I'm a packing with the ziploc bags convert!

[foxfire]

Before we left, I posted that I had never used the bags for packing but was using them for our trip last week. I promised to report back on how they worked for me.

THEY WORKED GREAT!!!

Honestly, I have never had as few wrinkles in clothes as I did using this method. I very carefully folded everything before putting it in the bag & I packed up to three tees per bag. Then, I sucked all the air out with a straw...and a big thanks to the poster that provided that tip! After the bag was deflated as much as possible, I smoothed over the surface on both sides to remove any folds or potential wrinkle causers that I noticed. It was so easy to unpack & put things in drawers at the resort. I left the clothes in the bags, then each night took out the tees, jeans or shorts we would wear the next day, & hung them on a rack. By morning, any small wrinkles had fallen out. I think I'll look into buying stock in the Ziploc company because, from now on, I will always be using them to pack!

 

[Debi]

I'll be trying the Ziploc trick for the first time later this month. What size Ziploc bag did you use?

 

[foxfire]

Debi -

I used the 2 1/2 gal. bags for our clothes and the one gal. size for socks and undies. I hope you like this method as much as I do. I think the trick is to fold things very carefully, then get as much air out as possible...good luck to you!

 

[deanna2426]

How do you suck the air out with a straw?

Thanks!

 

[foxfire]

I pressed as much air out as I could with my hands and zipped the bag to within about a half inch from the end. Then, I stuck a straw through the opening and sucked the air up through it. It sounds so weird describing it but it really gets out the last remaining air and the bag is very tight. I sometimes had to do this several times to one bag until I got all that air out. I hope I explained it okay.

 

[tracy76]

I think I'll try that for my trip in July. Since I'm packing for 4 of us.. Seems like it would also makes lots of room to pack more or combine 2 people in one suitcase. Thanks for the tip, I'll be sure to report back.

Tracy

 

[SunshineKathie]

I'm going to try this method for the first time for our Disneymoon. I have heard its hard to find the 2 gallons so I best start looking now.

 

[kjs1976]

If you all like this method so well, may I suggest the actual luggage bags that are meant for this purpose...I believe Samsonite makes the version I use? Same priciple...you pack your clothing in them carefully, then roll out the air through the end in their own patented baggage method. Every time I've used them our clothes come out with nary a wrinkle! And they come in three sizes so they are good for more clothing or pieces such as pants. I bought mine at Linens and Things and I've even seen them at Wal-Mart and Target. Then you don't have to suck the air out with a straw....unless that is something you like to do!!!!

 

[scouthawkk]

If you all like this method so well, may I suggest the actual luggage bags that are meant for this purpose...I believe Samsonite makes the version I use? Same priciple...you pack your clothing in them carefully, then roll out the air through the end in their own patented baggage method. Every time I've used them our clothes come out with nary a wrinkle! And they come in three sizes so they are good for more clothing or pieces such as pants. I bought mine at Linens and Things and I've even seen them at Wal-Mart and Target. Then you don't have to suck the air out with a straw....unless that is something you like to do!!!!

i also saw a colman version in the outdoor/camping department at target a couple weeks ago. i plan to try them out for our trip in august. anything to save room. by the way, dh sucks the air out of ziplocks when storing/freezing food all the time. no straw! it is pretty funny. he leaves about half an inch in the middle of the bag open, squeezes out as much air as he can at first, then puts his lips to the bag and just sucks the rest of the air out. i have tried doing this, i guess i'm just not talented enough, because it never works for me .

 

[loveBond]

i also saw a colman version in the outdoor/camping department at target a couple weeks ago. i plan to try them out for our trip in august. anything to save room. by the way, dh sucks the air out of ziplocks when storing/freezing food all the time. no straw! it is pretty funny. he leaves about half an inch in the middle of the bag open, squeezes out as much air as he can at first, then puts his lips to the bag and just sucks the rest of the air out. i have tried doing this, i guess i'm just not talented enough, because it never works for me .

I love the ideas! I bot the 2.5 gallon Hefty zip kind @ Target yesterday, almost missed 'em...didn't think they had them and then I find 'em! Don't know how I could've overlooked 'em-it's a HUGE box!

I have some the Samsonite travel bags (DH got me some for Christmas, they came w/the big ones that you use your vacuum w/@ Bed Bath & Beyond) that you roll-haven't tried them yet, but plan on doing as well as the zip's.

I hope it works! I hate wrinkles--of all types!
V-

 

[DisneyTeasers]

We learned about this idea before our last WDW trip in 2003 for our then 3yo DS's clothes. We put entire outfits together in 1 gallon ziploc bags, extra undies, socks, shorts, shirt. In the morning, he could just pick out a pack of clothes to wear for the day and we'd throw an extra one in the tote bag for any "accidents" during the day. An added bonus is that there was a place to keep the wet/dirty clothes if we had to change.

