Storage Master Vacuum Storage Bags, 8-pack Jumbo Size Space Saver Bags 80% More Storage Space with Hand Pump (Jumbo 8 Pack)

Product Information

There are a few things to bear in mind when buying your vacuum storage bags. Here's a few questions to ask yourself: The bag includes a bit of bubble wrap, so it has some cushioning for delicate clothing. We observed that the bag felt thin, but found it held up to the compression process with no tears—just a bit of wrinkling afterward. However, it might be wise to avoid using them to store zippered clothing or sweaters with metal embellishments in case they tear the thin plastic. If you’re after generously sized storage options, then these are the best vacuum storage bags. They come in a set of six, and we found that one bag held two pillows plus three sets of sheets without even meeting the maximum fill line. In part, that’s thanks to their cube-shaped bottom design, which means the bags stand upright, allowing for an easier loading process. Be aware - some brands recommend that you refresh the suction or air the clothing around every six months for best results. When travelling, you can also use vacuum storage bags to maximise space in your suitcase, cabin bag or kids' luggage or to keep dirty or soiled clothing separate from clean clothes on your return. What should you not put in vacuum storage bags?

With bag options that included a hand pump, we sealed one bag using the hand pump and the second using a vacuum. Interestingly, we found that the hand pump worked better with some options than others—though not in all cases.To help you find the best vacuum storage bag for your needs, we tested a total of 16 options. We evaluated each option based on how durable the bag is, its capacity, whether the bag stayed sealed after 24 hours, and whether the bag kept items dry after being submerged in water. After all, the last thing you want is to open up a storage bag to find mildewed linens. What size bags do you need? - Vacuum storage bags come in a variety of sizes. Extra large and jumbo bags are more suitable for larger duvets and bedding sets, whereas small bags may be a better option for storing summer items such as vests and t-shirts. Items made from wool or fur could become damaged if stored for too long in a vacuum storage bag. How to choose the best vacuum storage bags Usage instructions may vary from one brand to another but as a general rule here’s how to use vacuum storage bags: We loved the capacity of the larger size bag, which fit five hip-length coats along with their hangers. We didn’t love the thinner plastic that didn’t feel terribly sturdy, yet it held up to the 24-hour compression test with no tears. We measured a decrease in size of nearly 12% immediately after sealing the bag, with a negligible increase in size after 24 hours. Plus, the bag didn’t allow water in when it was submerged for a full minute.

Ideal for storing the chunky winter bedding when you need fewer togs throughout the balmy summer months, this 87 Litre Jumbo Vacuum Storage Tote ensures you can store away all out-of-season bedding or clothes without eating up all of your cupboard space. These perform slightly better with the hand pump, so you may want to skip sealing with a wet/dry vacuum. Vig adds, “Unless there is a clear reason items need to be stored in the bags for a long period of time (like a large home renovation), there is a chance that what gets stored in the bags might never be used again.” Unzip the vacuum bag (choosing an appropriately sized bag for your contents). Carefully add the contents and arrange them to make the best use of the space. After 24 hours, the bag was still sealed and measured only about 2% larger than the initial seal, so it kept out air quite well. Even after being submerged in water, the towels were protected and dry. The valve did leave an indent in a towel resting against it, which we were able to fluff away. You may want to avoid placing more delicate clothing closest to the valve to keep from potentially damaging your favorite sweater, however.Yes, although vacuum storage bags may crease, most good quality vacuum storage bags are reusable if stored correctly when not in use. What can you put in vacuum storage bags? With easy carry handles and a viewing window to let you see what’s inside at a glance, the bag also folds flat for storage when not in use. This 38 litre version is ideal for storing a single duvet and two pillows. You may not want to use these for storing zippered or embellished clothing since the thin plastic could tear. The price feels a bit high when you consider that the bags are all the same size, which doesn’t provide much variety. Michele Vig, founder and chief organizer of Neat Little Nest, says it depends. “While a vacuum seal bag can save space by shrinking items down, the result of a large plastic bag filled with stuff needs a place to go,” she says. “Without having a good place to store those vacuum bags (a proper-sized shelf, for example), you might not have gained that much storage space.” Vig recommends viewing vacuum storage bags as long-term storage since it can be difficult to access items and reseal frequently.

Using a wet/dry vacuum, we found it simple enough to remove the valve cover, attach the hose, and replace the cover. It took about 15 seconds to compress the bag, but we felt the end of the bag could have benefited from more compression, so we gave it another 10 seconds of sealing time but didn’t see a significant change in size. With easy carry handles and a viewing window to let you see what’s inside at a glance, the bag also folds flat for storage when not in use. This large 87 litre version is perfect for storing a king-size duvet and four pillows. This the best vacuum storage bag if you have extra bedding to stash away. It was able to handle two pillows as well as three sheet sets. And despite holding that much, the bag’s circumference shrank by more than 10 inches, making it especially handy for smaller storage spaces. We could easily place it under a bed, and it still fit nicely in this 12-inch space after we folded the bag and its contents in half—meaning it’s perfect for storing lots of items in a compact area. Finally, we weighed up which bags were best for each storage requirement to bring you our definitive list. About the authorFor a more attractive storage alternative, the Lakeland tote bag is a really popular option for helping organise your wardrobe too. How we chose our recommendations We researched the pros and cons of each vacuum storage bag, including assessing each product’s effectiveness in terms of durability and the quality of compression. We also looked out for any products prone to leakage and investigated whether these were down to user error or genuine product flaws. Mumsnetters swear by vacuum storage bags as a way to easily store jeans, bedding sets, curtains and cushions. It's fair to say, however, that not all vacuum storage bags are made equal. We’ve scoured the forums for tried and tested product recommendations to highlight the best vacuum storage bags to use at home or on your next family holiday. Take the lid of the suction valve and attach the nozzle of your vacuum or pump before powering up and using the suction to remove all the unwanted air from the bag.

It can be difficult to use the zipper because it’s on the long edge, and the valve’s placement leads to less efficient airflow and a longer compression time. Depending on the vacuum storage bags you buy, you may find that accessories come with them. You can buy just the bags by themselves, of course. But some brands include a hand pump or even an electric pump as an alternative to using a vacuum cleaner—which can be ideal for traveling when you typically won’t have access to a vacuum for sealing the bags. Vacuum sealing the bags with a wet/dry vac allowed us to fit all five sheet sets in the bag while the hand pump only allowed for three sheet sets. We found the sealing process for both options to be quite simple and straightforward, with both the vacuum nozzle and the hand pump fitting easily into the bag’s valve. Sealing with the wet/dry vacuum took only 18 seconds, while the hand pump seal took a full minute—something to note if you’re in a time crunch. Both sealed bags fit nicely in the 12-inch storage space under a queen bed and on a shelf meant for cube storage.After testing, we found that the Gongshi Vacuum Storage Bags are the best vacuum storage bags. They earned top marks in each of our categories, plus they’re easy to use, durable, stored five sheet sets, and kept air and water out. The included hang pump took much longer to create a seal and didn’t allow the bag to hold as many items as when vacuum-sealed. Jill Moore, owner and certified professional home organizer of Organized Jill Professional Home Organization advises, “Be sure to not overstuff vacuum bags and utilize the correct size.” She adds, “It is better to place less things in more bags for easier retrieval without having to dig through a large pile.”