Packing Cubes for Travel (UK) – Best Set + How to Use Them
The packing cubes I actually recommend in the UK, how to use them properly, what to avoid, and whether compression cubes are worth it for carry-on and backpacking.
PACKING
5/29/20263 min read
Packing Cubes for Travel (UK) -The Boring Thing That Stops Your Suitcase Exploding
Quick answer
If you hate living out of a chaotic suitcase (or you’re doing carry-on and need every centimetre), packing cubes are worth it. They don’t magically give you more luggage allowance, they just stop your bag turning into a rummage bin. They keep outfits together, make repacking faster, and stop clean clothes getting mixed with the “worn once but not dead yet” pile. (This post contains affiliate links.)
The packing cubes I recommend (UK)
I use a simple set of packing cubes that are lightweight, zip smoothly, and don’t feel like they’ll tear the first time you actually travel like a normal person.
Why I’d actually pack these
They make your bag easier to live out of (especially if you’re moving every few days)
They keep categories separate: tops, underwear, gym stuff, “emergency outfit”, etc.
They make security checks and hostel life less annoying (you can grab one cube instead of unpacking your whole life)
They help you pack smarter, not necessarily more
If you want the full list of travel essentials I actually use (UK), it’s here: Travel Essentials I Actually Use (UK)
The honest reason packing cubes work
Most packing advice is basically: “fold better”. Cool. Still doesn’t stop your bag from exploding the second you need one t-shirt.
Packing cubes work because they give your luggage a structure. You stop packing “a suitcase” and start packing modules. And when you’re tired, sweaty, late for a bus, or trying to repack in a hostel dorm with someone’s torch in your face… structure is everything.
Best for / avoid if
Best for: carry-on travel, backpacking, long trips, multi-city trips, hostels, anyone who hates rummaging.
Avoid if: you travel with one small bag and you’re genuinely minimalist (or you enjoy chaos and that’s your hobby).
How to use packing cubes properly (so they actually help)
Here’s the setup that makes them worth it:
1) Pack by category, not by “outfit”
Outfits sound cute until the weather changes. Categories are flexible.
Cube 1: tops
Cube 2: bottoms
Cube 3: underwear/socks
Cube 4: gym/swim/“random”
2) Keep one cube as your “grab bag”
The cube you’ll reach for most: underwear, socks, one top. Put it near the top of your bag.
3) Separate clean vs dirty from day one
Don’t wait until everything smells like regret.
Dirty clothes go in a separate bag (or a dedicated cube you don’t mix up).
If you’re doing sink laundry, this matters even more. (If you haven’t read it yet, this pairs perfectly with your laundry setup)
4) Don’t overpack the cubes
If you stuff them until the zip is fighting for its life, you’ll either break the zip or you’ll hate using them. Leave a little give.
What to look for in packing cubes (and what to ignore)
Look for:
Smooth zips (cheap zips are where sets die)
Lightweight fabric (you’re not trying to add 500g of “organisation”)
A shape that fits your bag (long skinny cubes for backpacks, squarer cubes for suitcases)
A handle (small thing, huge quality-of-life upgrade)
Ignore:
“Waterproof” claims (most aren’t truly waterproof; treat them as splash-resistant at best)
Overcomplicated sets with 14 pieces you’ll never use
Anything that feels stiff and heavy before you’ve even packed it
Compression packing cubes: worth it or not?
Compression cubes can help if you’re doing strict carry-on and you’re packing bulky clothes. But they’re not magic, they mostly reduce fluff, not weight.
Worth it if: you’re packing jumpers, hoodies, or you’re trying to squeeze winter clothes into carry-on.
Not worth it if: you mainly travel warm climates with lightweight stuff (you’ll barely notice a difference).
Common mistakes (that make cubes pointless)
buying cubes and then still throwing loose items everywhere
mixing clean and dirty in the same cube (why)
packing “just in case” clothes because the cubes made you feel organised
using cubes but not having a quick-grab system (you’ll still rummage)
Mini packing cube system (carry-on friendly)
If you want a simple default setup:
Small cube: underwear + socks
Medium cube: tops
Medium cube: bottoms
Flat pouch/cube: chargers + adapters (otherwise cables end up everywhere)
Tech pouch link (this is the one I’d actually pack):
https://stafaislive.com/the-cable-organiser-tech-pouch
Adaptor + power bank (if you’re building a proper carry-on kit):
https://stafaislive.com/best-universal-travel-adaptor-uk
https://stafaislive.com/best-power-bank-for-travel-uk
FAQs
Do packing cubes actually save space?
Sometimes. Mostly they save sanity. They compress a bit if you pack tightly, but the real win is organisation and faster packing/repacking.
How many packing cubes do I need?
For most trips: 3–5 cubes is enough. One for underwear/socks, one for tops, one for bottoms, and one miscellaneous cube if you want it.
Are packing cubes good for backpacks?
Yes, arguably better than suitcases. They stop your backpack turning into a vertical junk drawer.
Do I need different cubes for dirty laundry?
You don’t need them, but you do need a system. A separate bag (or one dedicated cube) stops everything getting gross.
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