Packing Cubes Tips: The Simple Way to Pack Smarter

Beginner | February 9, 2026

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The “Neat Suitcase” Trick That Saves Time

If you’ve ever opened your suitcase and thought, “Where did my socks go—and why is everything wrinkled?” you’re not alone. A new Condé Nast Traveler article says packing cubes aren’t just cute little bags—they’re a practical tool that helps you stay organized and pack faster. (Condé Nast Traveler)

Why Packing Cubes Work

Condé Nast Traveler writer Rachel Chang calls herself a “chronic overpacker,” but she says packing cubes helped her keep a carry-on suitcase looking “neat.” The article also quotes Lydia Mansel, a Condé Nast Traveler contributor and founder of the packing list newsletter Just Packed, who says cubes help you pare down what you bring, separate clean and dirty clothes, and avoid the “shove everything in” panic right before your return flight. (Condé Nast Traveler)

Packing Cubes Tips: Start by Categorizing

One of the best packing cubes tips is to treat each cube like a folder in a filing cabinet. The article shares advice from Marie Kondo (KonMari method): make a list of what you need, lay everything out, and categorize by type—like undergarments, tops, bottoms, shoes, toiletries, and accessories. That way, when you open your suitcase, you can find items quickly instead of digging through one big mess. (Condé Nast Traveler)

Pick the Right Sizes (Not Every Trip Needs the Same Set)

Another smart move: use different cube sizes and shapes for different trips. Marie Kondo suggests keeping a variety so your packing feels smoother. Chang gives a real example: she used Away’s set of four for years, but later switched her hair tool to a softer, lighter cube from Peak Design because it fit better and molded to the shape. (Translation: don’t force one cube to do every job.) (Condé Nast Traveler)

Bring Extra Cubes for “Travel Life” Surprises

Condé Nast Traveler also recommends packing a few extra cubes because they flatten easily and come in handy. Chang says she used extras for worn-but-still-wearable clothes, dirty laundry, pajamas, souvenirs, and even a spare cube to share. She also mentions using an extra cube for day trips—like snorkeling or skiing—so she can grab what she needs without tossing items loosely into a backpack. (Condé Nast Traveler)

One More Pro Tip: Make Zippers Easy to Open

Here’s one more of those packing cubes tips that makes a big difference: Marie Kondo suggests keeping the cube zipper facing up, so you can open the cube and see everything at once when you arrive. It’s the kind of simple habit that keeps you efficient on the road—especially if you’re traveling for business and you need to unpack fast. (Condé Nast Traveler)

Vocabulary

Organized (adjective) – arranged neatly and clearly.
Example: Packing cubes help you stay organized during a trip.
Wrinkled (adjective) – having many small folds or lines.
Example: My shirts looked wrinkled after I packed too quickly.
Practical (adjective) – useful in real life.
Example: Packing cubes are a practical way to keep your suitcase neat.
Pare down (phrasal verb) – to reduce; to bring less.
Example: I tried to pare down my packing list to the basics.
Separate (verb) – to keep things apart.
Example: I separate clean clothes from dirty laundry.
Categorize (verb) – to group by type.
Example: First, categorize your items: tops, bottoms, and underwear.
Accessory (noun) – an extra item like a belt, hat, or jewelry.
Example: I put accessories in a small cube so they don’t get lost.
Mold (verb) – to change shape to fit something.
Example: A softer cube can mold to the shape of a hair tool.
Flatten (verb) – to become flat.
Example: When you’re not using them, cubes can flatten in your suitcase.
Efficient (adjective) – fast and effective without waste.
Example: Using cubes makes packing more efficient on travel days.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What problem do packing cubes solve for travelers?
What does Lydia Mansel say packing cubes help you avoid?
How does Marie Kondo suggest you start using packing cubes?
Why does the article suggest using different cube sizes?
Which tip from the article would help you the most, and why?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Do you prefer to pack early or pack at the last minute? Why?
What items do you always overpack (even when you try not to)?
Have you ever lost something inside your suitcase? What happened?
What’s your best travel organization tip (even a small one)?
If you could only bring one bag for a week, how would you plan?

Related Idiom

“Get your act together” — to become organized and ready.

Example: Packing cubes helped me get my act together before a busy travel day.

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