For many travel novices, packing can be daunting, stressful and down-right an impossible task. The potential to overpack, with stuff that one won’t wear at said destination, is high. There are a lot tips, tricks and hacks on how to pack effectively, but one can become easily overwhelmed.

So How Does One Pack Effortlessly and Stylishly?

What you wear is undoubtedly a very personal decision. What you pack depends on many factors such travel style, needs, destination and personal aesthetic. Another factor is airline luggage fees and limits. As the industry tacks on fees on carry-ons (#Spirit, I am looking at you!) and the size of personal items increasinly shrinking; one must be conscientious on what one packs.

I personally love to travel with a carry-on (more on that later). It is one of the items that I don’t hesitate to splurge on. The next travel essential on my packing list is packing cubes. In recent years, they’ve taken a life of their own, but flight attendants and other experienced travelers have been using them for years

5 BENEFITS OF PACKING CUBES

NO MORE OVER-PACKING

Packing cubes allow you to divide your clothes by types, by color, think of packing cubes a portable closet organizer. More tips from Never Ending Travel:The Secrets to Carry-on Only Travel

NO MORE RUMMAGING THROUGH

Regardless of your packing method, rolling, folding squares, or #KONMARI, the likelyhood of rummaging through your suitcase to find a dreaded tee-shirt and ultimately having to repack your carry-on at every turn is a common occurrence. Packing cubes make it easy to pack, to arrange your wardrobe however you see fit and to unpack at your destination easily. Check out this handy guide on how to effectively use packing cubes: How to Use Packing Cubes.

THE MULTI-TASKER

These organizers pack a punch (No Pun!). They are the ultimate multi-tasker, offering multiple options to organize your clothing, a mini office, makeup, books, you name it. Did I say that you could use them outside your suitcase? Let loose and pack to your heart’s content. More on What to Pack in Packing Cubes and Sacks

SHARE A CARRY-ON

Carry-ons are especially practical on short-haul excursions. I’ve traveled on long weekends with my husband and packing cubes have made it extremely easy to share a carry-on.

MAKE GOING THROUGH TSA A BREEZE

As we all know going through TSA conjures up a certain amount of anxiety and annoyance for even the most organized traveler. For the unlucky ones who happen to pack large containers of liquids, being pulled aside, questioned, searched and being handed a disorganized carry-on. Packing cubes are very easy way to go through TSA, while staying organized, hence reducing the time in line, and making it to your gate on time.

PACKING CUBES FOR ANY BUDGET

I always advocate that you invest in durable essentials that do double duty. Buy the best quality you can afford. After all, what is the point in purchasing items that will fall apart after minimal use, hence you end up blowing your budget anyway? Why not invest? The available options are endless, from monogramming to compression, take a peek, hopefully you will find the right packing cubes for you.

• Flight 001 Spacepack – $98 Amazon.com
• Away The Insider Packing Cubes – $65 Awaytravel.com
• Paravel Packing Cubes -$55 Tourparavel.com
• PACK-IT SPECTER PACKING SET – $44.95 EagleCreek.com
• eBags Compression Cubes Set – $31 – Ebags.com
• Yamiu Packing Cubes – $25 Amazon.com
• Evatex Travel Packing Cubes – $13.99 Amazon.com

WATCH: The Ultimate Packing Cubes Guide | How To Use & Choose The Best Packing Cubes For Travel

Tell us have you used packing cubes?