large plastic bags for packing
 

I have read on this forum that large plastic bags are useful for packing. Where does one buy these?

Hefty makes a 2-gallon size but I have only found them one time, in a K-Mart. I bought about 3 boxes...

I found HUGE bags from Ziplock at BigLots. (I haven't seen them anywhere else) - When I say "huge", I mean you can use these bags as luggage! Great for dirty or wet clothes - or to keep your suitcase clean.

Got mine on EBay.

We usually find the zip-locs bags at Wal-Mart. They are 2-1/2 gallon and I think they are usually on a lower shelf. We bought the very large travel-size bags but the 2-1/2 gal. zip-locs work much better.

We use the SpaceBag travel bags, you can buy them at Walmart, Amazon, Kohls, etc.

I use 1 gal ziplocks bought at the grocery store. I don't wrap my clothes in plastic, just use them to keep organized for socks, undies, toiletries, paperwork, etc. I also like the 'snack' size (1/2 sandwich size) to keep track of tiny loose stuff.

The Ziplock bags I am talking about are called "Big Bags" They are 12 Gallon bags. (I just looked at one in the basement)

I have a hard time finding these in the stores, but they are available online - at a premium (but probably worth it!) price: http://www.mybrandsinc.com/ShopOnlin...;ss=0&p=76.

Fold clothes carefully, slip them into large Ziplok bags, place them on a hard chair, then sit on them. Slide the bag shut while you sit, and the bag ande clothes will take up about 1/4 of the space and the clothes will not shift around. When it comes time to look for your clothes, you will have far fewer items in your suitcase because you will have been smart enough to put complete outfits together in each bag -- shirt and trousers or blouse, plus skirt or slacks. We've done this for at least 12 trips and cruises. It works!

If you are looking for the larger bags that will hold sweaters, etc., you can find these anywhere that luggage is sold. They also have them at Walgreen's, Thrifty etc. but not where the zip bags are, rather where they have travel accessories. I swear by these things, I can even fit a sportcoat in one.
For one and two gallon sizes, the Zip-locs are better than Hefty. These are great for shirts, socks - I can fit a pair of jeans in the one gallon size.
This is particularly helpful, now that security goes through all your bags. Everything stays neat and folded.

JoeG

I buy Hefty 2 1/2 gallon zip bags at Target, they are an excellent size for packing ,socks , sweaters, stacks of undies, shoes, and leakable toiletries.
Once , before I began using zippable bags, I arrived at my destination, opened my suitcase, and discovered my tube of bath gel had oozed all over my clothes...the clothes were nicely scented, but what a pain it was to get all the suds out.

I always use large baggies to organize our clothes, especially with the increased security/examination these days. On one trip with my carry-on, I was unreasonably pleased when the security agent commented, "I must compliment you on your packing - this is the neatest bag I have ever opened." If only my husband had been around to hear it . . .

One important word of warning about using ziplock method to make clothing take up less space... it does not make it any lighter. So you can end up packing aLOT more into your normal size suitcase therefore making it aLOT heavier! Been there, done that (accidentally the first time I tried using this method).

Thanks Fodorites. I am Canadian but happen to be in the States right now, so I went to Target and got the bags. I have been experimenting packing them. They are great and are keeping my grandchildren busy on a raining jumping on them to express the air.

I learned about the 2 gallon ZipLoc bags from a Dutch friend years ago. She used them to store her sweaters at home.

Like USNR I fold my clothes, pack them in and then sit on the bag while the zip edge hangs over the side of the bed and zip it up. It's basically vacuum packed. One bag will hold a suit or several shirts or slacks.

I also write my name and phone number with a felt tip pin on each bag in case something goes astray.

On one occassion overseas a customs inspector wanted to see everything in my bag. I turned it over and dumped it out in front of him. He was a bit surprised. End of inspection!

I bought my last box of 2 gallon bags at Kroger. It's called Snap n' Seal there and comes in a box of 10 for $2.