Packing with ZipLock Bags???

[MushyMushy]

Your outfits can. Target, Walmart and others sell 2.5 gallon zip lock bags. These things are huge.

However, there is a risk. After you squeze the air out you can get a lot of these bags in your suitcase. It it's a big suitcase you can easily go over the airlines 50 lb weight limit.

When we drove down, I tried using the ziplocks like space bags, but every time I got the air sucked out of them and zipped them up, they would fill with air within an hour or so. How did you manage to use them without them filling back up with air?

 

[disgram]

I had never thought of useing ziplocs for traveling until a disasterous trip to my son's last summer. The security people picked my luggage to go through. The guard took everything out and there was my undies flying all over the airport!!!!! He had his hands on everything!!!! When I told my DD-L about it, she suggested using the ziplocs. So this trip to WDW next month, I will have everything in ziplocs! Then I want to see that man's face when he can't touch it all!!!!

PS....... By the way, I am one of those people who gets stopped everytime I have to pass through security for some reason!!!!

 

[TikiGoddess]

When I first read about this on these boards I thought that was packing for the super anal retentive, but I acquiesced and tried it for my boys and it was great. I packed their outfits for each day and labeled who they were for and what day it was for and it worked wonderfully. I like to dress them in similar outfits because it makes keeping an eye on them easier. The best part of it was that my colorblind husband could dress them while I got ready and they didn't look like a drunk clown did it. I'd highly recommend it. Oh, and we used the ziplocs for lots of other purposes once that outfit and had been worn. It worked great for wet clothes after Donald's boat etc.

 

[JerseyGirl1972]

I have been using ziploc bags for a while now. When my older kids were little and we were traveling during potty training they were great in case of accidents. Kept the smell in the bag at least until we had a chance to wash them out. I would also put the stained clothes if someone spilled something I could put some stain fighter on it, didn't have to look through all the clothes, I knew what ever was in a bag had to be sprayed. Love them also for packing toothbrushes that don't fit it the toothbrush holders and anything else that might leak.

 

[fanofdisney]

I use them for toiletries so they don't spill everywhere. I also pack extra socks for all of us (nobody likes wet socks!) to carry at the parks, and stuff my ds5 some extra shorts, undies, and t-shirt in it. I think they take up less room if you roll them. And if you need to use what's in the bag, put the wet things in and seal it up. It works great!

 

[gems_smiling]

Sounds great! I will have my first ziplocing packing experience in the next few weeks when i start to pack for WDW. Never done it before but cant wait. I am ordering the bags from lakeland (i have had real trouble finding Ziploc type bags here in the UK) and need to decide how many i will need. I cant decide if to pack my clothes in types eg shorts in one bag, tops in another etc or pack outfits. What are the dimensions of the bags you use? Just so i can get an idea if I'm ordering the right size. Thank you

 

[mickeyluv'r]

We do a lot with ziplocs. Not everything, but they work well. WE always put liquids/nonsolids like mouthwash and toothpaste in ziplocs. If you've ever had one of these leak in a suitcase....

It is also great for kids' outfits, and even adult outfits. The ziplocs offer some protection from wrinkles for delicate items, like silk. You can take most of the air out too, and they still help.

On the trip, ziplocs can be used for all sorts of things: an instant icepack, dirty laundry, storing leftover food items, water bottles, keeping items seperated, bathing suits that are wet at the end of the vacation, storing delicate items that you bought (plants, for example).

One of the nice features of them is that they are clear, so you can easily see what's in each bag. This may sound obvious, but it can make travel much easier when you're looking for a particular item.

Gallon size bags are probably the most universally useful size.

 

[grampini]

In traveling on business I try to travel LIGHT by miniturizing. I have been using zip-loc bags for years as "secondary containment" for toiletries that (if leaking) could damage clothing or my travel bag.

For this purpose I prefer to use the snack size bags. They're perfect for travel size toothpaste, mouthwash, shaving cream, contact lens parapanellia, etc.

The approach also makes unloading these items from my toiletry bag quick.

 

[tmanaster]

We use them for packing for our 4 kids. It makes the morning so easy to just hand each of the older two a full outfit in a bag and my DH and each grab one for each of our twins. The kids also like helping me pack using them. We leave in a week for our vacation and we will do this again. We also are bringing my 2 nephews (5 and 8) and I told my sis to pack this way for them as well. With 6 kids and 2 adults, we need all the help we can get!!!

