Packing Cubes, Luggage Covers & Other Travel Hacks to Travel Stress-Free
Refreshed February 2026 (Originally published 12 December 2025)
TL;DR:If family packing feels chaotic, you don’t need “better packing”, you need better travel accessories. Start with packing cubes, add a luggage cover, then use compression packing cubes/bags, a good toiletry bag, and a travel wallet to keep essentials organised and easy to grab.
How do packing cubes, luggage covers and organisers help you travel stress-free?
They remove the two biggest causes of travel stress: mess and lost time. Packing cubes keep everyone’s clothes separated, luggage covers protect and identify your suitcase fast, and organisers (toiletry bags, tech pouches, travel wallets) mean you’re not digging through one big bag every time you need something.
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Why family packing always feels chaotic
Travelling solo is easy. Travelling with kids? That’s an Olympic-level sport. Between clothes, snacks, toys, chargers, and all the “just in case” items, it’s easy to lose track of what’s packed where… especially once you’ve moved hotels or opened the suitcase a few times.
The good news: a few simple travel hacks can make your family holiday feel a whole lot smoother.
1) Packing cubes: the ultimate family travel hack
Packing cubes aren’t just a fad, they’re genuinely one of the easiest ways to stay organised.
Why they work for families
- Keep everyone’s clothes separate (one cube per person = no rummaging)
- Make it faster to pack and unpack (lift cubes straight into drawers)
- Help you fit more neatly into the same space (especially with compression packing cubes)
- Keep clean and worn clothes separate on the way home
2) Luggage covers: keep bags protected and easy to spot
If you’ve ever grabbed your suitcase off the carousel covered in mystery scuffs, you’ll understand why a luggage cover earns its place.
Why a luggage cover helps
- Protects your case from scuffs, dirt and surface scratches
- Makes your suitcase easy to identify (less carousel confusion)
- Adds a deterrent against accidental “bag swaps”
Pro tip: If your family has similar-looking suitcases, covers make pickup faster and reduce mix-ups.
3) Compression bags (or compression packing cubes): pack bulky items smarter
When packing jumpers, jackets, towels or kids’ “extras”, compression bags and compression packing cubes can make a big difference.
Best uses
- Bulky clothes that take up space quickly
- Separating clean vs dirty items
- Keeping beach gear contained (especially on the way home)
Pro tip: If you hate loose plastic bags, go for reusable compression cube sets, they’re neater, tougher, and easier to pack
4) Handy travel organisers (the small things that save big time)
The little items cause the biggest delays: passports, boarding passes, cables, medications, wipes, headphones. This is where organisers shine.
- A hanging toiletry bag for hotel bathrooms
- An electronics pouch for chargers and headphones
- A travel wallet (bonus points for an RFID travel wallet) to keep documents in one spot
Pro tip: Keep one “grab bag” with snacks + wipes + a spare shirt for the kids. That one trick saves dramas mid-flight.
5) Bonus hack: share the load (and reduce the risk)
If you’re travelling as a family, don’t put all essentials in one bag. Split key items across at least two bags so you’re still okay if one is delayed.
What to split
- 1–2 changes of clothes per person
- Basic toiletries
- Chargers and medications
- Swimwear (if you’re heading somewhere tropical)
This is one of the simplest “stress-proofing” habits you can build.
Our recommended travel hack bundle
If you want an easy all-in-one setup, pair these:
- Packing cube set (one colour per family member)
- Protective luggage cover (protect + identify fast)
- Luggage strap (extra security and quick identification)
Save time, save space, save stress
Travelling with kids will always have its challenges, but smart organisation makes it so much easier. Whether it’s a weekend trip to Byron or an overseas holiday, the right travel accessories give you back time ,and make packing far less chaotic.
Key Takeaways
- Packing cubes are the fastest way to organise family luggage (one cube/colour per person works brilliantly).
- A luggage cover protects your suitcase and makes it easier to spot (especially on baggage carousels).
- Compression packing cubes/bags help manage bulky clothing and keep clean/dirty items separated.
- A good toiletry bag and travel wallet reduce “where is it?” moments when you’re on the move.
- Add a luggage strap for quick identification and extra peace of mind, and keep a simple family “grab bag” for in-transit essentials.
Ready to travel smarter?
At Luggage Direct, we stock Australia’s best range of luggage, carry-ons, and travel accessories from trusted brands like Samsonite, Antler, American Tourister and more. Whether you’re after a lightweight suitcase for international flights, a hard-shell case for extra protection, or packing cubes and TSA locks for stress-free travel, we’ve got you covered.
Shop our full range of luggage and travel accessories now. https://www.luggagedirect.com.au/
Travel better. Pack smarter. Go further with Luggage Direct.
