Do those "space bags" things work?

[GEM]

We're thinking of getting some and I was wondering if they worked. You know, the storage bags that you can put stuff in and suck the air out with a vacum cleaner? We are drowning in baby clothes and I was thinking we might be able to use those. Anybody tried them?

 

[janette]

I've never tried them but I've seen them tested by Good Housekeeping and some other folks and they usually rate pretty well.

 

[TinkBoo&ElliesMum]

We used them on our trip to France, they made it there without problem.

When it came time to repack things were a little different, they weren't as strong and a few wouldn't hold a seal at all. Overall I was pleased with them though. I did pack way more than needed though because it sucked down so small, which in turn made my suitcases REALLY heavy!!

 

[scrappinMickey]

I've used the ones that you roll up to get the air out, and they worked pretty well. Haven't tried the ones you use a vacuum on, but would think they would work ok!

 

[jfulcer]

Originally posted by TinkBoo&ElliesMum
We used them on our trip to France, they made it there without problem.

When it came time to repack things were a little different, they weren't as strong and a few wouldn't hold a seal at all. Overall I was pleased with them though. I did pack way more than needed though because it sucked down so small, which in turn made my suitcases REALLY heavy!!

Don't forget that airlines now are really picky about weight of your luggage - if it goes above a certain weight they can impose some hefty fines on your ticket, up to an exceeding the cost of the ticket. I'd check your airlines luggage policy before using this for a packing aid...

 

[TinkBoo&ElliesMum]

Originally posted by jfulcer
Don't forget that airlines now are really picky about weight of your luggage - if it goes above a certain weight they can impose some hefty fines on your ticket, up to an exceeding the cost of the ticket. I'd check your airlines luggage policy before using this for a packing aid...

I think if people are reasonable with their packing it's not a big deal. We never went over the weight limit and I was packing for two adults and two kids for a month long trip. And like I said I packed A LOT of stuff and bought even more, between clothes, gifts, and all of our stuff from Disneyland Paris it's dang near a miracle that I had enough space to get everything home!

I always check with the airline before I start packing, but since I've got the kids we can bring more bags if need be, hasn't happened yet - maybe next trip

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

I found that for traveling the 2 gallon sized zip lock bags work just as well. You can easily squeeze most of the air out of them. They are also much cheaper than the Space Bags.

We do have some of the regular & travel space bags. I've found that they tend to lose their "seal" after a while and won't stay air-tight. They are great for storing quilts & comforters in, it's amazing how small they reduce down!

 

[neosnightmare]

i personally think that the idea with the ziplock bags is pretty good in theory. but what should i do if i need to bring like my own pillow, what do u think would be my best bet? ive try packing it normally and its really annoying and you can only compress it so much by hand.

 

[Nutsy]

Yes they do work. I have our sleeping bags & blankets stored in them & they are great!

We've also used the travel ones that you roll up & found them good too.

 

[powellrj]

the ziplock bags really work great!! Thats what we have started using and it not only gives you more room, it keeps every thing together.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have used the Ziplock bags (the ones with slide zippers), several sizes, when traveling. And then I usually throw a box of ten extras in the travel bag, in case I need them for coming home or some break.

 

[Kimberle]

Yes! Yes! Yes!

They are wonderful! I don't have alot of closet space, but I have a huge attic. I use the ones you vacumn out the air. It really shrinks down the fluffy stuff.

What I really like is the seal that you don't get with ziplock (plus the size is much bigger). You really don't have to worry about water or crawly things invading your stuff.

I highly recommend them!

 

[Kermit]

We have the ones that you vaccuum. I think they're great. I store stuff like comforters and sweaters that we don't use often and that take up so much space.

The only problem I've had is that they don't end up being nice little bricks like on TV. They're lumpy, especially the side that was on top rather than on the floor while you were vaccuuming. It's not a big deal, but they don't stack quite as neatly as they would if they were rectangles.

 

[always quiet]

I used them to store the kids winter clothes away last year. Yes, it did save on space (I stacked all the flattened bags away in one rubbermaid container). When I opened them, I could not believe the wrinkles!

If you are just looking to store something big, like pillows, blankets or sleeping bags, I saw this tip on tv. Use a large heavy duty trash bag. Place items inside the bag then you can use your vacuum to stuck out the air. Twist tightly and tie. I did this for everyone's sleeping bags inside the camper. All 5 of them now fit nicely under one of the dining table bench seat.

 

[neosnightmare]

so u just put the vaccum in the hole area and u suck the air out. then u twist and tie? thats a great tip. thanx.

 

[pjlla]

My experience with them has been this..... the larger they are, the more they tend to lose their seal. That said, the larger ones are great for a few large, puffy items, like comforters and pillows. However, I tried to pack some baby clothes into the larger ones and I probably over stuffed them and the seal failed miserable and the bag tore. They just couldn't hold the weight. But I have used them to store pillows I have on hand for company and the like and they have worked well for that. Not sure how you would use them for packing...... how would you get a hold of a vacume to use for the return leg of your trip? Borrow from the chambermaid? .........................P

 

[neosnightmare]

Originally posted by pjlla
how would you get a hold of a vacume to use for the return leg of your trip? Borrow from the chambermaid? .........................P

either that or break into their supply area...