<p>Family packing tends to go wrong in the same way: by day three the suitcase is a heap and nobody can find the swimming things. Cubes won't reduce what you bring, but they give every item a place. The real gain for families is finding things quickly. Here is a simple colour-coding system and how to set it up.</p>
Last reviewed: November 2026. Cube dimensions are from maker and retailer listings, and airline limits are from airline sites. Check current details before you buy or fly. We haven’t tested these products and don’t rank them. The system here is a practical suggestion, not official guidance.
Family packing tends to go wrong in the same way: by day three, one suitcase is a heap, nobody can find the swimming things, and a child is wearing a sibling’s socks. Packing cubes won’t reduce how much you bring, but they do give every item a place. For families, the real gain isn’t compression, it’s being able to find things, in the dark, one-handed, with someone tugging your sleeve. This guide shows a simple colour-coding system, how to set it up, and how to decide what size to buy.
Packing Cubes for Families: A Simple Colour-Coding System
Quick answer
Three ways to colour-code
| System | How it works | Best for | Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| By person | Each family member has one colour | Families with two or more children; shared suitcases | You may have to open several cubes to find all the swim things |
| By category | One colour for tops, another for sleepwear, and so on | Babies and toddlers, when you’re dressing them yourself | Children can’t easily find their own kit |
| Hybrid | Colour per person, with labelled shared cubes for swimwear, wet weather and first aid | Most trips, once you are used to it | Slightly more cubes to buy |
If you don’t want to buy a whole new set, use coloured tags, ribbons or luggage labels on cubes you already have. The colour of the cube itself doesn’t matter; what matters is that everyone can tell at a glance which is theirs.
Step-by-step: setting it up
- Assign the colours. Let each child choose, because they’re more likely to remember their own. A small child can start with just one colour.
- Make a list per person, based on the length of the trip and your laundry plan.
- Lay it all out first. Put each person’s clothes in a pile on the bed and remove what you don’t need.
- Roll or fold to the cube’s width. Try to fill it fully, but not so much the zip strains. A cube that’s half empty lets everything shift around.
- Stand things on their edge inside the cube, so that you can see every item without unpacking.
- Add a label, if you use category cubes, or if children can read it. Simple words work: “Sam: pyjamas”.
- Check the fit in your actual suitcase, in the order that you’ll need things.
- Keep the first-night items on top. Pyjamas, toothbrushes and tomorrow’s clothes go where you can reach them without opening everything.
A worked example
Here is how it might look for a week’s beach and city holiday for two adults, a six-year-old and a two-year-old, sharing two suitcases. This is an illustration you can adjust.
| Who | Colour | Large cube | Small cube |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult 1 | Grey | Clothes | Underwear and socks |
| Adult 2 | Navy | Clothes | Underwear and socks |
| Six-year-old | Green | Clothes | Pyjamas, underwear and socks |
| Two-year-old | Orange | Daywear | Sleepwear and spare underwear or nappies |
| Shared | Yellow | Swimwear, sun hats and rash vests | Sun cream, first aid, adaptor and medicines (check liquid rules for anything in hand luggage) |
Split them between the suitcases. Put one set of clothes for each person in each case, so that a lost bag doesn’t leave one person with nothing to wear. In hand luggage, keep a spare outfit for each child, nappies and any medicines. Our kids’ under-seat bag packing list shows what to include.
What size to buy
Cube sizes vary a lot between brands, and a set labelled “medium” doesn’t mean the same thing everywhere. Some examples from listings:
| Set | Stated sizes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| REI Co-op Expandable | Small 8 x 6 x 3-6 in (3.5 to 6 L); medium 12 x 8 x 3-6 in (8.5 to 13 L); large 14.5 x 10.5 x 3-6 in (14 to 21 L) | Expandable |
| Thule Compression | Small 10 x 7 x 4 in expanded, 1.25 in compressed (4 L); medium 14 x 10 x 4 in expanded, 1.25 in compressed (11 L) | Compression |
| Peak Design | Small 11 x 5.5 x 3 in (9 L); medium 12.6 x 12.6 x 6.7 in, 3.1 in compressed (18 L); large 17.7 x 11.8 x 3.1 in (20 L) | Compression |
| Tortuga (set of 3) | Small 8.9 x 6.1 x 3.5 in; large 12.4 x 8.9 x 3.5 in | Non-compression |
Measure your suitcase’s inner dimensions and check how two or three cubes sit side by side before buying. For children’s clothes, smaller cubes tend to be more useful, because the clothes are small and a small child’s bag is small. If you’re using a small child’s case, or a kids’ carry-on, measure that too.
Compression: is it worth it?
Compression cubes squeeze air out, and so take up less space. They suit bulky items such as fleeces and children’s jackets. But they don’t reduce weight, and they can make your bag heavier if you fill all the space you’ve gained. Airlines limit weight as well as size. easyJet’s cabin bag, for example, has a size limit of 45 x 36 x 20 cm, including wheels and handles, and a 15 kg limit, and it must be something you can lift yourself. Compression also makes clothes more creased, so roll them first or choose fabrics that don’t crease much.
Using cubes during the trip
Involving children, by age
- Ages 2 to 3: let them choose a colour and put in a toy or two. You do the rest.
- Ages 4 to 6: give them a picture list, and let them put things in. Check it afterwards, because you may find eight swimsuits and no pants.
- Ages 7 to 9: they pack from a written list, and you check it.
- Ages 10 and up: they can manage their own cubes and work out what they need.
For age-based ideas on gear, see family travel gear by age. If you want to go further, read our guide to the family packing list that fits in one bag.
Common mistakes and real-world scenarios
Printable checklist
Shopping by category
These Amazon searches cover the main types: packing cube sets by colour, compression cubes, kids’ packing cubes and travel laundry bags. We haven’t tested these products and don’t rank them.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read our affiliate disclosure.
Gear for this list
Shop the items families most often ask about. These are Amazon search links, not product rankings – compare sizes and airline rules before you buy.
- Packing cubes
- Power bank
- Baby carrier
- Travel cot
- Stroller rain cover
- Portable blackout blind
- Travel plug adapter
- Portable changing mat
Affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Final thoughts
<p>Give each person a colour, use the same size for the same job, keep first-night items on top and spread each person's clothes across bags. Remember compression saves space, not weight. Start with two cubes per person, and let older children pack from a list.</p>
Frequently asked questions
Are packing cubes worth it for families?
Yes, for many. The main benefit is that everyone can find their things quickly, not that you fit more in.
How many cubes does each child need?
Usually two: one large cube for clothes, one small cube for pyjamas, underwear and socks. A week away with laundry is a good test.
Do packing cubes reduce weight?
No. They can add a little weight. Compression cubes save volume only, so check your airline's weight limit.
Should we colour-code by person or by category?
By person suits families with older children. By category suits babies and toddlers. A hybrid, with shared cubes for swimwear and medicines, works for most.
Can I use cubes in a carry-on?
Yes, but check the bag's total size and weight. Liquids and medicines should stay accessible for security.
