Dumb question about ziplock bags

[nemomama]

Hi...sorry if this is a dumb question but I'm new to all of this! I keep reading about people using ziplock bags to pack...is this to be able to fit more stuff in your suitcase? If so does this really work? Or is it to keep clothes from wrinkling? Or to take along as a spare outfit to the parks that won't get wet?
Sorry and thanks in advance to anyone who can unconfuse me!

 

[scanmom]

They are super convienient. They help keep the suitcases organized, plus you can pack a whole outfit in each bag so the wearer doesn't have to rifle through everything to find things that match. This is especially helpful with small children who seem to want to wear mismatched outfits. I love having my toothbrushes safely packed so they don't get on everything else. I pack all the hair accessories in 1 bag etc.

 

[rflorek]

It's also great with the new terrorism security checks. If your bag is one of the bags selected for the random search, al of your items are in clear bags, so it's easier for them to see what you're packing, and less chance that things will get lost or "messed up" when being replaced.

Robyn

 

[byrdsnest]

It is also a great way to get the kids ready while you are! Throw them a bag with their name on it-with shirt, shorts, undies, socks and hair thingies. They can get ready w/o tearing thru the suitcase and little guidance from you! Plus, my girls use their bags with their name on it to collect the treasures from the day and everyone knows whose is whose.

 

[pumpkinfish]

Just be careful though, you can easily pack a lot more in your bags and it could exceed weight limits.

But yes, this is a first time ziploc bag user and I have so much room left!!!

 

[LindsayDunn228]

I have a Ziploc question:

How on earth are ADULTS fitting their clothes into Ziploc bag without them being horrible wrinkled?! I wouid LOVE to have more room in my suitcase but I don't know where you guys are finding bags large enough to put adult-sized clothes.

 

[TeresaMc]

I recently got 2.5 gallon at Target....haven't used them yet but they are BIG!!!! Probably won't hold an adult pair of jeans and a sweatshirt, but most outfits should be fine.

 

[DizzKneeLand]

When I pack I tend to roll my shirrts and my pants if possible - I think it cuts down on wrinkles. And I think rolled shorts and shirt and extras would fit into a gallon or 2 gallon ziplock - even adult clothes.

DizzKnee

 

[KatieKate16]

Keep my 800 sp film in them (out of the canisters) for airport security hand check.
Have empties in the parks for drink cups and/or straws that dd wants to keep...also any unfinished chips/pretzels/meal leftovers that will keep. Someone always wants a snack later!
First aid supplies, snacks, autograph book w/ pen, change for the washing machines.

 

[pumpkinfish]

I was able to roll all my outfits! It also helps when traveling during warmer times, because all my stuff is smaller. I only wear tanks, capris/shorts, skirts and take a sundress. Also I wear my jeans and l/s tee down there (just in case). I also love my zip-up hoodie sweaters and can easily throw one of those on if it is chilly inside resturants or attractions

 

[nemomama]

Thanks guys! I really appreciate all these great hints. Good point about the random bag searches...I hate coming home after a trip to find that sticker on your bag that they went through it!
Thanks again!

 

[gary4jenn]

I tried the ziploc bag idea on my last trip in December and loved it! Since I start packing the moment I book my trip (yes-it's 9 months away and each kid has 7 new complete outfits packed), it helps keep me organized.

I love getting my stuff at The Children's Place so I can get the same exact outfits for my girls in different sizes becasue they look so nice when they have their picture taken and if one gets separated we have an exact duplicate outfit on the other one so it's easier to locate her-just in case).

So I can look through my suitcase and know what I've got and what I need.

Then when I unpack at the resort- I pick a drawer for each child and just throw the bags for each their drawer. So much easier in the AM when trying to get out the door and to a park.

I put the shirt, bottoms, underwear, socks and matching hair accessory in each bag and lable the outside of each bag with the child's name.

Walmart has also had the 2.5 gallon bags as well and they are nice for more clothing.

And since the bags only had clean clothing in them, I would use them to put sandwiches in them for the day, or to bring home wet swimsuits home in the suitcase, etc.

