Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Inspiration

21OAK may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Does vacuum-packing clothes really save storage?

Here are the pros and cons of vacuum-sealing your clothes

Amelia Wilson
By

Regardless of the size of your space, it often feels as if you’ll never have enough room for storage. That’s why it’s crucial to maximize your storage areas with a few space-saving solutions so your garage, attic, or closet can stay tidy and organized. When packing away seasonal items, one of the most popular methods is to vacuum-pack clothes. Vacuum-sealing your clothing can create additional space in your closet and make it easier to transition your wardrobe for the seasons. That being said, this strategy isn’t without its drawbacks, and it might not be the best way to tackle every organizing project.

Today, we’re answering some vital questions about this storage method. After all, you want to protect and preserve your clothing items. So, before pulling out the heavy-duty storage bags, read through these pros and cons of vacuum-packing to determine if this storage hack is a fit for you.

Related Videos
Person vacuum-packing clothing

How does vacuum-sealing work?

Vacuum-packing is a method of placing items, like linens and clothing, into a durable bag and using a vacuum to suck the air out of it. This creates a vacuum seal, removing all the excess air to make your items as compact as possible. This process is fairly easy, and you don’t need any specialty tools to make it work, just a regular vacuum and durable bags with a zip-tight seal.

Related
Young woman decluttering her clothing

Benefits of vacuum-packing clothes

Saves space

Above all, vacuum-packing saves space. When the air is sucked out, there is a noticeable difference in size as the bag shrinks to fit only the contents within. Whether you’re packing away baggy sweaters and cozy blankets or bikinis and sundresses, this is one of the best ways to fit all of your items into a much smaller space.

Vacuum-sealed bags can also be more efficient than bins or totes because they are often slimmer, so you can fit them into tighter, more irregularly shaped spots.

Protects your clothing

Vacuum-sealing can also protect your clothing, ensuring they don’t degrade while in storage. When the oxygen is removed from the bag, there is less opportunity for fungi and bacteria to survive. Bacteria require oxygen to grow and thrive, so without it, these microorganisms suffocate.

Additionally, vacuum-packed bags prevent water, mildew, and mold from reaching your items, so you can rest assured that the elements won’t tamper with them. Traditional storage bins just can’t provide this air-tight guarantee.

Makes moving easier

Moving items in and out of storage can be an arduous process, largely due to all the heavy lifting of moving bins and boxes all day. Storage bags eliminate some of this stress. Because vacuum-sealed bags are slim, they’re often easier to carry, especially compared to traditional totes. Additionally, since the clothes are so compact, there is more opportunity to pack multiple items in a smaller space. This means you can move more items at once instead of making multiple trips to organize various totes and boxes.

Person vacuum-sealing storage clothes

Drawbacks of vacuum-sealing clothes

While there are many excellent benefits to vacuum-sealing your clothes, there are a few drawbacks you may want to consider before you go all-in on this storage hack.

Causes deep wrinkles

Vacuum-sealing packs your items tightly together, often leaving deep wrinkles and creases in your garments. While wrinkles aren’t too harmful to casual wear, they can be stubborn and difficult to remove. Further, this isn’t the best solution for delicate or formal pieces as it can damage the fabric and possibly alter the shape of features like collars, shoulder pads, and other more constructed parts of the clothing item.

Adds an extra step

Storing seasonal items to prepare for the changing temperatures is already a daunting task — adding vacuum-sealing to that process may be more trouble than it’s worth. If you need to protect many items from the elements, save space, or put items away for a long time period, vacuum-sealing is great. On the other hand, it might not be the most efficient system for short-term storage of just a few pieces.

Requires durable bags

Flimsy bags can tear easily and let air and moisture seep in, so if you don’t own any already, you’ll need to invest in vacuum-safe bags with a sturdy, air-tight seal. While considering your options, we recommend this Ziploc Spacebag, which you can find at Bed Bath & Beyond.

