Confession: I Was Late to the Packing Cube Party
"Why Didn’t These Exist When My Kids Were Young?!"
I’m a little embarrassed to admit this, but despite being an obsessive organizer, I arrived embarrassingly late to the packing cube party. Ironically, I’d been gifting them to Ward for years, thinking they were great—for him. Why not me? Good question!
I’m also a chronic over-packer. Ward gently calls it “optimistic packing,” as if I’m hoping to change outfits 17 times a day. Not entirely wrong. But over-packing leads to suitcases that look like a tornado hit, and unpacking at the hotel becomes a total mess.
Then something clicked. Packing cubes are the travel equivalent of adding wheels to luggage. Remember how wheels transformed dragging a heavy suitcase through airports into gliding effortlessly to your gate? Packing cubes offer the same delightful upgrade, but on the inside.
Why Packing Cubes Changed My Travel Game
Before cubes, my suitcase was like a bad filing system—everything stuffed in randomly, praying I’d find what I needed. Now I neatly fold or roll my clothes, tuck them in cubes, zip, and voila!—order amidst chaos. It’s weirdly satisfying.
But once I’d discovered cubes, of course I wanted to take it one step further. Enter compression cubes.
Compression Cubes: The Next Level in Packing
Compression cubes aren’t just organizers; they’re also miracle space creators. They compress your clothes, saving space and keeping outfits wrinkle-free. Think packing for a week in a carry-on without needing a steam iron when you arrive—my idea of true luxury.
You can categorize your items clearly (tops, bottoms, undies) and compress them, meaning you get extra room for all those little extra “essentials” you sneak in. Win-win.
So, Why Create My Own?
Here’s the truth: while I finally loved the functionality of packing cubes, none matched my style standards. If I’m investing in travel accessories, they need to pass my QLJ test (Quality, Longevity, Joy). I wanted cubes that were beautifully made, chic, durable, and washable, something I wouldn’t hide if my suitcase accidentally spilled open in an airport.
I couldn’t find any that ticked all my boxes, so I designed my own. They’re stylish enough to leave on your hotel dresser, yet robust enough to survive frequent travels. Sized just right, washable, and genuinely practical, they pass the QLJ test with flying colors.
You can categorize your items clearly (tops, bottoms, undies) and compress them, meaning you get extra room for all those little extra "essentials" you sneak in. Win-win."
Quick Packing Cubes Q&A (Girlfriend Edition)
- Do they wrinkle clothes? No, the opposite! Clothes wrinkle less due to less shifting around in transit.
- Are they washable? Absolutely. After a trip, toss them in the washer (delicate cycle) and air dry.
- Are they heavy? Lightweight but strong—because your cubes shouldn’t add extra baggage weight.
- Are they worth it for short trips? Yes, especially compression cubes! Even for an overnight, they keep everything perfectly organized and compact.
A Final Thought…
Packing cubes are one of those simple things that make travel so much easier and—dare I say—fun. If you’re late to the packing cube party, no worries. I’m proof it’s never too late to learn something new (and admit Ward was right!).
What’s your packing pain point? Any travel challenges you need solved? Comment below or shoot me a DM on Instagram @heidicareydesign. I’m here to chat packing tips!
Big hugs,
