When people started using packing cubes for travelling, I thought it was a little dumb to add more stuff to a suitcase that I am already stuffing to the max. However, I really liked these. They don't take up much room at all, and I can probably fit a little more in my suitcase, because my items are more organized. I divided my items by category, so one held shirts, another skirts, etc. It was also easier to get dressed while travelling, because I was not digging through an entire suitcase trying to find a particular shirt. I think the picture could be a little misleading, because the sides look stiff, but they are actually just a soft nylon. So, the case only takes the shape of what you put in it, rather than taking up more space with hard-sided cases that you may or may not fill.