Quick answer

Use packing cubes to sort each family member's clothes into separate cubes, then stack them upright in your suitcase. This keeps outfits together, saves space, and makes unpacking a breeze. For family trips, label or color-code cubes so everyone can find their own stuff fast.

Why packing cubes work for family travel

When you're traveling with kids, the last thing you want is a suitcase explosion at the hotel. Packing cubes let you divide your luggage into logical zones — one cube for each person, or one for clothes and another for toiletries. Because Bumkins packing cubes are made from waterproof fabric, they also protect your belongings from spills or damp swimsuits.

Another advantage is compression. The cubes can compress clothing, which helps you fit more into a single suitcase. That's especially useful when you're trying to keep everyone's gear in one or two bags instead of checking multiple suitcases.

What to pack in each cube

For a family of four, assign one cube per person. In each cube, pack a full outfit per day: shirt, shorts or pants, socks, and underwear. Roll each outfit together to save space and keep sets intact. Use a separate cube for pajamas and another for swimwear or dirty laundry.

The waterproof fabric of Bumkins cubes makes them great for toiletries or wet items. You can toss a cube with shampoo bottles into your suitcase without worrying about leaks ruining clothes. Just remember that the cubes are not fully airtight, so still close caps tightly.

Step-by-step: Packing cubes for a family trip

  1. Sort by person or category: Assign one packing cube per family member, or group items by type (clothes, toiletries, electronics). For young kids, use a distinct print like Mickey & Friends so they can spot their cube easily. Common mistake: mixing everyone's clothes in one cube. This makes unpacking chaotic and forces you to dig through everything to find a single shirt.
  2. Roll outfits together: Roll each day's outfit as a bundle — shirt, bottoms, socks, underwear — and place it in the cube. Rolling saves space and keeps sets intact. For pajamas, roll them separately and place on top. Checkpoint: after rolling, the cube should close without bulging. If it's overstuffed, remove one outfit or use compression by partially zipping the cube.
  3. Stack cubes upright in your suitcase: Place the packed cubes vertically inside your suitcase, like books on a shelf. This lets you see all cubes at a glance when you open the bag. Put heavier cubes (toiletries, shoes) at the bottom near the wheels. Common mistake: laying cubes flat on top of each other. Stacking upright gives you instant access to any cube without unpacking the whole suitcase.
  4. Use a separate cube for dirty laundry: Designate one cube for used clothes. The waterproof fabric of Bumkins cubes keeps odors and moisture contained, so dirty laundry doesn't mix with clean items. At the hotel, empty the dirty cube into the laundry bag. Checkpoint: if the cube starts to smell, air it out overnight. The stain-resistant surface wipes clean easily with a damp cloth.
  • Packing Cube 2 Pack: Palm Daze: Made from Bumkins' signature waterproof fabric, these packing cubes are durable, waterproof, and stain/odor resistant. Waterproof fabric protects your clothes from spills, wet swimsuits, or leaky toiletries — a real lifesaver on family trips where messes happen.
  • Packing Cube 2 Pack: Charcoal Check: The larger cube in the Charcoal Check 2-pack can compress clothing when you zip it partially. Compression helps you fit more into your suitcase, which is key when you're packing for multiple people without checking extra bags.
  • Packing Cube 2 Pack: Mickey & Friends Varsity: The Mickey & Friends Varsity print adds a fun, kid-friendly design that makes it easy for children to identify their own cube. Letting kids pick their own cube print gives them ownership of their packing and makes unpacking more fun — less whining, more independence.