Use net laundry bags to organize your packing.

Not only that, but you can actually use the net bags to ... do your laundry !! Socks zipped up in a small net bag will more likely come back from the laundromat washer/dryer in the same number as you put them in. Delicates don't get wrapped around heavier items. And you can use the net bags at home, too.

You can also use a small one instead of a zip-lock so TSA can eyeball your explosive toothpaste.

You could also use the mesh bags that RS sells. They are basically a laundry bag with a draw string and they come in two sizes. Plus, they are more affordable that cubes. I agree that its a great way to organize.

I use a Tide mesh washing bag (no preference for brand, but it's the only one I've seen). It's has a little smaller footprint than my carryon bag's compartment and is big enough to hold my folded shirts. Because it has a zipper, not a drawstring, it lies flat. When I get somewhere, I take the bag washing bag out of my carryon bag and put it on a shelf in the clothes cabinet I take a shirt out, wear it, wash it, put it back in the bag. When I'm ready to leave, I put the bag back in my travel bag. Repacking is a breeze.

My problem with cubes is that they are way bigger than what I need. Just about everything I take would fit in one cube.

I have an RS mesh bag for my underwear.

If you have Dollar Tree stores in your area, check to see if they sell "Tide"-size mesh bags for 3/$1.

One comment on another thread was the poster put her dirty laundry in mesh bags on the way home for Security to see & quickly go onto the next bag.

Yes, great advice! I have a double compartment lingerie bag I use on all trips. Perfect for keeping bras, socks, and undies in one compact place and tangle-free in the suitcase.

Wish I knew about this before investing in packing cubes! Got enough for the entire family, but more than I wanted to spend. Oh well.

Yes, thats true and they are also cheap!

Speaking of mesh bags & packing cubes, what about those cubes I'm seeing on RS wevsite & other travel websites? Are they worth it? I've seen them on sale but don't know what their advantage is. Any pro "cube-users" out there?

dmrs,

I'm definitely a big fan of packing cubes as they're an efficient way to pack as well as keep similar items together. At the moment, I'm using mostly Eagle Creek cubes.

Actually, I use both -- Eagle Creek half cubes, one for underwear and socks and one for tops and scarves plus mesh bags for laundromat use. And zip-lock bags for ... well, almost anything. Packing cubes compress items nicely and make it easy to pack/repack -- even have handles for grabbing them quickly. Mine have lasted through three month-long trips without any sign of wear.

I use 2 or 3 packing cubes in my 20" rolling carryon.