friends), then you may want a nursery hamper that’s a little more basic. This simple and sweet hamper is a good pick for those who prefer functionality over fashion. 

Read more
What you need to know about getting your daughter a training bra
Mother and daughter talking in bed

Your little girl is growing up. Before you know it, your curious cutie will be a mini woman with sass to spare. In the meantime, as she is developing and changing, you will want to keep the line of communication open. All girls go through puberty at different ages; some begin as early as 8, while others may take a few more years to reach this milestone. Either way, at some point, she may want or need a training bra. Don't know where to start in your search -- or how to broach the conversation? Read on for our top tips and a few shopping picks.

What is a training bra?
First and foremost, there is no actual "training" that happens with a training bra. Basically, it is a transitional undergarment -- a cross between an undershirt and a traditional bra. It should not have underwires or pads; it just acts as a barrier between the shirt and the chest and nipples.
When should girls start wearing bras?
Really, there is no wrong time to start wearing a training bra. Your child may want to wear one before they even approach puberty. They may see you or an older sister wearing a bra and want in on the party. On the other hand, girls who have previously not expressed interest may need to start wearing one as their breast buds begin to appear.

Read more