Packing is a real art. You want to make sure you have everything you need, but you also don’t want to turn your suitcase into a mess. It’s even more difficult if you’re trying to pack light with a simple carry-on or under-seat bag. Meet your new travel MVP: storage cubes. These help keep your luggage perfectly organized during the trip and once you arrive at your destination. Place your clothes in the cubes first, then insert the pieces into your bag like a puzzle. You can even get cubes with built-in compression, so you can slip in an extra outfit (or two!) with no problem.
The GH Textiles Lab comprises fiber specialists and travel product experts who test a good deal of luggage, travel accessories, and more. Our experts have found the best storage cubes from brands that have scored well in previous lab reviews, have great online reviews, or offer useful extras so you can store everything you need in your suitcase. Here are the best storage cubes of 2022.
1. Pack-it Starter Set
If you’ve never used storage cubes, Eagle Creek’s durable models are a great addition to your travel gear. They’re made of polyester with mesh, so you can see exactly what you’ve packed. When testing Eagle Creek products, GH travel, they often impress professionals with the longevity of the models, which remain in good condition trip after trip. We like that the cubes have a handle on top for easy organization, whether in a suitcase, duffel or backpack. Plus, the folder helps compress work clothes and keep them wrinkle-free for easy business travel.
- Parts included: Three storage cubes (one small, one large, one pocket).
Buy: Pack-it Starter Set
2. Luggage packing organization cubes
At about $5 a piece, these TravelWise storage cubes are our most affordable choice. They come in a variety of sizes and have clear mesh on top, so you can see what’s inside. We also like that the zipper goes all the way around the top, making it easy to put them in a drawer when you get to your destination - no need to unpack them.
- Parts included: Five storage cubes (one small, two medium, two large).
Buy: Luggage packing organization cubes
3. Compression cubes
Rejoice, you who have too much luggage! These Gonex storage cubes compress your clothes, so you can fit as much as possible in your suitcase. The brand recommends rolling your clothes before putting them in the cube to maximize space. This popular Amazon Choice item has over 8,000 rave reviews and is available in a wide variety of colors and sizes.
- Parts Included: Five compression packing cubes (one smaller, one small, one medium, one large, one thin) and one laundry bag.
Buy: Compression cubes
4. Set of packing cubes
With over 13,000 five-star reviews, these packing cubes are popular for their easy-to-use design, perfect for family travel. These packing cubes are available in eight colors, so each family member can have their own set. The mesh on top makes it easy to see inside without having to open the zipper. Each set contains four different sized cubes and a laundry bag, so dirty clothes stay separate.
- Parts included: Four storage cubes (one small, one medium, one large, one extra-large) and a laundry bag.
Buy: Set of packing cubes
5. Travel Underwear Storage Bag
Designed specifically for your underwear, this organizer from JJ Power is like an underwear drawer to take along. It has plenty of space to store bras, so you can be sure they won’t get wrinkled while traveling. There are also compartments for underwear and a zippered slot for items that need to be washed. Reviewers say this small suitcase also makes a great duffel bag organizer.
- Parts included: A packing organizer
Buy: Travel Underwear Storage Bag
6. Travel shoe bag set
Unlike clothes, your sneakers, heels and boots can end up in your suitcase with dirt and grime. Pack your shoes in shoe bags to avoid ruining your outfits. The largest size fits shoes up to a size 14 and is perfect for slippers or sneakers, while the standard size fits up to a size 10. These bags are available with zippers or drawstrings, in sets of two, four or twelve. Reviewers also love these bags for toiletries, towels and other insignificant items.
- Parts Included: Four bags (two standard and two large)
Buy: Travel shoe bag set
7. Garmen Travel Bag
If there are special items, you cannot hang on the hanger. This garment bag is ideal for protecting them. A metal grommet at the bottom of the bag allows you to hang it on the hanger, and it’s easy to fold in half for carrying or storing in a suitcase. Available in several lengths, it also has a clear zippered pocket on top for storing accessories.
- Parts included: A garment bag
Buy: Garmen Travel Bag
How we test the storage cubes
When evaluating packing cubes, the professionals at DeliverIt Lab place a standard load in each cube to see how much it can hold. Then we place them in a suitcase to see how easy they are to organize. We also test the fabric for strength and abrasion resistance. GH experts also travel with storage cubes to test them in real-life conditions.
Do storage cubes really save space?
Yes, storage cubes ensure every item has its place in your suitcase, without bursting at the seams. To make the most of every inch, look for models with compression. They have two zippers, one closing the cube and the other compressing it tightly to flatten your clothes and save space.
Do storage cubes wrinkle clothes?
One of the main reasons clothes that come out of your suitcase get wrinkled is because we moved them around during travel. Storage cubes keep all your clothes in place, reducing the chance of them getting wrinkled. Keep in mind that some fabrics will wrinkle no matter what (hello linen!). So we recommend choosing travel dresses and pants in more forgiving fabrics like polyester and Tencel for your next trip.
Why trust Good DeliverIt?
Angel Dinda is a senior textile product analyst at DeliverIt Lab. She has been with Good Housekeeping for over three years, where she has overseen lab and consumer testing for walking shoes, luggage, tampons, pillows, sheets, menstrual underwear, and more. She has also worked on many travel items on backpacks, travel dresses and storage cubes. With a degree in fiber science and apparel design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience, particularly focused on sportswear. As a lifelong seamstress with previous experience in product development, she has a strong fashion background and expertise in fit and construction.
