Before
Before
I have been fighting a losing battle with the linen closet for a while now. It was so full that it didn’t seem to matter how much straightening I did. Towels, sheets, blankets and tote bags were falling out all over. I spotted some Space Bags while at Marshall’s a few weeks ago and couldn’t get them out of my mind! Finally I went on Amazon and ordered a set. I got 5 jumbo, 4 large and 2 medium bags, as well as 3 of the roll up bags for $34.
Space bag pre-vacuum
Space Bags are heavy duty plastic storage bags you vacuum the air out of. They compress things down, making them easier to store. The roll up bags are meant for travel – you remove the air from them by rolling them.
The bags were easy to use. We filled them to the fill line, zipped them and then held the vacuum hose to the nozzle in the bag. It sucked the air out and quickly compressed the bags down. It was actually quite amazing how much space we saved – it reduced it by about 2/3, which is a significant difference when you’re tight on space!
We used 4 space bags and have tons left for future use. They were very easy to pack and shrink. They’re waterproof and reusable and also airtight. It’s a great solution if you need to store something in an attic or basement. I can also see using these to
Space bag after vacuum
store winter clothes if you are pressed for space.
The bags solved my closet problem. I had lots of blankets, comforters, mattress pads, pillows and sheets that we don’t use but I can’t bring myself to get rid of. No one likes flannel sheets, but I keep them thinking “What if we lost power for a week and were cold?” I also can’t help but think that my kids will soon be going out on their own and they will want to have extra blankets and pillows, so it seems like a waste to get rid of them!
As you can see, the space bags made my closet much easier to organize. The things we don’t use are now in the bags, compressed down and completely contained, leaving room to neatly stack sheets and towels we do use. Nothing is falling off the shelves and I can see everything now.
I did do a little purging. We donated some of the tote bags I always seem to have too many of, as well as two pillows. I had been hoarding those plastic zipper
After!
bags sheet sets come in, but I threw out a ton of those. Now that I have Space Bags, I don’t need them.
After!
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As you know, we have a really tiny space, so maybe we should try these. My husband suggested them, but I was waiting to hear from someone I knew who had used them.
I’m really happy with them so far. We even did one, then opened it up to see what condition the stuff was in. It was fine. I think this might be great for you.
Do yourself a favor, Brette, and purge some more. You are NOT going to use those extras. Donate donate donate….I am getting to be a purge pro! (it requires a lot of practice).
Good suggestion. I’ve seen these, but never thought of using them. Great for small spaces!
I’m giving serious thought to doing seasonal wardrobe rotation using these. Right now everything is stuffed in my closet.
I can’t bring myself to do it all yet Maggi. I’ve got a daughter in her twenties who may be moving out for med school soon. I’m keeping extras for her. I still remember how helpful it was to get so many of my parents’ cast-offs when I moved out.
If your heart feels open to it, please donate your extra linens to an animal shelter near you. They could desperately use them. Thanks!! PS- LOVE space bags.
Thanks Barbara. We have in the past – it is a good way to donate things that might otherwise go unused b/c they are stained or not in great condition.
I’ve been thinking of getting Space Bags too, but wasn’t sure how well they really worked. But after reading your review as well as this one here: http://www.yourenotstupid.com/space-bags-review/ I’ll probably be purchasing a set soon.
I’ll be interested to hear what you think of them Michelle. I keep opening my closet and feeling so proud of myself for getting it so organized with these!
I saw these on TV and have always resisted adding more plastic to my household. But, seeing your closets is really an inspiration, so I’m going to get myself some Space Bags and try it out.
I love the idea of space bags and had not heard of them before. It’s great that they are clear so you can see what’s in there, too.
I think jumbo Ziploc bags work almost as well as air bags—especially for travel.
I use the travel space bags that you roll to get the air out, especially when I’m going on a trip that requires winter clothing for a portion of the trip, like a cruise in Alaska. This works great for coats and bulky sweaters, especially.
And maybe have a rule about those space bags in your closet. After one year, if you haven’t used any of the items in them, it’s time to give away the items. Unless you need them for when your daughter leaves home.
I haven’t tried those. I always save the bags that sheets come in and use those to squish storage blankets in. Sort of similar I suppose
I have seen these advertised on TV…what a difference to that closet. I imagine it is such a stress reliever to be able to see what one has.
That’s what I was using too but these take up so much less space!
Bought space bags today. Put queen comforter in the large bag. Zipper did not close the bag. After several attempts, to seal the bag, I was able to use the vacuum and after 5 minutes I said this is a joke.
Several years ago, my grandsons were attending college and we needed to the send several big pieces of bedding and clothes. Used glad bags. Closed them, sucked out the air and them wrap them in several places with masking tape. That worked very well. My purchase is going back to the store