 

[TaraPA]

Zip lock bags are also invaluable for motion/air sickness bags!! One of our sons get airsick, car sick & motion sick, so we have them stashed EVERYWHERE and they have come in handy many, many times. How many times has your child gotten sick & you couldn't find any container or bag for them to use? Ziplocks are large enough (I carry gallon-size ones), sturdy (freezer-type are extra tough) and you can zip it shut if you're not in a spot where you can readily dispose of a bag full of vomit! It's not as easy to clean it up when it's on a towel, yourself, in a cardboard popcorn container, a refillable mug, etc!

 

[Deebo]

Sounds great! I will have my first ziplocing packing experience in the next few weeks when i start to pack for WDW. Never done it before but cant wait. I am ordering the bags from lakeland (i have had real trouble finding Ziploc type bags here in the UK) and need to decide how many i will need. I cant decide if to pack my clothes in types eg shorts in one bag, tops in another etc or pack outfits. What are the dimensions of the bags you use? Just so i can get an idea if I'm ordering the right size. Thank you

Gallon size bags measure 10.5 x 11 inches. This size should be fine for a complete kid outfit (or maybe even a complete outfit for a small woman, if wearing shorts that are non-bulky, and not denim).

Two-gallon size measures 13 x 15.5 inches. I find these to be more than adequate for a complete adult outfit (assuming t-shirt and shorts, not jeans and a sweatshirt).

Hope this helps!

 

[PixiePop]

I tried this on our last trip for DS. I LOVED it!!!!! It was so easy just pulling out a bag each day for him. I wish our clothes would fit in one.

 

[yankeepenny]

no matter where we go for a trip, I bring a couple of things
in my on board bag- including underwear in a ziploc bag, because what if the plane got rerouted to god knows where and .......
keeps my mind at ease.

 

[yankeepenny]

Sounds great! I will have my first ziplocing packing experience in the next few weeks when i start to pack for WDW. Never done it before but cant wait. I am ordering the bags from lakeland (i have had real trouble finding Ziploc type bags here in the UK) and need to decide how many i will need. I cant decide if to pack my clothes in types eg shorts in one bag, tops in another etc or pack outfits. What are the dimensions of the bags you use? Just so i can get an idea if I'm ordering the right size. Thank you

Hello from across the pond! Just take a piece of paper from your computer printer, and measure it, gallon size bags are a little large here in the US.
I jsut pulled out he box and it says in metric
" 26.8 x27.9 cm"
hope that helps!

 

[yankeepenny]

Gallon size bags measure 10.5 x 11 inches. This size should be fine for a complete kid outfit (or maybe even a complete outfit for a small woman, if wearing shorts that are non-bulky, and not denim).

Two-gallon size measures 13 x 15.5 inches. I find these to be more than adequate for a complete adult outfit (assuming t-shirt and shorts, not jeans and a sweatshirt).

Hope this helps!

sorry DEEBO, did not see your response.

 

[Leota]

Does that include the coffee maker, Eileen?

Absolutely, my friend, absolutely. I never travel anywhere without my coffee, maker & all.

 

[Jockaroo]

I use the 2 gallon size Zip storage bags to pack my husband's and my outfits for our trips. I can put a pair of bulky men's cargo shorts, XL tee-shirt, men's underwear and pair of socks in a bag easily. My bags pack slightly smaller and I can put in capri's, knit pants, socks, shirts/tanks and undies. Hubby used to dig through the luggage or his clothing drawer each day looking for socks or underwear. Everything got unfolded and wrinkled like you could not imagine. Now I place the folded items in the zip bag, squeeze out some of air and toss into the suitcase. When we arrive, I toss the zip bags in the hotel room dresser and don't need to worry about cleaning drawers. Each morning, we grab the bag of choice and have all our clothes ready. They stay fairly wrinkle-free as well. Got the idea of doing this from the Dis boards. Some of the best travel advice I've ever taken!

We do take a pop-up clothes hamper and allow the dirty clothes to "air-out" overnight. You do not want to pack damp socks in a plastic bag and leave them for several days, because they can mildew and smell bad.

I also store all my toiletries in zip bags.

 

[2tinksmom]

We all put our daily outfits in ziplock bags. It's so easy to unpack...just put the bags in a drawer and when you're done, put the dirty clothes in the bag and toss it in the suitcase! When other families or friends go with us, we tend to all dress the same or coordinating each day. It helps keeping track of everyone! The bags really come in handy. No questioning what to wear that day.
PS...I have been told I should seek counseling, but then I tell them I get my ideas from you guys!!
Michele

 

[Disney Doll]

I use them to pack things that might spill or be wet.

I don't have kids, but if I did, you can bet I'd be packing a complete outfit for each day of the trip into a Ziploc. What a great idea!! Toss the bag at the kid and they can dress themselves!!!

 

[Deebo]

sorry DEEBO, did not see your response.

No problem. The more help, the merrier!!