Although the concept of food-saving vacuum sealers has been around, modern vacuum-seal bags may not be the go-to storage solution.
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As a professional organizer, I’ve frequently encountered inquiries about the functionality of vacuum-seal bags, what items are suitable for storage in them, and whether they are worth investing in.
In this guide, you’ll discover various ways to utilize this ingenious invention to minimize clutter in your home and maximize available space.
Guide to Vacuum-Seal Bags
Vacuum sealer bags are typically constructed from durable and flexible polypropylene plastic, making them ideal for storing soft items for extended periods.
However, it’s important to note that these bags should not be used to store hard items or objects with sharp edges, as they can puncture the plastic. Some vacuum bags feature a max-fill line that should be followed to ensure a proper seal and prevent the bag from reopening after closing.
To fill and compress a Vacuum-Seal Bag, fill it up to the designated line and seal it with the sliding zip tab.
Firmly press the hose of your vacuum against the valve opening on the bag (you may need an attachment) and turn on the vacuum. Depending on the bag’s size, it usually takes just a few seconds to a minute to remove excess air and compress the bag and its contents.
While the vacuum is working, gently press the outside of the bag to keep it as flat as possible for efficient storage.
Store all vacuum sealer bags in a cool, dry place to maintain their quality.
For long-term storage, it’s recommended to release the air from the bags and reseal them every few months.
Storage uses for vacuum-seal bags
Here are some storage uses for vacuum-seal bags:.
Off-Season Clothing: Use vacuum-seal bags to store off-season clothing and create more space in your closet or dresser.
Keep items organized by category, such as swimsuits, and sweaters, and label the bags for easy identification. You can also pack a bag with vacation clothes for easy access when needed.
Extra Linens: Maximize space in your linen closet by storing bulky bedding, comforters, quilts, and pillows in extra-large vacuum bags.
This is particularly useful for heavy or holiday-themed blankets and flannel sheets during the warmer months. Consider placing them in a labeled fabric basket for a neat and organized linen storage solution.
Soft Sentimental Items: Preserve sentimental items like T-shirts, special occasion attire, or costumes that hold nostalgic value.
Vacuum-seal bags help save space, allowing you to keep these items without cluttering your closet. Remember to label the bags, store them away from heat and humidity, and periodically reseal them.
Hand-Me-Downs: Use airtight bags to store outgrown items that you may want to pass on to future children or grandchildren.
Label the bags or stack them in a labeled tote, categorized by size, from newborn to 4T and beyond.
Stuffed Animals: Vacuum-seal bags are handy for organizing stuffed animals, especially if your children have an abundance of them.
Consider using a bag for each child and label the outside with their names. Ensure that you avoid placing stuffed animals with hard features that could puncture the bags.
Traveling: Small vacuum-seal bags can be useful for travel.
Sort outfits or separate tops from bottoms and pajamas, then lay them flat inside your suitcase. This allows you to save space and accommodate multiple pairs of shoes.
Moving: Vacuum-seal bags can be an effective way to transport clothing during a move.
Place them in suitcases or totes, or use bags with hangers for garment boxes. This can potentially save trips and reduce costs.
After the move, reuse the bags for storage or neatly fold and store them with related items.
When purchasing vacuum sealer bags, read reviews to ensure their quality and durability.
Consider the volume of items you plan to store to determine the appropriate bag size. Variety packs are available to accommodate a range of items, from small onesies to large bedspreads.
If you need a significant quantity of bags, buying in bulk can be a cost-effective option.
*The information is for reference only.