Vacuum-sealing your clothing can save you a lot of storage space and take some of the stress away from big projects. As long as you invest in a high-quality, sealable bag, you can store all of your clothing in just a fraction of the space. Just be sure to have an iron or steamer on hand, and you’ll be left with fresh-pressed, mold and mildew-free clothes ensuring you can take on the new season in confidence.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
9 ingenious storage tricks for small bedrooms with no closets for anyone running out of storage space
Storage ideas to free up space in your bedrooms with no closets
Woman storing folded clothes

Bedrooms are not just places to sleep, even though that's their main intention. Bedrooms also store clothes, shoes, and other personal items that you don't keep in other rooms of your home. But what if you have a small bedroom without a closet? Where should all the stuff go without having a cluttered and disorganized room?

A cluttered room can cause unnecessary stress and an overall sense of discomfort, which is the last feeling you want from where you're supposed to rest. If you have small bedrooms with no closets in your home, don’t worry. We have nine brilliant storage ideas that are also stylish so you can declutter and relax.

Read more
How to maximize closet space: Our 9 best tips and tricks
Cluttered and disorganized closet? Our best tips for maximizing your closet space
built in closet with drawings and hanging white tshirts

Having a clean, organized space is like a breath of fresh air to the soul. When that space is small, though, it can be difficult to keep it tidy and free of clutter. One of the toughest places in the home to keep organized is the closet. Particularly when your closet space is limited, things can get out of control quickly, leading to an overstuffed and overcrowded closet space that makes putting laundry away a total nightmare. The good news is, we have some tips and tricks for how to maximize closet space so you can invite better organization into your home. Whether you have a grand walk-in or a simple, small closet to store your clothing, we'll help you wrangle that messy closet by maximizing the space you've got.

How to maximize small closet space to tackle an overcrowded wardrobe
Before you start installing shelves or adding storage solutions to your small closet, it's crucial to simplify and declutter your closet's contents. Here are a couple of tips for minimizing the clutter and giving your closet a clean look overall.
Tip #1: Purge without mercy
This first step may seem like a no-brainer, but it's incredibly important. Go through each clothing item and accessory, and really ask yourself if you need it. Fill up some garbage bags or totes with discarded items, and either donate them or toss them. If you really want to free up space, you'll have to be merciless with your decisions.
Tip #2: Unify and organize your hangers
It may seem like an odd tip for maximizing space, but the reality is that if all of your hangers are the same brand and style, they make your closet look and feel more organized. Your hangers will look straighter and your clothing will all hang the same way. If you have several clothing items that are the same length and size, hang them together so that they create an equal block of space beneath them. This will help when you start utilizing floor space.

Read more
10 amazing kitchen ideas for the midcentury modern enthusiast
mint walls in midcentury modern dining kitchen area

The midcentury modern aesthetic blends fun retro designs with sleek, modern styles to create an eclectic yet time-honored look that many homeowners absolutely adore. And when it comes to the kitchen, fun pops of color, eccentric geometric details, and funky retro appliances give this style a unique look. If you're interested in adding this look to your space, we have some tips for you. Below are 10 stunning ideas to bring the midcentury aesthetic to your modern-day kitchen and inspire your next remodel.

Invest in some midcentury modern kitchen lighting
One of the easiest ways to update your kitchen is to introduce midcentury modern pendant lighting. From orb-like chandeliers to eclectic statement pieces that highlight art and form, midcentury modern light fixtures can quickly add a retro appeal to your space. For example, try a fun linear chandelier with exposed bulbs for a timeless look. Or opt for a quirky orb chandelier with brass or gold finishes. Cylindrical wall sconces, large drum pendants, and single orb pendants can also be the perfect touch.
Choose a fun geometric backsplash
Midcentury modern kitchens are well known for their fun geometric backsplashes. These backsplashes revolutionize traditional looks through triangles, pentagons, or asymmetrical shapes by incorporating an aesthetic and artistic appeal. For the best look, choose a backsplash in an unusual color. Rather than gravitating toward neutrals, jump into the mid-century modern vibe of bright hues like blues, greens, pinks, and oranges! Honeycomb tiles with three to four colors are also popular for a mid-century modern look.

Read more