 

[quiltymom]

I've been using the large zip lock bags since the 1980's when I travelled a lot for work. It made the constant packing and unpacking a breeze! I still pack by type (shirts, pants, shorts, etc.) but I think that I will now use the packing one bag of clothing per day tip. I wish that I would've used it during our recent trip to WDW, especially about repacking clothes back into the same bag that evening. If I had only done that every day, I would've spent more of my free time swimming with my family rather than packing to go home! I'm going to be sure to do that our next trip to WDW -- hopefully in 2-1/2 years! At least that's what DH has agreed to, before our DS turns 10.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

It's also great with the new terrorism security checks. If your bag is one of the bags selected for the random search, al of your items are in clear bags, so it's easier for them to see what you're packing, and less chance that things will get lost or "messed up" when being replaced.

Robyn

I used the ziploc bag method and we WERE one of the families whose suitcases were searched. They leave a little note in the top of the bag to tell you. DH thought the people searching must have thought I was nuts when they saw all those ziploc bags filled with clothes.

 

[juliesue]

I never thought of packing clothes in them, but it makes sense. We take them to use for the 100 other things that need to go in them.

Let's see....
toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo so it doesn't leak in the suitcase, razors, laundry tablets, dryer sheets, place to put half-eaten suckers and other candy, place to keep little pieces from toys purchased, hand wipes or sanitizer, wet swimsuits for the trip home, etc.... If you don't use them all, they are very small and not hard to find a place for in the suitcase.

In the parks, we always carry enough of the bigger size to put the camera in when it looks like rain. Our camera case is not completely watertight, and we have been caught in some downpours. Also, we keep autograph books in them too for the same reason. These are just too precious to let the rain ruin them. I usually have a small bottle of sunscreen in one too. It only takes one leak in the fanny pack for you to learn that one!

 

[tigeress2474]

New here this is my first post.
Just wanted to say thanks for the tip on useing these bags. I never would of thought of them. We have 29 days before our trip and it looks like I will be here most of the time reading

Jennifer

 

[oogieboogie]

I always take quart size ziploc bag to the parks to put my camera in when riding wet rides, like Kali or Splash. That way, even if my fanny pack/back pack gets wet, I know my camera, batteries, and memory cards won't get wet. Use a gallon size one for your guidebook/passporter, etc.

On the last day when my kids want to take one last swim, the bag comes in handy, because I can just throw their wet swimsuit in there and pack it up. Or for when you go to AK and want to ride Kali, but want to take a nice dry change of clothes. Once you ride Kali, then whip out the dry clothes and put the wet clothes in the bag.

I put shampoo, toothpaste & sunscreen in one bag, soap in a sandwich size bag, and laundry detergent & dryer sheets in another bag. That way, if something explodes or gets crush, it'll be contained in the bag.

2.5 gallon bags are great for clothes. Hefty makes them with the slide lock so I put the clothes in, slide the bag almost closed, then roll and squeeze all the air out, then totally close it. Works wonderfully and very little wrinkles. If it does get wrinkled, then just hang it on a hanger and let it steam while you're in the shower.

I love ziploc bags. I have a box in the car at all times because I also use them as barf bags for the kids. It's so much easier for the kids and since it's contained, there's no smell or leaks.

 

[Okiemom]

Do you guys use them for your own Clothes? My "kids" are all teenagers, and my 15 year old son is already 5"9. Do you do the olders kids is zip bags too?

 

[Forevryoung]

Okie, Im 20 and I am planning on doing this whole ziplock thing! I can't wait to pack and in the morning I wont have to sit there going "If I wear this today... and I can wear these shorts again on ___" Besides, then I wont have to go looking for a bra to fit under x shirt and socks that match.

 

[Daisy'sMom]

My aunt has been using ziploc bags for a while now to put her undies in at least so the security people aren't touching them when they look through her suitcase. So even if you can't/don't put your shirt and shorts in a baggie, I would pack your undies away.