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Like any life-enriching travel accessory, once you start using packing cubes, there is no turning back. It's incredibly satisfying to open your suitcase and know exactly where everything is.

Even unpacking becomes easier: Packing cubes will keep your clothes compressed and folded flat or neatly rolled (however you prefer to do it), meaning no wrinkles. Once you're settled in, you don't have to rifle through your suitcase looking for that dinner outfit you swore you packed right on the top. You can just move the cubes directly into the drawers of your hotel's dresser, unzip, and you're set.

When shopping for a set of packing cubes, there are a few things to consider. Most are constructed of canvas or nylon, making them durable, lightweight, and easy to wash alongside your other dirty laundry post-trip. Some are made of plastic, which doesn't allow your clothes to breathe as well, but will protect them from any spills or other scenarios in which your bags get wet. Some have mesh components, too, which is helpful when it comes to visibility and breathability but can make them more likely to snag or rip over time.

And though most are designed to fit into standard carry-on luggage, I find them especially useful for compartmentalizing a backpack or weekender duffel bag.

Our pick for waterproof packing cubes, Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter System is the trusted brand's ultralight line that comes with three pieces.

To keep you organized, compressed, and, most importantly, safe from public humiliation, these are the best packing cubes you can buy:

Eagle Creek is proud to be called the "organization nerds" of the packing world. Their original Pack-it system (amazon.com, $28) has been saving suitcases from disarray for more than 20 years. The brand's next generation Specter line is ultralight, weighing about two ounces in total. This set includes one large and one medium cube that are perfect for clothing, and a small one that works well for things like socks, sleepwear, and gym clothes. The key features that set these cubes apart is that they are sturdy and perfect for traveling.

To buy: amazon.com, $35 (originally $40)

This rave-reviewed set includes five super lightweight cubes of varying sizes (the entire set weighs only 8.3 ounces) whose design inherently ensures a painless fit in most typical carry-on suitcases. The nylon boxes have spring-loaded frames that hold the shape while you're filling them and then compress down easily in your bag.

Shoppers are raving about this Bagail set and it's easy to see why. The mesh paneling allows you to quickly see what's inside so that organization doesn't come at the cost of having to unzip every cube to find the shirt you're looking for. Plus, there are four different colors to choose from.

This family-owned travel accessories company was born of a mother's need to keep her daughter organized as she moved cross-country for college. They're super structured, totally transparent, and come in fun colors, which can be helpful for color coding if you're packing several family members' items into one checked bag.

For just $25, this beloved set comes with four different cube sizes and a laundry bag that can also be used as a shoe bag. Plus, they use YKK zippers, which are pretty much the industry gold standard, so you know they're made to last.

This affordable set covers all the basics for a new packing cube convert. The polyester cubes are made of a lightweight, but durable nylon that's machine-washable and each comes with a handle attached.

To buy: amazon.com, $21 (originally $23)

The zipper on this eBags packing cube allows for 1.5 extra inches of expansion. Or, if you're packing clothes that are squishable (say, a ton of athleisure wear for a yoga retreat), you can pack the cube full and use the zipper to compress everything down to almost half its size. The durable accessory uses self-healing zippers, so you never have to worry about them coming off the track, and it has a top handle strap for added convenience.

If you have Away luggage, the brand's packing cubes are not only sized to fit perfectly, they're also color-coordinated. You can opt for a set of four or a set of six (awaytravel.com, $65) depending on how your clothes are usually distributed in size.

This super popular set comes from the maker of Amazon's favorite shoe bags, Yamiu — and it's a bargain at just $25. Shoppers rave about the quality of these bags for the price, too. And alongside the packing cubes, you'll also get two PVC toiletry bags.

While they're not your typical packing cubes, this Leatherology set is perfect for traveling with tech accessories. They maintain structure even when empty and will protect anything you've zipped inside. The price point may be high, but these are built to last you a long time. Packing experience: upgraded.

Tumi is known for top-of-the-line suitcases and travel accessories, and this durable nylon packing cube is no different. In addition to a wrap-around zip closure, the packing cube features a mesh panel, so you can easily see what's inside, and a top handle that makes it super easy to move around.

One can always count on Calpak for making the most boring of travel accessories stylish. The brand's packing cube sets, for example, come in metallics and pretty prints, like marble and this trendy terrazzo. They're as functional as they are fun, too. We love the waterproof pouch that this set includes for getting in that last-day swim at the hotel before you head to the airport.

If you prefer something a little more fashionable (hey, we'll take anything to make packing more enjoyable), consider this sleek packing cube set from Paravel. The cubes have two-way zippers and are ideally sized to fit in weekender bags and suitcases alike. Even better, you can add an embroidered three-letter monogram for $25.