Oh, I'm in love with Ziploc Big Bags! I'm sure my American readers have known about these oversized double zipper bags for years but I never picked them up while shopping on one of my cross-border trips. I suddenly remembered them and scoured the supermarkets and chain stores in my town but to no avail.
On my last stop to Walmart, way down low on the shelf, I found two small boxes! I was so excited but confused as to which 'big bag' size I needed. They are available in L, XL, and XXL but the dimensions were in metric so I wasn't sure what they were in inches. I got the Large which has 5 bags and was thrilled when I got home and saw how big and sturdy they were. This was a perfect system for my trip to Vegas and I was amazed how much I could get in each one.
I easily slipped my very large cosmetic organizer into the bag and felt more confident packing it into my checked luggage, along with my dress clothes, knowing that should anything leak it would at least be contained in the Ziploc. The subsequent bags were ideal for layering my outfits and once I pressed all the air out I could stack them in the case with room to spare. Not only were the clothes protected from spills and wrinkles but I was amazed at how much less room they took up! With checked cases now costing at least $25 it helped to compress the air out and fit both hubby's and my clothes into one bag.
Once we were ready to return home I used a spare bag to stash all the luxury toiletries from the hotel, safe and sound - and allowed, in the large suitcase. I separated my remaining clean clothes into another so they didn't get all mixed up for the laundry once home. I was able to add souvenirs in another to keep them protected and easy to grab should I need to produce them for customs. There are so many great uses for these oversized bags for travel: kids toys, snacks, wet bathing suits, electronics, shoes, etc. (Sure enough, one shampoo bottle did leak but I just rinsed out the bag and nothing else got goopy!)
Back at home the bags work great for organizing all kinds of things to reduce clutter, store, and protect items from moisture, dust, and bugs and they fit into tight spaces better than bins and buckets. They have a sturdy handle, are strong, and pleated for expanding for bulkier items. I went back to buy more since I loved them so much but they were gone! They had one box of the XL size and I grabbed them. They are huge! The extra large size would be great for layering in a large suitcase or for home use but I prefer the Large as a more convenient and versatile size. The bags cost a couple dollars or so for each ($10+ a box) but I can see that they will last a long time and can be used repeatedly. I've store a set in each suitcase and have the rest ready to go. I think they would also be ideal for my sewing room - to transport projects in progress, store fabric, perfect for scraps, etc. Love, love, love Ziploc Big Bags!!!
I use these all the time. My quilting projects are in them as well. Fabric and pattern all in one place and I can see it. I really need to use them more in the closet, it would be so much easier to see all that is in there.
Posted by: Karen | December 10, 2014 at 02:36 PM