Why Vacuum Seal Bags for Travel Are My Ultimate Packing Hack

Not to brag or anything, but I’ve got packing pretty much down to a science. I keep a running checklist in my Notes app of all my frequently packed items, organize my clothing into packing cubes by category, and use a tote bag insert to sort all my personal item essentials into individual pockets and zippered compartments. This level of organization is mostly out of habit at this point. Between work trips, weddings, long-distance friend visits, and vacations, my suitcase gets a lot of use throughout the year, and I’ve had plenty of opportunities to hone my packing method. And out of all the travel organizers and packing hacks I’ve tried over the years, there’s one game-changing item that I never travel without, and that is vacuum seal bags.

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I initially purchased a set of vacuum seal bags for travel​ in 2016 ahead of my very first international trip, and I’ve used them on nearly every trip since then. They save so much space in my suitcase, help me sort clean clothes from dirty ones, and couldn’t be easier to use. Oh, and a set will cost you less than $10. Keep reading to learn how I use vacuum seal bags for travel​ and why you need a set ahead of your next trip.

Packing a suitcase ahead of a trip is one thing, but trying to force all your dirty clothes, the outfits you packed but never wore, and the souvenirs you bought back into your luggage at the end of your vacation is a special kind of hell. That’s why these vacuum seal bags are my travel secret weapon. I always pack a couple of empty ones in my suitcase and then use them to stash away dirty clothes during the trip. When it’s time to pack my suitcase back up and head home, I can squeeze all the air out and compress everything down to save space. Plus, the vacuum seal bags create an airtight seal, which keeps any smells, dirt, or dampness contained and away from the rest of my stuff.

And if you just read the words “vacuum seal” and immediately wondered how the heck you’re supposed to find a vacuum on vacation, don’t worry. These work just like any other plastic zip-top bag, and you don’t need an actual vacuum to force all the air out. You simply put your clothes inside, use the slider at the top to seal the opening, and roll up the bag to push the air out. The bag’s design ensures air can’t get back in, so your items stay compressed flat and as compact as possible.

These bags singlehandedly prevent my suitcase from looking (and smelling) like a disaster on the way home. Especially when my clothes are gross and smelly after long days spent sightseeing, or when I don’t have time to let my swimsuit dry fully before my flight home. Re-packing at the end of a trip is as easy as tossing everything into a vacuum seal bag, squeezing the air out, and throwing the whole thing into my suitcase. And since they cost less than $10 for a set of two, it’s a no-brainer investment you’ll appreciate on all your future travels.

Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She has nearly seven years of experience reviewing products, covering trends, and creating inspiring content around all things home.