space savers

[pppiglet]

Does anyone know if you can use regular 2gal ziploc bags instead of the Spacesavers for packing? Do they work as well?
Seems like it's a lot of money for plastics bags to buy the spacesavers.

 

[CM_Mom]

I don't see why not. I've never used the spacesavers but seems to me they would cause LOTS of wrinkling so it isn't worth it.

I may give DH some for a "Christmas present" so I can use them to pack blankets, and that type of stuff in the closet better but I wouldn't take them on a trip.

To me the main thing for packing is to be sure you don't pack too much.

One ziploc idea is that if you have small children, pack a complete outfit including underwear in individual bags so the children just have to "grab a bag" to have everything they need to put on.

 

[hopelea]

I HAD two spacesaver bags.........mine didn't work well. I loved them at first. The first use was wonderful for blakets, but then when I unpacked them and wanted to put them back in, they didn't work as well.

I packed my dd's clothes in ziploc bags for the cruise and it worked just as well. I just squeezed the air out and we didn't have a problem. I will be doing it again in April!!

 

[mmouse37]

I always use the 2 1/2 gallon bags for packing...they are wonderful. The plastic is more pliable than the space saver packing bags. We use the ones with the purple closure....they are called Hefty OneZips and are 2 1/2 gallon size.

I have used them on our last several trips and they work great....much cheaper than those space savers bags!!!

MJ

 

[TheGottis]

My husband is in the military and routinely goes out to the 'field' for training exercises. He is able to pack one full BDU (camo uniform), socks and under garments into each 2 1/2 gal bag. They stay dry and fairly unwrinkled (with some practice). They are easy 'grab-n-go' for him on the run and to toss in his flight bag.

If you can put them to use, then GO FOR IT!

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Another vote for the 2 1/2 gallon hefty bags!! I first used them on the advice of the disboard members many years ago. They fit an outfit for each of my DD's from the socks to the headband or bow.

Just toss them the bag and your done.

Zip them up 80 Percent of the way and roll to get the air out.

They are a life saver. Grab and go.

 

[pppiglet]

All right! Thank you......you all just saved me lots of money! (money I can use for those nice coffee drinks on the ship!) I figured even if I can just get all the underwear, socks, and bras in those and squish out all the air it should save lots of space.

 

[tkd lisa]

I swear by the zip lock bags. I have some of the space savers that I got as a "gift" from my credit card company. I use them for blankets and big things, but for packing, the zip locks work just as well. I can't tell you how nice it is to just hand the kids a bag, and everything is all coordinated. One thing to watch out for is weight though. Once the air is squeezed out, you can pack a lot more into a suitcase, and it might be over the airlines limit (not to mention the limit of your arm!)

The first time I tried to use the ziplocks, I couldn't figure out how to get the air out. I zipped it most of the way closed, stuck a straw in the hole and sucked out the air. It was the funniest thing!!! Finally, I figured out all you have to do it sit on them, and that works a lot better!

 

[pppiglet]

Tkd lisa...thanks for that tip about sitting on them. Can't wait to see the look on my DH face when I do that!