13 best packing cubes for maximising your luggage space

How we test packing cubes

Our rigorous packing cube tests are designed to simulate how you’d use them in real life travelling situations. Here’s everything we consider.

• Capacity: We select the packing cube that’s as close as possible to a target size, then measure how many identical folded shirts can fit inside. We test the cube’s capacity in its standard shape, filled to its maximum practical capacity and (where applicable) compressed. This helps us compare how much each cube can realistically hold.
• Compression: For cubes with compression zips, we measure the dimensions before and after compression to see how much space they can actually save.
• Crease prevention: We pack a freshly ironed cotton shirt inside each cube and simulate the bumps of travelling by dropping, dragging and carrying a packed suitcase over stairs. We also test the cube on its own by shaking and dropping it, before checking how creased the shirt is.
• Water resistance: We fill each cube with clothing protected by tissue paper, pour water over the outside, and see if moisture is repelled or seeps through.
• Stain resistance: We apply common stains to the packing cubes, including tomato soup, lipstick and foundation, then see how easily they can be removed.
• Washability: If the packing cube is machine washable, we wash it according to the manufacturer’s instructions before checking for any colour fading, shrinkage, change in shape or any damage to the fabric or zips.

Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute

We test everything to do with luggage at the Good Housekeeping Institute, from the best suitcases to the best travel hair dryers, so we know all the top buys for ensuring your journey from A to B is as smooth as possible. When it comes to packing cubes, our reviews involve a lot of packing and unpacking, as well as putting their water-resistance claims to the test in the lab. We use rigorous protocols to ensure every set is tested in exactly the same way as the next.

Megan Geall, our senior homes and lifestyle writer, translates the results of these tests into easy-read reviews, covering everything you need to know before buying. She looks after many of our buying guides and is used to interrogating testing results across luggage and travel products.

How to use packing cubes

Packing cubes work best when you organise your luggage by category, keeping tops, bottoms and underwear in separate cubes so everything is easy to find. Roll lightweight clothing such as T-shirts and dresses to save space and reduce creases. Bulkier items like jumpers and jeans should be folded to the size of the cube. If you’re using compression cubes, leave a little room at the top before zipping them closed.

When packing your suitcase, place the largest and heaviest cubes at the bottom, then stack smaller ones on top. Fill any awkward gaps with rolled-up clothing, shoes or smaller pouches to maximise every inch of space.

Some sets come with shoe bags or extra pouches, which lend themselves well to toiletries or electronics. And when you’re not travelling, there are many uses for them around the house, too – wardrobe shelves, we’re looking at you.

Compression cubes vs regular: do compression cubes actually save space?

Yes, compression cubes save space by squashing clothes tightly together with a second zip. This squeezes out the air between items of clothing so you can fit more in your suitcase. They’re particularly useful for packing bulky items such as jumpers or jackets and are easier to use (and cause less wrinkles) than a vacuum bag.

Are packing cubes effective?

If you’re the kind of person who likes to live out of your suitcase rather than unpack into a wardrobe on holiday, then packing cubes are a smart choice. You can put underwear in one, T-shirts in another and so on so you can quickly reach in and grab what you want. See-through designs are particularly helpful for this.

Chronic over-packers will benefit from compression packing cubes, which remove the air from your piles of clothes and let you cram more in.

Rolling clothes works in a similar way to compression cubes as it squeezes some of the air out of gaps, removing some of the bulk and helping you fit more in. This method also helps reduce wrinkles and creases, which can be a godsend when on the move.

However, packing cubes will add that extra level of organisation in your case and stop things moving around on the journey.

How many cubes do I need and in what sizes?

This depends on how many people you’re packing for, how long you’re going away for and what sort of climate you’re packing for. But as a guide:

• For a short break (2-3 nights): For one person going on a short trip, we recommend one small cube for socks and underwear, one medium-to-large cube for tops and bottoms, plus another medium cube if you need extra layers like jumpers.
• For a week-long trip: For a longer stay of a week or more, one small cube, one or two medium cubes (depending on weather) and one large one should be plenty.
• For a longer stay or family holiday: For a longer trip without laundry facilities or for families of three or four, a set of six cubes should be enough to keep everyone’s belongings separate and compact.

Having a range of sizes helps differentiate between cubes and keep things organised. As well as packing cubes for clothing, extras like shoe bags are useful for keeping belongings separated.

Do packing cubes work with a backpack or just suitcases?

You absolutely can use a packing cube or two to make the most of the space in your backpack and keep your belongings organised. Most packing cubes will comfortably fit inside a good-sized travel backpack – just check the measurements before you buy.

Will packing cubes help me fit everything in a carry-on?

They will certainly help – packing cubes are a great way to help fit more into your carry-on bag. If you’re looking to maximise space, opt for compression cubes, which squeeze the air out from between items of clothing, helping you fit more in. But even packing cubes without compression zips can help you pack more efficiently.

To help you make the most of all the nooks and crannies in the corners and edges of your carry-on bag, it’s also worth keeping some items out of your packing cubes so they can fill in all the gaps.

Are cheap Amazon packing cubes just as good as expensive branded ones?

In our tests, the Amazon Basics Packing Cubes with Mesh Top Panel (score: 83/100) and Eono Compression Packing Cubes (score: 85/100) proved to be great-value options, delivering excellent performance for the price.

However, premium designs such as the Antler Packing Cubes (score: 91/100) and Peak Design Packing Cube (score: 90/100) stood out for their sturdier construction, smoother zips and more effective compression. For frequent travellers, they’re a worthy step up.

Rolling clothes vs using cubes: what works better?

You’ll get the best results by combining these methods. Rolling clothes helps reduce the chance of wrinkles and makes better use of awkward gaps in your suitcase, while packing cubes keep everything organised and stops items shifting around during travel.

For maximum space, pack your cubes first, then use rolled-up items such as T-shirts or socks to fill the gaps between them. If you’re using compression packing cubes, rolling your clothes before packing them can help you squeeze in even more.

The verdict: What are the best packing cubes to buy?

Whether you’re going on a weekend getaway or a long-haul adventure, packing cubes are a must-have for tidy luggage and making the most of your suitcase space. Our experts loved the Antler Packing Cubes set for its high-quality compression design.

If you’re on more of a budget, the Bettlemory Packing Cubes is a great value option. They don’t have a compression system though, so opt for the Eono Compression Packing Cubes for making extra space without spending more than you need to.