How to Use Vacuum-Seal Bags for Storing Clothes
If you’re like most people, you could probably use a little bit more closet space at home. Since adding more closets probably isn’t an option, the next best thing is to store your clothing more efficiently so that you get the most out of your existing space. That’s where vacuum-sealed bags come into play.
Storing clothing using vacuum-sealed bags will not only provide excellent space-saving capabilities, but it will also offer protection against dust and other environmental factors. This makes it the perfect solution for storing winter clothes. If you have never used vacuum-sealed bags before, this guide will showcase some best practices and pro tips to help you maximize the benefits of your vacuum storage bags.
How to Use Vacuum-Sealed Bags for Clothes
Using vacuum-sealed bags is simple. In most cases, all you need besides the product is a standard vacuum cleaner hose. Here’s a better idea of how it works.
1. Prep Your Clothes – Make sure that all the clothing you want to store is clean and dry. Storing completely dry clothes is crucial, as this will prevent mold or mildew growth. You'll also want to make sure your clothing is neatly folded to maximize available space.
2. Prep the Bag – Open the bag by gently pulling the two sides apart. Place the empty bag on a flat surface, like a bed, sofa, table, or on the floor. Be sure the valve/lid is facing up!
3. Pack Your Clothes – Place your folded clothing into the bag. Be sure not to overstuff it. Only fill the bag to the printed “fill line” located near the top/zipper. Then, slide the zipper across the top of the bag to close it.
4. Open the Valve – Open the valve cap. Place the vacuum hose over the valve, making sure it’s firmly in place over the center of the valve. Note that irregular hose shapes, like those on “Dustbuster” style vacuums, will most likely not work.
5. Start Vacuuming – Turn on your vacuum. The bag should begin to flatten/shrink as air is removed. This may take a couple minutes depending on the size of the bag. Once the bag stops shrinking, you can turn the vacuum off and close the valve.
Vacuum-Seal Bag Advantages
Saves Space
Naturally, the number one advantage of using vacuum-sealed bags is the space saving capability. When your bags are vacuum-sealed and decompressed correctly, you give yourself four times (4X) the storage space in your closet, dresser, or wardrobe box!
Protects Your Clothing
An underrated part of using vacuum seal bags is the protection they provide against temperature changes, dust, dirt, and even pests. Whitmore space saver bag are five layers thick and waterproof, so you can rest assured your wardrobe is protected!
Improves Organization
Compressed clothing is much easier to store, therefore it’s easier to organize as well. Plus, the see-through plastic and various bag sizes makes it easier to group similar items together while ensuring an effortless retrieval when these items are needed in the future.
Best Practices
- While using vacuum storage bags may seem simple, it's important to remember a few key tips to make the most out of them.
- Only store clean and dry clothing.
- Avoid overstuffing your bags – use multiple bags instead.
- Do not fill the bag past the printed fill line at the top.
- Avoid folding or bending the zipper too much, as it will eventually lose its sealing properties.
- Only store clothes that won’t be damaged by compression.
- Store vacuum bags in a cool, dry place.
- Check your sealed bags periodically for leaks – consider refreshing every so often.
Common Uses
Storing Winter Clothes
Using vacuum sealed bags for packing and storing your bulky winter clothes over the summer is a great way to make winter clothes storage more manageable.
Packing Clothes for Moving
Compressing your clothes using vacuum storage bags is an excellent way to efficiently pack your moving boxes. Learn more about packing clothes for moving.
Packing Clothes for Travel
We’ve all been there – sitting on our suitcase, desperately trying to fit every last thing inside. Avoid the struggle by shrinking everything down to a more manageable size.
Storing Sentimental Clothes
We all have those t-shirts that we don’t wear, but just can’t stand to part with. Instead of leaving them to collect dust and take up valuable space, compress them into a single, stackable bag.
Protecting Formal Attire
Saving a wedding dress for a family member? Or trying to keep a three-piece suit pristine? Protect it in durable plastic while it sits in the closet or attic.
Now that you know the basics for using vacuum-sealed storage bags, it’s time to pack and store your clothes like a pro. U-Haul proudly offers Whitmore space saver bag for efficient clothes storage, whether it’s at home, in a U-Box® container, or a self-storage facility.
Get yours today and enjoy same-day shipping or free in-store pickup!