Are Packing Cubes Worth It For Organized Travel?

February 8, 2025 Arielle Dunn

Key Takeaways:

Packing Cubes Simplify Organization: Packing cubes make it easy to separate baby essentials, reducing the stress of rummaging through bags. They help parents stay organized for both travel and daily outings.
Packing Cubes Save Space And Time: Packing cubes prevent overstuffed bags by compressing soft items and keeping everything structured. They also allow parents to grab what they need quickly without any hassle.
Packing Cubes Are Versatile For Any Parent: From diaper bags to suitcases and even nursery storage, packing cubes offer endless uses. They are a must-have tool for parents who want a more organized life.

It’s necessary.

Packing for a trip with kids always feels like solving a puzzle where the pieces keep shifting. No matter how carefully you arrange everything, when you need a fresh onesie or a pacifier, it’s buried under a mountain of baby gear. Keeping things organized — especially on the go — can be impossible.

At Itzy Ritzy, parenting should be stylish and stress-free, including how you pack. Our Pack Like A Boss™ Packing Cubes are designed to take the chaos out of travel by keeping essentials neatly sorted, easy to find, and effortlessly packed. With durable fabrics, breathable mesh tops, and thoughtfully designed sizes, our cubes help parents stay one step ahead on a weekend getaway or just a quick trip to the park.

In this piece, we’ll examine why packing cubes are worth it for parents, how they simplify travel, and why they’re worth every penny.

How Packing Cubes Keep Baby And Toddler Essentials Organized

Packing for little ones is about diapers, wipes, snacks, bottles, toys, extra outfits, and all the tiny essentials that seem to multiply overnight. Without a system, everything jumbles together, making it impossible to find what you need. This is where packing cubes become a parent’s secret weapon for the organization.

Using different-sized cubes for different categories lets you create a foolproof system to make packing (and unpacking) effortless. For example, one cube can hold all diapering essentials, another for extra clothes, and a third for feeding accessories like bibs and bottles. The breathable mesh tops make it easy to see what’s inside, so there’s no need to dig through your bag in a panic.

Another huge perk is that packing cubes help keep your diaper bag or suitcase neat even as you use it. Instead of everything shifting around throughout the day, each item stays in its designated cube, making repacking a breeze. Whether on a road trip, navigating airport security, or heading to grandma’s house, this organization level makes life much smoother.

The Benefits Of Packing Cubes For Parents

Between diapers, extra outfits, bottles, and snacks, packing for little ones can quickly turn into a messy, overstuffed situation. Finding what you need — especially in a moment of urgency — can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Packing cubes help simplify the chaos by offering a structured way to pack, store, and access essentials efficiently:

Saves Time And Reduces Stress

Parents are always on the go, and every second counts — especially when dealing with a fussy baby or an energetic toddler. Instead of wasting time digging through a cluttered bag, packing cubes create clearly designated spaces for all essentials. Whether it’s a diaper emergency or snack time, you can grab exactly what you need in seconds without any frustration.

Maximizes Space And Keeps Bags Tidy

Packing cubes compress clothing and soft items, helping parents fit more into their diaper bags, carry-ons, or suitcases. Keeping everything in neatly packed sections enables you to avoid overstuffed bags that become impossible to zip. Plus, they prevent shifting during travel, so you won’t open your bag to find a jumbled mess of baby clothes and accessories.

Creates A Foolproof Organization System

Using separate cubes for different categories — like one for diapers, another for snacks, and a third for clothes — eliminates the stress of searching for items. The see-through mesh tops allow you to identify what’s inside without opening each one. This system makes packing and unpacking easy, ensuring everything has a designated place.

Helps Keep Clean And Dirty Items Separate

Kids go through outfit changes fast, especially on long trips. Packing cubes help keep clean clothes separate from soiled ones, preventing messes from spreading inside your bag. Simply swap out a clean outfit and stash the dirty one in a designated cube, making laundry sorting much easier when you get home.

Makes Traveling With Kids More Efficient

Whether heading on a weekend trip, a day out or flying across the country, packing cubes makes travel less stressful and more efficient. No more struggling to keep track of small baby essentials or dealing with an overflowing diaper bag. Everything stays in its designated space, making every outing smooth and organized.

Are Packing Cubes Really Worth It? (Yes, And Here’s Why!)

