What is a vacuum storage bag?
A useful space-saving and storage tool, the best vacuum storage bags are a practical and cost-efficient way to maximise space, keeping clothes, bedding and other garments clean and protected when not in use. Using the power and suction of a vacuum cleaner, vacuum storage bags reduce the air trapped between layers of clothes and garments to remove bulk, making them flatter, smaller and far easier to store.
Read next: How to clean a floor - top tips from Mumsnetters
How do vacuum storage bags work?
The best vacuum storage bags use suction from a vacuum to remove trapped air. Once the air has been removed and the zip and valve replaced, the contents should remain compressed until you reopen the zip and let air back inside.
How to use vacuum storage bags
Usage instructions may vary from one brand to another but as a general rule here’s how to use the best vacuum storage bags:
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.
Once full (but not overloaded) use the zip seal to seal the bag shut.
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.
As the air is removed, the size of the bag will compact, dramatically reducing the size.
Replace the cap on the suction valve before moving into your desired storage location.
Be aware - some brands recommend that you refresh the suction or air the clothing around every six months for best results.
Read next: How to clean a carpet, according to Mumsnet users
Are vacuum storage bags worth it?
According to Mumsnetters, yes!
A space-saving way to store a huge variety of items from bedding to off-season clothes, vacuum storage bags can help create more space in your wardrobe, loft and under the bed - even more so than conventional under-bed storage boxes. Most are reusable if used correctly and should keep your items clean, dry and moth-free until you need them again.
Are vacuum storage bags reusable?
Yes, although the best 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?
The best vacuum storage bags help maximise space, taking up far less room than boxes or containers. Once sealed, vacuum storage bags can be packed away out of sight including under the bed, in cupboards or drawers, stacked flat at the bottom of the wardrobe or out of reach on higher shelves in your loft or attic.
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?
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
There are a few things to bear in mind when searching for the best vacuum storage bags. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
What are you storing? - Are you hoping to store large items such as bedding and pillows or simply packing away clothing and out of season items? Consider the variety of your products when it comes to sizing and bulk.
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.
Where are you planning to put them? - Check out the dimensions of the bags sizes to make sure they’ll fit when compressed. Some bags compress flatter than others.
Vacuum compatibility - Most vacuum storage bags work with any regular vacuum nozzle, but it’s worth checking the options before you buy. Do you want a pump for travel use?
How many do you need? - Is a small pack of two going to be sufficient or do you have large amounts of clothing to store? Some brands offer smaller pack sizes which are useful for smaller quantities.
Cost - How much do you want to spend? Some budget-friendly options are available for small pack sizes, but if you want the best value for money, the larger pack sizes often work out cheaper on a cost per bag basis.
Do vacuum storage bags wrinkle clothes?
Yes, depending on the bag you are using and the type of clothes you are stowing away, vacuum storage can cause wrinkles, but it shouldn't be anything a quick iron can't sort.
Thicker, durable bags are best for avoiding creases as much as possible as there's more protection, and you should be mindful of how you organise your storage, as piling them on top of each other can increase the risk of wrinkles.
Which are the best vacuum storage bags?
This may sound obvious, but the best vacuum storage bags are the ones that compress well and don’t leak, keeping your clothes compact and airtight until the point you choose to reopen the bag.
The Premium Spacesaver Vacuum Bags come up trumps for their airtight seal, variety of pack choices, and thick robust plastic which helps keep clothes protected from moisture, moths, dust and odours. They also came with a pump, making them a versatile option whether being used for travel or in the home.
For 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
There are a large number of vacuum storage bags brands on the market, so in order to make sure we were confident with our recommendations, we thoroughly investigated expert online reviews and tried and tested experiences on retailer sites such as Amazon, Lakeland and JML, as well as our Mumsnetters' own recommendations on the brands that have worked for them.
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.
Finally, we weighed up which bags were best for each storage requirement to bring you our definitive list.