I think I might try that with Mom and Dad's clothes this July!!

 

[FTWFAN]

I do this for my DS/9 and DD/7 when we go on vacation, they go to camp, spend the night with a friend, etc. They are very independant and like to pick out their own clothes. This way I have prior knowledge that they will come out with matching clothes each morning. I pack shorts, t-shirt, undies(& hair access for DD), one for each change. This also keeps clothes from getting scattered everywhere when they are trying to decide. All they have to do is pick up a bag, if they don't like whats in that bag, choose another.
It has worked out great for us!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now I just wish there was a bag large enough for DH!!!!!!!

 

[luvmyfam444]

I tried the ziplocs 1 trip (NOT WDW) & it didn't work for me.....I have too many clothes that mix n match----I pretty much wear 1 pair of shorts 3 or 4 days (if they aren't dirty!) & then we often wear socks more than 1 time & the hairbows go with several outfits....

SO NEEdless to say I ended up rummaging thru each of the Ziplocs & it seemed to be such a waste of $...BESIDES I'm a plus size & my jeans don't fit in those bags!!!!

BUT please share if you know how to make that system work for me---or know of something else that would work....

 

[lab_girl]

..In the morning, he could just pick out a pack of clothes to wear for the day and we'd throw an extra one in the tote bag for any "accidents" during the day. An added bonus is that there was a place to keep the wet/dirty clothes if we had to change...

EXCELLENT idea...our DS will be almost 2 when we go and if he is anything like his sister ANY help with speeding up the 'getting dressed' time of the day will be GREAT!


I LOVE smilies!!!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

The ziploc bag packing tip was the best I ever got. We never had such an easy time getting the kids dressed as we did last vacation. I put everything in their bag - clothes, underwear, sock and even hair accessory for dds. The only thing we had to get out was the shoes (which were in the $ store shoe rack - another dis board tip). DH thought I was nuts when I first told him about it now he tells everyone how organized it made things and has even asked me when I need to go and get the bags for this years trip!

 

[Sammy]

Used the "Ziploc packing method" for the first time during our 9/2000 trip. All three kids were under the age of 10, so having an individual outfit in each ziploc bag was a time-saver and a rummage-through-the-drawers-for-an-outfit saver too! Now, they are 15, 13 and 9.....the only one I can still Ziploc complete outfits for is the youngest. I still pack everyone's undies/socks and "unmentionables" in ziplocs....just not the outfits. And instead of the straw-sucking, I just zip the bag mostly closed, leaving a small opening, then roll from the bottom and while rolled, zip up the remaining opening. Pull open & smooth flat. No sucking required!!

 

[susieeQ]

I found the 2.5 gallon bags at Kroger grocery store. They have their own brand of bags and they worked fine for me. I rolled my t shirts and still had no wrinkles!

Susieeq

 

[powellrj]

we have been using the ziploc method for several years. Its part of our routine. Instead of using a straw, I just have the kids sit on each bag and zip it while they are sitting on the bag. Its also great to keep the dirty clothes from the clean clothes when packing for home.

My oldest DS is in the army and travels around the world and he too is a ziploc packer!!

 

[VickiVM]

I tried the ziplocs 1 trip (NOT WDW) & it didn't work for me.....I have too many clothes that mix n match----I pretty much wear 1 pair of shorts 3 or 4 days (if they aren't dirty!) & then we often wear socks more than 1 time & the hairbows go with several outfits....

SO NEEdless to say I ended up rummaging thru each of the Ziplocs & it seemed to be such a waste of $...BESIDES I'm a plus size & my jeans don't fit in those bags!!!!

BUT please share if you know how to make that system work for me---or know of something else that would work....

Roll your outfits/jeans in your suitcase. Instead of folding, roll then carefully and smooth out wrinkles as you go. This eliminates many wrinkles and is a space saver in your suitcase/bag.

 

[VickiVM]

I tried the ziplocs 1 trip (NOT WDW) & it didn't work for me.....I have too many clothes that mix n match----I pretty much wear 1 pair of shorts 3 or 4 days (if they aren't dirty!) & then we often wear socks more than 1 time & the hairbows go with several outfits....

SO NEEdless to say I ended up rummaging thru each of the Ziplocs & it seemed to be such a waste of $...BESIDES I'm a plus size & my jeans don't fit in those bags!!!!

BUT please share if you know how to make that system work for me---or know of something else that would work....

Roll your outfits/jeans in your suitcase. Instead of folding, roll them carefully and smooth out wrinkles as you go. This eliminates many wrinkles and is a space saver in your suitcase/bag.