Packing cubes can be expensive and also take up precious space in your suitcase or backpack. Recently, there has been a lot of hype about packing cubes but thankfully, packing cubes aren’t mandatory for you to have a great vacation or RTW. There are several alternatives if you are willing to be creative. This is my list of the best packing cube alternatives:
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1. Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are virtually free and extremely lightweight. While your clothes might get wrinkled in them, they are a great way to separate and organize your travel gear. Plastic bags can also separate wet clothes from dry ones or dirty clothes from clean ones. Plus, they have handles! Be sure to save your plastic bags after your next grocery store visit.
2. Rubber Bands
There are as many uses for rubber bands as there are for a roll of duct tape. Rubber bands can be used to compress your clothes, and to keep clothes in groups. Socks are a great item to use rubber bands for since you could group your socks together using the band, then at the same time compress them together with the tension of the rubber band. You’ll never lose socks again.
3. Small Boxes and Containers
Small boxes and containers are great for putting small accessories or socks/underwear. I’ve reused a cylindrical container that used to contain dried cilantro leaves by washing it out then putting flash drives and money in it. The end product was a waterproof hard sided container to protect my flash drives and money.
4. Toiletry Kits
Packing cubes are almost identical to toiletry kits. Large toiletry kits, like the eBags Pack-it-Flat Toiletry Kit, have several small pockets that can be used to store small accessories or undergarments in addition to your personal care items. You might even be able to fit some tees in the extra space of your toiletry kit.
Read more: eBags Pack-it-Flat Toiletry Kit Review
5. Zipper Storage Bags/Vacuum Space Saving Bags
Ziploc bags or vacuum space saving bags can organize your gear, keep clothes try, and even compress towels and bulky garments. Vacuum bags can be used to remove the air, making clothes more compact and allowing you to pack more. The bags tend to be transparent making it easy to recognize what is inside each bag. Plus zipper bags are a lot cheaper than packing cubes.
6. Handwoven Travel Jewelry Roll
Got small valuables you want to keep in your packing cubes? You can try using a jewelry roll instead. This packing cube-like accessory is meant especially for jewelry and keeps your necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more securely.
You can find one on Amazon for under $10 here.
Overall, finding packing cube alternatives takes creativity. Trust me – there are a lot of uses for the random things that you find around your house or hotel room.
Do you use any packing cube alternatives? Leave a comment below.
Photo Credit: unsplash.com
Stefan Arestis says
We have been using plastic bags since we started and have been looking for alternatives (a travel buddy of ours uses dry bags which can be squashed down to size and double up as an air cushion).
Plastic bags are great but they are noisy in a dorm room. They do have the added benefit that you can instantly hear if someone is attempting to rummage through your belongings!
Love the elastic band idea – so simple yet very useful!
ellie says
I have been using rubber bands when packing. First roll and then tie it up. It saves space. And holds our shirt tight . Put them in a pillow case and you get a packing cubic!!
Jonathan Looi says
That’s a really good idea! I’ve never thought about using pillow cases as packing cubes but will definitely need to try it out.
Gary says
This won’t work for dress shirts if you want them to stay unwrinkled, but I use this hack to pack without a packing cubes. Works surprisingly well with the merino clothing I wear while travelling in temperate climes.
http://wayfarer.lifehacker.com/the-skivvy-roll-packs-your-basic-clothing-into-one-simp-1624300470
Jonathan Looi says
Interesting. Looks like it really compresses clothes, but seems complicated. Is it difficult to do?
Kelsey says
We always use ziploc baggies when we fly for the sole reason that it keeps our clothes dry if the luggage gets left out in the rain. It’s also helpful because I can usually pack 2-3 shirts per bag, so I can pack the baggies, then arrange them into the correct suitcases after they are packed. Plus, they are clear, so we can both reach into the suitcase and get exactly what we need without unfolding everything.
Mary Zelhof says
I have used mesh lingerie bags for years to pack our socks, underwear, pajamas, and t-shirts. My husband and I pack “half-and-half” in 2 suitcases when we fly, so if one bag gets lost, neither one of us are without clothes. With the mesh bags, it is easy to keep our clothes separate for packing and unpacking, easy to see the contents and they are about $2 each at our local Wal-Mart or Target. Plus, they serve as a laundry bag when we reach our destination.
Theo says
The plastic zip up cases that sheets are sold in also make great packing cubes and often just the right size for a folded business shirt. Your clothes also stay fresher if packed in separate containers rather than all together in your suitcase.
Laura says
I have a few recommendations to add to this collection:
Dopp bags – these are usually meant for toiletries but they work well for socks and undergarments and compress very well. If you thrift them or find them for cheap, they also work well for thin shirts/tank tops. Obviously you can use this as a toiletry bag as well. 🙂
Ziploc Big Bags – They make sizes larger than gallon to store your clothes neatly.
Dollar store drawstring bags/tote bags – These make great dirty laundry holders and are generally 8×10 or larger and can fit bigger heavier items like rolled sweaters or pants. I can usually find these at the dollar store. It doubles as a backpack for unplanned beach days/hikes where you want to be hands free but carry a few essentials.
As many places have banned plastic single use bags, grocery bags are not necessarily “free” anymore but the fabric/thicker plastic replacements work even better.
Jonathan Looi says
Hi Laura! Great tips! Thanks for sharing!
Ellie S. says
The best things in life are free. Look for is already in your home which can be repurposed as a packing cube or packing container. I been able to use the following:
* Makeup bags and small plastic or cloth-sided train cases
* Plastic ziparound containers that come with drapes or curtain panels
* Old laptop cases (neoprene kind)
* Big mylar or plastic shipping envelops that come in the mail (Place clothes inside, squish out air and tape down opening.
* Scarves – Place your folded or rolled clothing in the middle of a large rectangular scarf and tie the ends together. Squeeze out excess air.
* Small sweater storage bags are easily repurposed as packing cubes.
Good luck!