packing with zip lock bags

[bearloch]

I'm starting to pack and Im starting to use zip lock bags for the outfits but was wondering does packing this way take up more space or less and do the clothes come out wrinckled? thanks

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

I have packed this way recently on extended camping trips in our trailer/etc. Just trying it out before our real vacation trips. LOL

This is what I noticed:
If you pack it wrinkled- it will come out wrinkled even worse. So be careful of how you fold/pack it in the bag. Rolling them up to get all the air out tended to make them wrinkled once the air was out and it was completely closed. So I just improvised and sat a large phone book on them and closed the ziplock. Much better. LOL

They DO allow you to get more in the suitcases! The first time we went camping it took 2 suitcases for all our clothes and "stuff" we needed for a 4 day camping trip. The subsequent times we went and I used the bags- it only took one.

The only other "downside" is that it makes them slippery. LOL Trying to keep the kids clothes seperate while putting them in or taking some out was difficult unless I put them all in at once and such. But not a big deal.

 

[mad4themouse]

I used the 2 gallon Ziplocks for our cruise last month. As long as you squeeze the air out of the bags before sealing, they take up less room. I like the idea of using a phonebook to help flatten them. As far as wrinkles are concerned, I brought a bottle of Downey Wrinkly Release with me and it took care of all but the deepest of creases.

 

[eeyorefanatic]

I packed this way for every Disney trip and for our wedding this past May. Just place the clothes carefully into the bags then I seal them almost all of the way sit on them and seal the last 2" after all the air is out.

It takes up WAY less room and I can just toss a bag to my DH and he is all set and matching

 

[Mark P.]

We found using the zip locks to be a great way of packing, in that it helps in keeping things much more organized.

Just be careful to not over pack with the bags...It may not look like a lot in the suitcase, but the weight adds up!

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

That is what I'm looking forward to on our upcoming family trip to WDW. It sure helped when we went camping! It's SO much better to have an outfit- complete with socks and underwear- ready to just set out (or toss to, LOL) for the kids rather than digging in suitcases for outfits, socks to match, underwear, etc. I'll have it all set up and ready to go... getting everyone dressed will be a cinch this way!

 

[Madi100]

has anyone tried those Samsonite Space Saver bags? I actually thought about buying some of those. And, someone else mentioned it, but if there are new guidelines out, as far as weight goes, is it easy to fill a suitcase heavy when you use the ziplock bags?

 

[madge]

Originally posted by Madi100
has anyone tried those Samsonite Space Saver bags? I actually thought about buying some of those. And, someone else mentioned it, but if there are new guidelines out, as far as weight goes, is it easy to fill a suitcase heavy when you use the ziplock bags?

I just saw some of those on QVC the other day...I was really tempted to buy some. I'd love to hear some reviews, first.

I used the 2 gallon ziploc bags last year, it worked really well! we had a reallly heavy bag, though. I don't know if it was because of the way we packed. I never thought of that. I just chalked it up to having a large suitcase. This year we are going to take smaller bags (but packing the same way )

 

[CarolA]

I have used those Space Saver bags.

They do work, but the seals are VERY weak. Halfway thru the trip they started leaking which made the bags expand. I don't think I would recommend them.

 

[Mark P.]

Not sure if this is a newer, bigger size of zip-lock...

Our local ShopRite had Hefty 2.5 Gallon bags with the 'Zipper Lock', which gives a better seal compared to the press together lock that the Glad 2 Gallon bags we've used have.

 

[CarolA]

I went to FOUR stores today before I found the 2.5 Gallon bags at Walmart. (Never found the 2 gallon) I am using them for a trip to Turkey next week.

 

[madge]

Originally posted by CarolA
I went to FOUR stores today before I found the 2.5 Gallon bags at Walmart. (Never found the 2 gallon) I am using them for a trip to Turkey next week.

I had to read that 3 times before I figured out that you are using the bags for a TRIP to Turkey next week, not FOR a turkey next week....LOL...I couldn't figure out how you were going to cook a turkey in a ziploc and what it had to do with packing

I think I need to go to bed

 

[msdis]

Madge-ROFLOL

 

[DznyDreams]

Originally posted by CarolA
I have used those Space Saver bags.

They do work, but the seals are VERY weak. Halfway thru the trip they started leaking which made the bags expand. I don't think I would recommend them.

I totally agree with CarolA. I have these bags, and for the money, they're not worth it. My SpaceSavers leaked too! I plan to stick with ziplocks in the future.

 

[TimNDansMom]

I used Zip Loc bags for my last trip as I took a carry-on bag and thought that it would be easier at security check at the airport. It worked out great and my clothes remained neatly packed after the check.

 

[missypie]

My DH already thinks I'm a nut when it comes to packing - wait till he sees me pull out the zip lock bags for the next trip!!!