With so many baby and toddler essentials to pack, it’s natural to wonder if packing cubes is just another trend or a game-changer for parents. After all, can a set of fabric cubes really make that much of a difference? The short answer: Absolutely! Packing cubes aren’t just about keeping things tidy—they actually make packing, traveling, and parenting on the go much easier:

They Keep Everything In Its Place: Instead of loose diapers, tiny socks, and random pacifiers floating around your bag, packing cubes neatly contain everything. Each cube acts as a mini drawer, allowing you to quickly find what you need without dumping your entire bag out. This level of organization means fewer frantic searches and more stress-free moments with your little one.
They Make Packing And Unpacking Effortless: Packing and unpacking can feel overwhelming, especially when traveling with kids. With packing cubes, you can unpack in seconds—simply transfer the cubes from your suitcase to drawers or shelves without reorganizing everything. This saves time and ensures you always know where each item is, whether at a hotel, grandma’s house, or an Airbnb.
They Help You Pack More Without Overstuffing: Babies and toddlers require a lot of extras, from extra clothes to backup pacifiers and emergency snacks. Packing cubes compress soft items like clothes and blankets, allowing you to fit more without overstuffing your suitcase or diaper bag. This means you can bring all the essentials without feeling like you're carrying an entire nursery.
They’re Perfect For On-the-Go Access: Whether you need a quick diaper change or a snack to calm a fussy toddler, packing cubes make it easy to grab exactly what you need. Instead of digging through a jumbled bag, you can reach for the cube with diapers and wipes or the one with snacks and bibs. This saves time, reduces frustration, and makes outings and travel much smoother.
They Work for Any Type Of Travel: Packing cubes aren’t just for long trips—they're just as useful for daily outings. Whether heading to the park, a playdate, or a weekend getaway, cubes help keep everything sorted no matter where you go. You can even use them to organize your diaper bag at home, making day-to-day parenting more efficient.

How To Choose The Best Packing Cubes For Your Family

Not all packing cubes are created equal, and as a parent, you need ones that can keep up with the demands of family life. The right packing cubes will help you stay organized, simplify travel, and stand up to frequent use. Here’s what to look for when choosing the best packing cubes for your family:

Consider The Material And Durability

Baby and toddler essentials can be heavy, from bottles and snacks to extra clothes and diapers. Look for high-quality, durable materials like polyester or nylon to handle frequent use without tearing. Bonus points if the fabric is machine washable — because, let’s face it, spills and messes are inevitable.

Choose A Set With Multiple Sizes

A good packing cube set includes different sizes to help you organize various baby essentials efficiently. Small cubes are perfect for pacifiers, socks, and small toys, while larger ones can hold diapers, blankets, and extra outfits. Various sizes allow you to create a customized system that works for your unique needs.

Look For Mesh Panels For Visibility

The last thing you want is to unzip multiple cubes to find a single burp cloth. Mesh-top panels let you see what’s inside without opening each one. This small detail makes a huge difference when you need to grab something quickly — especially during mid-flight diaper changes or road trip pit stops.

Check For Sturdy Zippers And Handles

A packing cube is only as good as its zippers. Look for cubes with firm, smooth zippers that won’t snag or break after a few uses. Handles are also a plus—they make it easier to pull cubes out of your bag or hang them up when unpacking.

Pick A Design That Matches Your Style

Just because packing cubes are functional doesn’t mean they have to be boring! Many brands, like Itzy Ritzy, offer stylish designs and patterns that complement your diaper bag or suitcase. Choosing a set that matches your aesthetic makes packing a little more fun — and who doesn’t love a cute, coordinated look?

Make Sure They Fit In Your Diaper Bag Or Suitcase

Before buying, check the dimensions to ensure the cubes fit inside your preferred travel bag. Some sets are designed for suitcases, while others are compact enough for everyday diaper bag organization. Choosing cubes that fit seamlessly into your routine will make them even more useful in the long run.

Tips For Using Packing Cubes Like A Pro

Packing cubes is a game-changer for busy parents, but knowing how to use them efficiently can take your organization to the next level. Whether packing for a big trip or streamlining your everyday diaper bag, a few smart strategies can help you maximize space, stay organized, and reduce stress. Here’s how to use packing cubes like a pro:

