Unless you happen you live in a large mansion with lots of unused rooms, we could probably all do with more storage space. But getting more home storage options doesn’t necessarily mean more rooms, more cupboards or larger furniture – decluttering and making efficient use of the space you already have could solve some of the problems. And that is where the Packmate Flat Vacuum Storage Bags come into their own, by reducing the space required to store the same volume of bulky items.
Firstly, we could all do with having a declutter. Now it is spring cleaning time, it is a good opportunity to go through the house and have a good sort out and clear-out. It’s great to declutter every now and then, getting rid of unused or unwanted items we no longer use and clothes that no longer fit. But that still leaves the things that we want to keep and do use, just not all the time, like the bulkier items that can take up a lot of room such as winter duvets and extra bedding and all that winter clothing now that the sun is trying to pop its head out.
After a good clear out; useless and broken things binned, items that are no longer used or needed given away or sold on social media marketplaces or given to your favourite charity shop, its time to pack away those bulkier winter clothes and duvets in as little space as possible. The Packmate Vacuum Storage Bags are excellent for reducing the size of those bulky items and fitting them into a smaller space.
But what exactly are vacuum storage bags? They are thick and durable plastic bags with a zip seal and when packed the air is sucked out of them using a household vacuum cleaner to reduce their size so that their footprint is smaller. With all the air sucked out of the bag, they are considerably smaller in size, allowing more to be stored in less space. And they have the added bonus of protecting the items within them from damp, dust and household pests too. When storing clothes, duvets, pillows and even cuddly toys the air that is sucked out is extremely noticeable and the size of the vacuum bag and the contents is vastly reduced, instead of having a cupboard packed with these bulky items, you now have a bag filled with those same items, vacuum sealed and taking up a fraction of the space in that same cupboard.
The Packmate Flat Vacuum Storage Bags are available in different sizes: Medium (45x60cm), Large (55x80cm), Extra Large (70x105cm) and Jumbo (90x110cm). Depending on what and where you want to store your bulky items, the different sizes cover storing in drawers and cupboards.
- Medium: perfect for storing bulky items in drawers
- Large: perfect for clothing and cushions
- Extra Large: perfect for a double bedding set
- Jumbo: perfect for queen or king size duvets
The bags have a transparent back (so you can see what you have stored in them) and have printed instructions on how to use the bag. They are multi-layered, making them tough, durable and reusable. They feature a double seal zip which turns green when zipped to indicate that the bag is fully sealed. And they feature a very clever value that allows you to use most corded or cordless vacuum cleaners, with a hose attachment, to suck the air from the bag giving you up to four times as much storage.
The vacuum storage bags are a very clever, space-saving storage system. They really do help easily store a lot more of the bigger bulkier items in a smaller footprint of space as long as you have a hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner to suck the air out. I have successfully used them for my winter duvets and extra bedding for the spare room, as well as blankets and clothing. They have helped free up a lot of space in the cupboards and drawers and store items much more neatly, and keeps them protected against dust.
They are so easy to use. Just fill them with the required items, such as duvets, pillows, winter coats etc. and seal them closed by pulling the zipper across (the zipper will turn green so that you know the bag is fully sealed). Attach your vacuum hose to the bag and suck all the excess air out, reducing the footprint of the bag so that it takes up much less space. Within a minute or so, you have a smaller airtight package ready for storage with the contents protected from moisture, dust, dirt and the elements, whether they are being stored in cupboards, underbed drawers, the attic or the basement.
Overall, I think that the Packmate vacuum storage bags are a superb home storage system, they are excellent for reducing space and protecting the items within them. They are extremely easy to use, are reusable and resist tearing, feel very tough and durable but best of all help store things like duvets, bedding, pillows and even old cuddly toys in a clean, secure and much smaller space.
Just be aware that it is recommended that if using the bags to store feather and down-filled items the bags shouldn’t be fully compressed as it could damage the feathers. If storing man-made fibre filled duvets and pillows you should repack the bag and refluff the items every six months to maintain their bulk and freshness.
The bags are now even better for the environment and the eco-conscious as the packaging has been completely revamped with a huge reduction on the amount of single-use plastic used. The packaging is made from 50% post-consumer recycled material.
The Packmate flat vacuum storage bags are a simple but very effective storage system that creates a clean and safe environment to store fabrics, duvets, pillows, bedding, clothing and soft toys, all in a lot less space. You get two in a pack (unless buying the better value bumper packs) and the bags even come with a lifetime guarantee! If you are looking for simple yet effective inexpensive storage systems for your home, then the Packmate vacuum storage bags should be at the top of your list.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: from £9.99 (depending on size)
For more information or to buy direct, visit packmate.co.uk. Also available to buy from Amazon.