5 best packing cubes in 2023, according to experts

Last summer, I attended four weddings and one bachelorette across three countries in six weeks. I never adjusted to living out of my carry-on, and I lost several small items in the process: various bobby pins, lipstick tubes, socks and, most importantly, time looking for them. This summer, with my social roster just as full, I’ll be utilizing packing cubes to keep all my travel essentials organized.

Packing cubes are exactly what they sound like: small, structured packs that fit inside your suitcase and help keep your items organized for a stress-free trip. To learn more about the best ones to shop, we spoke to travel experts and bloggers, packing aficionados and home organizing experts on their favorite packing cubes and other general packing tips.

When it comes to packing cubes and packing in general, a small investment can go a long way. The experts we spoke to recommend keeping the following factors in mind:

Below, we’ve rounded up expert-recommended packing cubes and Select staff favorites to help you stay organized while traveling.

Packing cubes by luggage retailer Eagle Creek come recommended by multiple of our experts, including Paul Healy and Mark Barnes, who run the travel blog Anywhere We Roam, Tara Cappel, founder and CEO of travel group For The Love of Travel, and McAlpin. The brand's Pack-It Isolate Sets are "known for being some of the lightest cubes on the market," says Healy.

The set, like all of Eagle Creek's products, are covered by the company's repair warranty. The cubes’ durable compression zipper (a feature McAlpin suggests looking out for) compacts clothing to fit more items in a small space, according to the brand. They’re constructed with a lightweight ripstop poly fabric and are machine-washable and water-resistant. The Pack-It Isolate set cubes can be purchased individually or as part of various-sized sets.

This long, skinny cube is one of McAlpin's favorite options. But don't let its odd shape throw you off, she says: "Most people look at that long skinny cube and go ‘what is this for? I'd never use that,’ and it's [actually] really useful." McAlpin places the cube between the handles of her luggage and says it's great for rolling up a whole week's worth of underwear, small bras and socks, and best for utilizing the space on the bottom of your rolling bag.

McAlpin also recommends Baggalini's Medium Compression cube. Both options are water-resistant and lightweight, according to the brand, and have a clear panel to keep your items in view.

If you’re ready to invest in a quality set, McAlpin also recommends packing cube options from higher-end luggage company, Briggs & Riley. This set of three cubes is designed to place inside your carry-on (the brand offers a set for larger luggage, too). They’re made of a lightweight nylon and mesh fabric, allowing you to identify the clothing stored inside. Each set has a double-sided cube, which allows you to separate out any dirty clothes.

"If [packing cubes] are all the same size it has an adverse effect — think about the space you need for underwear and socks vs the space you need for sweaters," says Marina Radlinski, home organizing expert and owner of Palm Beach Organized. She recommends this Basgmart set, which consists of different-sized cubes. The set includes seven cubes made of nylon and mesh, allowing you to see your clothing options inside.

While McAlpin cautioned against buying cheaper sets under $25, Zoe Malin, Select's associate updates editor swears by this option from Amazon. "They’re cheap and get the job done. I’ve used them for years and they haven't gotten worn out yet, so that's a win," she says. This set comes with two large cubes, one medium cube, two smaller cubes, a shoe bag and a toiletry bag. They don't compress down, but the mesh exterior allows you to easily see what is packed in each cube.

For years, McAlpin used Ziploc bags (as everyone did, she notes), before cubes came along. If you’re disorganized or tend to stress about organizing, she says packing cubes are a useful investment — and a sustainable one, too.

As you shop for packing cubes, our experts recommend keeping the following in mind:

At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Christina Colizza is an editor at Select and has been a product reviewer since 2018. She covers a range of self care and skin care topics like shampoos, eyebrow serums and more. She also writes and edits Select's New & Notable column and Weekly Sales columns, which highlights exciting product launches and major sales.

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Christina Colizza is a former editor for Select on NBC News.