Assign A Cube For Each Category: The best way to stay organized is to use a dedicated cube for each type of item. Keep all diapers and wipes in one, extra outfits in another, and feeding accessories in a separate cube. This makes grabbing exactly what you need easy without rummaging through your entire bag.
Roll, Don’t Fold, To Save Space: Rolling clothes instead of folding them maximizes space and minimizes wrinkles. This technique works especially well for baby onesies, leggings, and swaddle blankets. It also makes it easier to see all the clothing options in one glance when you unzip the cube.
Use The Smallest Cube For Tiny Essentials: Pacifiers, baby socks, teething toys, and other small essentials can get lost easily in a big bag. Keep them in the smallest packing cube to ensure they stay in one place. This also makes it easier to find these tiny items quickly, especially in urgent moments.
Keep One Cube For “On-the-Go” Essentials: Instead of digging through your bag whenever you need something, pre-pack a cube with on-the-go essentials. Fill it with snacks, wipes, a spare onesie, and a toy to entertain your little one. This way, when you're out and about, you can grab the cube and have everything you need in one place.
Color-Code Or Label For Easy Access: If you're packing for multiple kids or different trips, using different colors or labels can make organization even easier. For example, use one color for baby essentials, another for toddler items, and a third for parent must-haves. This simple trick helps avoid mix-ups and makes grabbing the right cube effortless.
Use A Waterproof Cube For Wet Or Dirty Clothes: Accidents happen — especially with babies and toddlers. Keeping a waterproof or wet-dry packing cube in your bag ensures you have a place to store dirty clothes without getting everything else messy. It’s a must-have for keeping your diaper bag fresh and organized.
Pack An Empty Cube For Laundry Or Extras: An empty packing cube can be surprisingly useful on a trip. Use it for dirty laundry, souvenirs, or unexpected extras you pick up along the way. This keeps your clean clothes separate from the used ones and makes unpacking much easier when you return home.
Stack Cubes Vertically For Easy Access: Instead of laying your cubes flat at the bottom of your suitcase or bag, try stacking them vertically like file folders. This way, you can see all of them at once and pull out what you need without disturbing everything else. It’s an easy trick that makes a big difference!

Final Thoughts

Packing cubes aren’t just about organization — they’re about making travel smoother, stress-free, and more efficient, especially for parents juggling endless baby essentials. They transform how you pack, turning chaos into a streamlined system that keeps everything accessible and neatly contained. More than a convenience, they bring peace of mind, allowing you to focus on the journey rather than the frustration of a messy bag. Whether for a quick outing or a big trip, packing cubes proves that small changes can significantly impact how we travel.

Read Also:

Frequently Asked Questions About Are Packing Cubes Worth It

Do packing cubes really make a difference when traveling with kids?

Yes! Packing cubes help parents keep baby and toddler essentials organized to quickly find what they need. They also prevent everything from getting jumbled in a suitcase or diaper bag, making travel smoother and less stressful.

Can packing cubes be used for everyday organization, not just travel?

Absolutely! Packing cubes work great for organizing diaper bags, car essentials, and even nursery storage. They help separate baby gear into categories, making daily outings more efficient.

How many packing cubes do I need for a weekend trip with kids?

It depends on how much you pack, but a set of three (small, medium, and large) usually works well. One cube for clothes, one for diapers and wipes, and one for feeding and toys keeps things structured. If traveling longer, adding an extra cube for dirty laundry can be helpful.

Do packing cubes add extra weight to a suitcase or bag?

Not significantly! Packing cubes are made from lightweight materials, adding very little weight while helping compress items for better packing efficiency. The space saved by keeping everything compact is well worth it.

Are there waterproof packing cubes for baby essentials?

Yes! Some packing cubes are designed with waterproof or water-resistant materials, which are great for storing wet clothes, used bibs, or items prone to spills. They help keep the rest of your bag clean and dry.

Do packing cubes prevent wrinkles in baby and toddler clothes?

They help! Rolling clothes inside packing cubes reduces creases and keeps soft fabrics from getting crushed. This is especially helpful for delicate baby outfits or special occasion clothing.

Are packing cubes machine washable?

Many packing cubes, including those made from polyester and nylon, can be washed gently and air-dried. Always check the care label before washing to maintain durability. Keeping them clean is easy, which is essential when storing baby essentials.

Can I use packing cubes in a carry-on bag when flying?

Yes! Packing cubes fit perfectly in carry-ons and help keep essentials like diapers, snacks, and extra clothes accessible during flights. This makes them ideal for air travel with young children.

Do packing cubes help prevent overpacking?

Yes! By keeping items neatly separated and compressed, packing cubes encourage efficient packing and prevent unnecessary overstuffing. They help parents bring only what they need without wasting space in their bags.

Do packing cubes work for backpacking with kids?

Definitely! They help organize baby items in diaper backpacks or travel backpacks, making it easier to grab what you need on the go. This is especially useful for outdoor adventures or long days out.

Back to blog