This $15 Item Saves So Much Room in My Suitcase

If you’re anything like me, packing for a trip can be a bit of a challenge. You want to bring everything you might need—clothes, toiletries, shoes—but your suitcase always ends up feeling cramped, and you’re left trying to stuff it all in at the last minute. But this year, I discovered a game-changing item that has made packing so much easier, and it costs less than $15. It’s a simple, no-fuss solution that saves so much room in my suitcase, and I can’t believe I didn’t find it sooner. Let me introduce you to the compression packing cubes!

What Are Compression Packing Cubes?

If you’ve never heard of compression packing cubes, they’re essentially small, zippered pouches designed to help you organize your clothes while maximizing the space in your luggage. Unlike regular packing cubes, these have an added feature: they include a second zipper that allows you to compress the contents, squeezing out excess air and creating more space.

The result? You can fit more clothes in your bag without having to worry about wrinkling or disorganization. It’s like vacuum-sealing your clothes—but without the vacuum.

Why I Love Them

After using compression packing cubes on my last trip, I can’t imagine going back to my old packing method. Here’s why:

1. Incredible Space-Saving

I can’t get over how much more room I have now! I’m able to pack more clothes without sacrificing space for souvenirs or other essentials. For example, I managed to pack a week’s worth of clothing into just two compression cubes, leaving me with extra room for my shoes, toiletries, and gifts I picked up during my trip. The cubes flatten down clothes, which really helps maximize every inch of space.

2. Keeps Clothes Neat and Organized

Before I started using compression cubes, my suitcase would often look like a jumbled mess by the time I got to my destination. I’d have to dig through everything just to find a specific outfit or pair of socks. With these packing cubes, I can easily separate my clothes by type—like t-shirts, jeans, and dresses—so I know exactly where everything is. No more rummaging through piles of clothes when I’m in a rush!

3. Lightweight and Easy to Use

Compression packing cubes are incredibly lightweight, so they don’t add any extra weight to your luggage. Plus, they’re super easy to use. You just pack your clothes into the cube, zip it closed, then use the secondary zipper to compress the contents. It takes less than a minute to do, and it’s totally worth it. Even if you’re not a seasoned traveler, you’ll get the hang of it quickly.

4. Affordable and Durable

I was surprised at how affordable these cubes are—many good-quality compression packing cubes are priced around $15, depending on the brand and size. For that price, you get something that’s reusable, durable, and seriously effective. Some cubes are made of rip-resistant nylon or polyester, meaning they can withstand a fair amount of wear and tear without breaking. So while they’re inexpensive, they’re certainly built to last.

5. Great for Any Type of Trip

Whether you’re traveling for a weekend getaway, a week-long vacation, or a month-long adventure, compression packing cubes can help streamline your packing process. They’re versatile enough to be used for short or long trips, and they come in a variety of sizes to suit your packing needs. They also work great for organizing non-clothing items like shoes, toiletries, and tech accessories.

How I Use Compression Packing Cubes

Here’s how I typically use compression packing cubes when I pack:

• Step 1: Start by rolling your clothes. Rolling clothes instead of folding them is another space-saving trick I swear by.
• Step 2: Place your rolled clothes into one of the compression cubes. I like to keep similar items together—like all my t-shirts in one cube and pants in another.
• Step 3: Zip the cube closed and then use the second zipper to compress it. This step really flattens everything and gives you back a lot of precious suitcase space.
• Step 4: Repeat with additional cubes as needed. I often use one for tops, another for pants, and a smaller one for socks and underwear.
• Step 5: Pack the cubes into your suitcase in the most efficient way possible. I usually place the bigger cubes on the bottom and stuff the smaller ones in between.

Where to Buy Compression Packing Cubes

You can find compression packing cubes in many places, from big-box retailers to online shops. Here are some of my top recommendations:

• Amazon: You can easily find a variety of brands and options for under $15. Some even come in multi-pack sets with different sizes.
• Target: They carry affordable packing cubes, including compression options, both online and in-store.
• Travel Gear Stores: Stores that specialize in travel gear, like REI or The Container Store, often carry high-quality packing cubes at reasonable prices.

My Top Pick: eBags Packing Cubes

One of my favorite brands for compression packing cubes is eBags. Their packing cubes are known for being durable, spacious, and very affordable. They also come in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can choose the perfect ones for your luggage. The eBags Classic 3-Piece Packing Cube Set is usually priced around $15–$20 and includes a mix of sizes to fit everything from clothes to accessories. Plus, their compression zipper makes a huge difference when it comes to maximizing space.

Conclusion

If you’ve ever struggled with packing a suitcase that’s bursting at the seams, compression packing cubes are the solution you didn’t know you needed. At just $15, this small item can save you tons of space, help you stay organized, and make your trip much less stressful. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just taking a quick weekend getaway, these cubes are the ultimate packing hack.

Next time you’re gearing up for a trip, make sure to add a set to your luggage. Your future self (and your suitcase) will thank you!