Do Packing Cubes Save Space?

Updated for 2020

**Thanks to Wendi for this awesome photo!
The truth is, not all of us can be light packers. There are some of us who feel the need to bring their entire closet with them (not judging). And for such special individuals, saving space in your luggage is an absolute must. The more you can fit, the happier you are! Sound familiar? If so, you might be wondering, “Do packing cubes actually save space?” Let’s dive in and find out below.

Different Ways to Save Space in Your Suitcase

Most travelers seem to agree that the best way to save space (in your suitcase) is by using the rolling method. Why not? It’s totally free and works quite well in maximizing space.

How do packing cubes save space with rolling method

For us though, between folding and rolling, we would say both are super useful. We always say that a little of both can go a long way! It really depends on the type of garment, like shirts and undies are best rolled while jeans and jackets are best folded.

Others are super fans of compression bags which are basically ziplock-like bags. These bags have valves which remove excess air from inside to compress bulky clothing items. While these are great for saving space, the return trip is not such a pretty sight.

If you want to go for simple and basic solutions, you can try stuffing small items inside shoes, like socks or other non-spill products. It might seem unhygienic but it does the job of maximizing luggage space. Bringing travel size versions of items like toiletries is also another way of saving space in your suitcase.

Why these strategies don’t always work?

❌ You don’t really stay organized – It doesn’t matter how carefully you’ve rolled or folded your clothes… It only takes a few seconds to mess up your perfectly organized suitcase when you’re searching for that 1 pair of socks!

❌ It takes a LOT of work – When packing up to move to your next destination, it’s harder to compress everything the way you did it originally. Your suitcase is thus not as organized on the next leg of the trip.

❌ Not so hygienic – Stuffing items inside your shoes? Bringing travel size versions of your toiletries? These are great ideas but not really the best option for those who are a bit OCD on hygiene.

To be honest, while these packing tips can work, there’s a BETTER (and easier) way. Why go through the hassle when you can just using packing cubes?

How Do Packing Cubes Save Space?

If you feel like simply rolling (or folding) your clothes isn’t enough. Or maybe you really want to level up your packing game. It’s probably time to switch to Junyuan cubes.

These clear, super stylish and awesome cubes are the key to an organized suitcase. Want to learn HOW these goodies help to maximize suitcase space? Then keep on reading!

✅ Prevent Overpacking – Packing cubes stop you from packing too much for a trip. Going on a weekend trip? Fit all your essentials in one Large Cube. Anything that doesn’t fit into the cube has to be left behind. #prioritiesonpoint

✅ Compress Without Stress – Still have some space left in your packing cube? No worries! Zip it up and press the cube down to remove some of the excess air to maximize space. Also useful when you have empty cubes at the end of your trip!

✅ Modular Design – Our cubes have a structured, modular design. Perfect for any kind of suitcase! Can be stacked either vertically or horizontally so you can surely maximize any space left in your suitcase.

Here are some more tips for using Junyuan cubes:

1. Stick to the basics – Try to bring only the essentials! You’ll pack way more efficiently and it’s easier to stay organized for that matter. Once the packing cubes are zipped up, you’ll arrange them like tetris pieces in your suitcase until you’ve fit everything in. If you stick to your system, you’ll be less anxious when packing. If everything is inside the cubes, you’re good to go!

2. Plan how you’re going to pack – There are different packing strategies you can use (depending on your trip). For a long trip, we suggest packing your items by category (makes it easier to mix and match your outfits). You can use a Small Cube for your undies and socks, a Medium Cube for your tops, etc. If it’s a short trip, try packing by outfit or by individual instead. You can allot a different color Large Cube for each family member.

**Thanks to Katie for this awesome suitcase photo!

3. Stack the cubes vertically – Now this space-saving capability is specific to Junyuan cubes only. With our cubes’ structured design, you can lay them either horizontally or vertically in your suitcase. Vertical stacking is actually super convenient for suitcases with one deep compartment. Stacking the cubes horizontally (on top of each other) reduces visibility and creates dead space in the suitcase that can’t be used by other items. Vertical stacking is the way to go!

4. Use as “traveling drawers” – With packing cubes, you don’t need to unpack at all. Simply remove the cubes from your suitcase, place in your hotel’s drawers (or any flat surface) and you’re done! If you’re staying in a place with limited space (like a hostel or a stateroom), you can just zip the cubes open and use them right from the suitcase.

5. Maximize small spaces – Saving space all comes down to the tricks you use. After filling a single packing cube with items, zip it closed and inspect for any extra space or crevices. Open the zipper and fill that space with smaller, additional items. This is recommended for those who tend to overpack and add last-minute items in their suitcases.

**Thanks to Aimee for this awesome photo!

But what about compression bags? Aren’t they better for pressing out air?

No not exactly. The question above basically answered it for you. You have to press out air to pack, unpack and repack. That’s just another step we don’t have time for. Junyuan cubes do the same trick without all the hassles!

Are Packing Cubes Worth It?

If you just want to save space and don’t care about organization, then you might benefit from using compression bags (or even just rolling). But for those who want to actually stay organized when traveling, packing cubes are your best bet. You’ll get the best of both worlds: saving space and organization.

Want another tip? It can’t just be any packing cubes, it has to be CLEAR. That’s why you need Junyuan cubes. These goodies will keep your luggage organized (for the entire trip), let you find what you need in a snap and keep your travel items separate and tidy.

But don’t just listen to us, let’s hear it from our customers!

“I hate packing for travel. I always tend to over pack. I thought I’d try the cubes to see if they would make a difference. And they did! After packing and weighing my suitcase, I decided to take out a few things. It was easy, because I didn’t have to dig through my suitcase to get to what I wanted. The cubes came out, unzip, take out, zip up and back in. No refolding, rearranging to get everything back in. The cubes came out and went back in SO easily! Love them already and we haven’t even left yet.”

– Nicki D.

“I purchased these for myself and my 2 year old twins and my husband for our month long trip to Greece! They saved my sanity! We did lots and lots of packing and unpacking as we went so many places in Greece! These kept not only myself and my husband organized but it was even better for all the little clothes and accessories and socks and shoes and bathing suits for the twins. I never had to wonder where something was or whose suitcase it was in – I always knew where to find it! Thanks for making the trip easier!!”

– Marika K.

“The more we use these packing cubes, the more we rave about them! They’ve simplified our packing and travel enormously. They keep us put together and not feeling like we’re drowning in clutter halfway through the trip.”

– Elsie W.

“Packing for our two week trip to Sri Lanka was a breeze with our packing cubes! Everything had its place and it was so easy to pack up and change hotels! I knew exactly where to go when I needed to grab something- no hunting and pecking in the suitcase. I wasn’t worried about leaving something behind bc I never had to unpack my entire suitcase! My husband said it made packing and living out of a suitcase a breeze as well!”

– Vicky W.

Not sold on these packing cubes yet? Check them out for yourselves here.

Pro Tip: When ordering the Complete Bundle, choose the “two color option” and leave a note at checkout with the two colors you want. That way, you’ll be able to split up your suitcase by color. This makes for extra organization and color coordinating!

Have fun!

P.S. Curious about packing cubes? This post covers everything you’ll need to know – including their different types, the best brands to choose from and more!