Compression Cubes

Yay or Nay?

Have you ever struggled to fit everything into your suitcase? You’re not alone! A mind-boggling 57% of travelers admit to overpacking, but there’s a game-changing solution: compression packing cubes. These nifty tools can revolutionize your packing game, and I’m here to show you how! As a seasoned traveler who’s circled the globe more times than I can count, I’ve mastered the art of packing light.

Trust me, once you learn how to use compression packing cubes, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without them. Ready to become a packing pro?

What are compression cubes?

So, what exactly are compression packing cubes? They’re like the superhero version of regular packing cubes. Imagine a zippered fabric container that not only organizes your clothes but also squishes them down to a fraction of their original size. It’s like having a mini vacuum sealer for your clothes, minus the need for any fancy equipment.

Why use compression packing cubes?

The purpose of these magical cubes is twofold: organization and space-saving. And boy, do they deliver on both fronts! I used to be the kind of traveler who’d throw everything into my suitcase and hope for the best.

But compression cubes changed all that. They give each item a designated spot, making it easy to find what you need without turning your suitcase into a disaster zone. Plus, the compression feature means you can pack more without upgrading to a bigger suitcase. Win-win!

Compression cubes vs regular packing cubes

Now, you might be wondering how these differ from regular packing cubes. Well, I’ve used both, and while regular cubes are great for organization, compression cubes take it to the next level.

Regular cubes are like helpful organizers, but compression cubes are like organizers with superpowers. They have an extra zipper that, when closed, compresses the contents, squeezing out excess air and reducing the overall volume.

I learned this the hard way on a trip to South America. I’d packed my regular cubes to the brim, feeling pretty smug about my organization skills.

But by the end of the trip, I’d accumulated so many souvenirs that I had to sit on my backpack to close it. If I’d had compression cubes, I could’ve easily made room for that extra pair of shoes I definitely didn’t need but bought anyway.

Benefits of compression packing cubes

The benefits of using compression packing cubes for travel are pretty sweet.

1. You can pack more in less space.

This is a game-changer for chronic overpackers like myself. I once managed to fit a week’s worth of clothes into a carry-on thanks to these bad boys. My back thanked me for not lugging around a heavy checked bag.

2. They keep your clothes wrinkle-free.

I used to arrive at my destination looking like I’d slept in my clothes (sometimes I had, airport floors aren’t comfy). But with compression cubes, my outfits stay pretty neat and tidy.

3. They make unpacking a breeze.

Instead of dumping everything out and creating a clothes mountain, you can simply transfer your cubes to drawers. It’s like having a portable dresser. This was a lifesaver during a hectic business trip where I was changing hotels every night.

How to pack compression packing cubes

1. Roll your clothes

Let’s start with advanced folding methods. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “folding is folding, right?” Wrong! The key to maximum compression is all in the technique. My go-to method is what I call the “burrito roll.” Start by laying your clothes flat, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly from one end to the other. It’s like making a clothing burrito, minus the guac (trust me, guac and clothes don’t mix – learned that the hard way).

For items like dress shirts, I’ve found that the military roll works wonders. Lay the shirt face-down, fold in the sides, then roll from the bottom up. It’s like creating a tiny shirt sausage that fits perfectly in your cube. And bonus – it helps reduce wrinkles too!

Mix cube sizes

Now, let’s talk about mixing cube sizes. This is where things get interesting. I used to just throw everything into the largest cube I had, but that’s a rookie mistake. The key is to use a variety of sizes strategically. I typically use larger cubes for bulky items like sweaters or jeans, medium cubes for t-shirts and pants, and smaller cubes for underwear and socks.

Don’t overpack

One thing to keep in mind, though – don’t go overboard with the compression. I once got a bit too enthusiastic and compressed my cubes so much that I couldn’t fit them all in my suitcase. Turns out, there is such a thing as too efficient!

In a nutshell, compression packing cubes are like the Marie Kondo of travel accessories. They spark joy by keeping you organized, maximizing space, and making packing (and unpacking) a whole lot easier. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without them. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go reorganize my travel gear. Again.