Using packing cubes on a two-week trip

Packing cubes are useful when they make your bag easier to live out of. They do not reduce the weight of your clothes, and a compression zip does not turn an oversized bag into approved cabin luggage.

Try a few simple groups before buying a large matching set. One cube for tops, a smaller one for underwear and socks, and a separate bag for worn clothes may be enough. Leave bulky layers loose if that fits your luggage better.

Pack for the next stop

For a trip with several short stays, put the clothes you will need first near the opening. You should be able to get ready for bed without unpacking everything onto the floor.

Use a small pouch for chargers and cables, but keep travel documents and medicine where you can reach them during the journey. Do not put every essential into the same cube as clothes you will rarely use.

If travelling with someone, different colours can make it easier to tell whose cube is whose. You do not need a special label for every item.

Compression has a limit

Compressing clothes can create more room, but that space is easy to fill with things you did not need. Weigh the complete bag and check its packed dimensions against your fare. easyJet's baggage page is one example of why the included small bag and larger paid allowance must be treated separately.

Avoid forcing a cube so tightly that it becomes a hard lump against your back. A slightly looser pack can be more comfortable and easier to close after a hurried checkout.

Keep laundry separate and dry

Use a washable bag for worn items, and avoid leaving damp clothing sealed inside it. Let things dry before packing whenever possible. Follow the cube's own care label when cleaning it; GINETEX's symbol guide can help with unfamiliar marks.

For two weeks, a laundry stop often lets you carry a much smaller wardrobe. Our travel laundry guide explains how to plan that stop without spending the morning of your next train waiting for clothes to dry.