Does anyone use the Ziplock packing idea?

[katytrott]

I have read so much about the ziplock packing idea of putting an outfit for each day for a child in a ziplock bag, so it is so easy to unpack and quick finding an outfit each morning. I really want to try this, but don't know what bags to get here in the UK. The American threads talks about 2 gallon size bags, what's that? I have found some zip type bags on the Lakeland site but measurements are in cm on the length etc not the volume.
Does any one use this packing method, if so, what size bags do you use and where do you get them from? Thanks

 

[Karrie]

hi there not used this packing method before (dont have kids!!) but you can get zip lock bags in most super markets (asda, tesco etc) they heve them in various sizes and i guess u will need the large ones or even extra large depending how old ur kids u

 

[Lizzy Lemon]

Sorry for a daft question, but whats a ziplock bag. I've heard people mention putting cameras and valuables in them on the water rides. Are they the ones where you squeeze the air out of to squash them when packing?

 

[stevechase]

I have to say with three kids ourself that seem like an awful lot of over th top planning. To plan our kids outfits as well as everything else, then get the whole family 4500 miles away from home is toooo much to think about. Load of t shirts, shorts all ironed and tightly packed flat, will do me thanks.

Good luck

Steve

 

[katytrott]

I'm not entirely sure what ziplock bags look loke myself - that's the problem, but I think they are indeed bags (freezer type) that have a sort of zip along the top (similar to what you buy grapes in sometimes, but without the holes). I think you can squeeze the air out but I'm not entirely sure about that one. I have only looked in Sainsbury's for them, not Asda or Tesco's so will try them. Not having used this method of packing myself I can't say if worthwhile, but it certainly sounds it to me. Having only one son who, being only two, is not at all interested in what he likes like, I think it shouldn't be that much more to split the clothing into 14 seperate piles of outfits (will only be shorts and t-shirt probably) and bung into the bags. I think that will be worthwhile as it will mean a very quick unpack when arrived at our villa (throw each bag into the drawer) and a very quick grab of the outfits each morning before leaving. It also means I can ask my husband to get him dressed and will know that his outfit will be suitable.
If anyone has any more info./tipsI would be really grateful

 

[Richard Bruvofetc]

Hmmmm...I think I'll get some of those for my wife. That would save me at least 2 hours a day.

...and if I got some for my teenage daughter as well - WOOHOO!! I'd have more time in my day than I could swing a cat at.

 

[Hilary]

Hmmmm...I think I'll get some of those for my wife. That would save me at least 2 hours a day.

...and if I got some for my teenage daughter as well - WOOHOO!! I'd have more time in my day than I could swing a cat at.

They can't possibly make ziplock bags big enough for that kind of packing!

I use them for packing underwear - I squash the air out and it seems to save a bit of space - as it's easy to just throw the bags in the drawer when we get to the hotel, and it's easy to see when there's a call for a laundry visit!

Get the bags with a slide fastening, not the ones that just stick together at the top

 

[pospisil]

I tried this method for myself and DS4 last year (DH fended for himself), and loved the way it worked out. Basically you just pack a complete change of clothes in a ziploc bag, one for each day. My clothes took a 2 gallon bag, but DS's fit easliy in the 1 gallon size. It was soooo easy to just grab a bag, and have shorts, shirt, underwear, and socks ready for each day. To me, it was easier to pack, too, because I didn't have to remember how many of each thing (underwear, etc,) that I had packed, I just put one of each in a bag, then counted the bags as I threw them in the suitcase. And DS could get all his clothes and dress himself in morning with no help from anyone.

I tried to put a picture of a ziploc bag on here, but can't figure out how. I don't think it would HAVE to be a ziplock, though, you just need a way to keep each days' clothes together.

www.ziploc.com

 

[spaceacewannabe]

Sorry for a daft question, but whats a ziplock bag. I've heard people mention putting cameras and valuables in them on the water rides. Are they the ones where you squeeze the air out of to squash them when packing?

I'm not from the UK, but I found this searching for packing ideas and I thought I'd throw out my best description of a ziploc...
Ziploc, as you can probably see through the link on the previous post, makes plastic bags---sandwich, freezer, etc. They really have quite a variety of sizes and thickness of material. On the top of the bag, there's either a plastic "zipper" type mechanism, or two grooved pieces of plastic that you press together and it stays shut (sometimes not as well as others).

I've packed in ziplocs, but not by outfit before (thinking of trying it this year!). I do it because I don't want any TSA inspector poking through my clothes after having poked through someone else's (possibly less than clean) items. Blech.

Anyway, you can push the air out, although if you try to cram to much in and then push the air out to make space, the bags sometimes pop (I'm guilty of this). I'm thinking of just putting it in a clear plastic (clean) garbage bag. So really, any clear bag that's large enough would do the trick if you don't mind if it's sealed or not.

Hope this helps and I'm not intruding too much!

 

[Lizzy Lemon]

Thanks for the info, I now know what fanny packs, fountain drinks and ziplock bags are. And I thought going to the USA would be no language barrier

 

[Karrie]

Thanks for the info, I now know what fanny packs, fountain drinks and ziplock bags are. And I thought going to the USA would be no language barrier

 

[Ziggy]

What happens if the child spills food down their clothes, does that not upset the organising?

 

[carolfoy]

Personally I use one of those canvas sweater shelf things and put 2 outfits in each one, you just take them out of the case hang it up and everythings is all neat and tidy, then worn clothes get put straight into the suitcase, very easy!

 

[Minniespal]

I usually buy ziplock bags whilst in the USA. Will use them to pack shampoo, conditioner, generally things that could leak and cause damage whilst in transit.

 

[Miffy2003]

I just pack tops and shorts that all go together so I don't have to make too many choices

 

[Suzyq9241]

But I did it that way for my upcoming trip (august) Yes I packed early....

 

[paulh]

They can't possibly make ziplock bags big enough for that kind of packing!

I use them for packing underwear -

only one pair neaded turn them insideout after a week and they will be fine
Paulh

 

[Richard Bruvofetc]

only one pair neaded turn them insideout after a week and they will be fine
Paulh

Don't forget to throw them at the wall after the first week.....if they stick, you'll need a clean pair!

 

[paulh]

Don't forget to throw them at the wall after the first week.....if they stick, you'll need a clean pair!

i only do that with socks as people see them
Paulh

 

[fizz13]

This has always seemed like a good idea and i could do it for the kids, but as for me, I'm too indecisive to limit myself like that. A girl needs options you know Good idea though,