How to Use Garbage Bags as Space Bags

Vacuum sealing clothes will give you more storage space

Space Bags have a vacuum device that removes all of the excess air from a bag, so whatever you are holding in the bag is sealed as tightly as possible. If you don't want to buy space bags, you can use high-quality garbage bags instead. Use your vacuum to remove as much of the air as possible, but keep in mind that you may not be able to remove as much air as the Space Bag does.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum
• Twist ties

Instructions

1. Fold soft items carefully and neatly in a pile, if possible, to prevent wrinkles. Skip this step if you can't fold the items. You can vacuum pack hard items, but the process will not compress the items for storage.

2. Place the items in a garbage bag.

3. Press down on the items in the bag to remove most of the air.

4. Grasp the opening of the bag and hold it tightly while pressing down on the clothes to remove excess air while preventing air from coming in. If another person is available, have him sit or lie on the bag while you grasp the end closed.

5. Place the vacuum hose through the bag opening. Grasp the bag around the hose as tightly as possible, so no air escapes.

6. Turn the vacuum on to suck up as much of the air as possible without touching or moving the contents of the bag.

7. Twist the bag below the hose several times to help keep the seal.

8. Remove the hose and immediately grasp the bag opening so that no air gets into the bag.

9. Tie the bag opening into a knot to secure it.

10. Wrap the bag in twist ties to keep it shut.

Tips & Warnings

• Once your bag is sealed, label it so you know what is inside.

• When the vacuum is turned on inside the bad, keep the hose away from the contents of the bag so that it doesn't suck them up.

References

• Apartment Therapy: Vacuum-Pask Packing