Where to Find It - Critical Packing Accessories
#22
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things I use two-gallon bags for
(and I like the Ziplocks that close with just the strip you push together, the ones with the plastic zipper pull aren't watertight I have found)
Shoe bags
dirty or wet laundry or washcloth
sweater bag
loose papers, ticket stubs, souvenirs
snacks, sandwich, or water bottles that sweat
To contain a breakable purchase or bottle plus the socks or underwear added to cushion the item
(and I like the Ziplocks that close with just the strip you push together, the ones with the plastic zipper pull aren't watertight I have found)
Shoe bags
dirty or wet laundry or washcloth
sweater bag
loose papers, ticket stubs, souvenirs
snacks, sandwich, or water bottles that sweat
To contain a breakable purchase or bottle plus the socks or underwear added to cushion the item
#27
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There are many online sources for all sizes and types of ziplock bags. I have bought both very small size bags (for earrings, pills, etc.) and larger bags (for folded tops, sweaters, etc.) You generally have to order a minimum of 100 for the large bags and 1000 for the small bags. But the prices for that quantity are about the same or less as you would pay for a smaller quantity at a store. There are many sizes and they come in various thicknesses -- 2 mil, 4 mil, 6 mil. I ordered from <b>www.royalbag.com</b> and paid $4.60 for 1000 of the 2x2 size and $10.32 for 100 of the 12x15 size. A lifetime supply! And enough to share. It is a fun site to look at and you can find other similar online sources by searching Google for "zip-lock bags".
#32
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I just bought the 21/2 gallon ziploc bags at Target. Igot the idea from this site last summer and have used it ever since. May sure to pack a few straws too, in order to take the air from the baggies. I was amazed at how much room I had...especially at the end of the trip when I have bought too much and dont know how I will get it home. I have bought the other type from Samsonite and they are very heavy. I leave the pkg in my suitcase. I also keep my outfits separately & sort the dirty clothes, keep papers and receipts in one ...terrific idea
#33
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A few notes about ordering zipper type bags on-line:
*First decision: what size*
Note that the 'large' Ziploc bag is only 10.5 by 11 inches - what we're talking about here are the jumbo size bags.
The original 2 gallon, jumbo Ziploc brand reclose-able storage bags are 13 by 16 inch (15.5 inches to the closure). The generic bags some manufacturers offer are frequently only 12 * 15 inch or 13 * 18 inch bags. Depending on the thickness of the bag (see below) there could be anywhere from 20 to 50 per cent difference in price between the two sizes. However, if you're packing for a male or a larger/taller woman you might need the extra volume in the 13-inch wide bag.
*Second decision: What thickness*
The original 2 gallon Ziploc brand reclose-able storage bags are 2 mil in thickness, as opposed to Ziploc brand reclose-able freezer bags which are 3 mil in thickness. Bags of 3 mil thickness will probably last a little longer, but 2 mil is certainly okay.
*Third decision: What closure type*
standard recloseable (the kind you pinch together yourself) or slider (like a true zipper). The two bag types are generally offered at the same price, size and thickness being equal, but you generally get twice as many bags for the price if ordering the standard recloseable type. Since, regardless of type, manufacturers will usually only ship a minimum of 50 to 100 bags (more than enough for the average household) the price per bag might less a consideration than the total price, not to mention your personal preference.
Speaking of personal preference, some people claim the recloseable type is more air and water tight than the slider type. However the slider type is much faster and easier to use and is probably air tight enough for most packing purposes.
*Shipping: especially for customers outside the US*
When comparing suppliers, take careful note of shipping rates. Gramur charged me, as an international customer, US9 for standard shipping; royalbag would have charged me US16. This cancelled out any savings that royalbag might have afforded me as opposed to Gramur. (Customers within the US have generally much lower shipping charges, so your situation could be quite different.)
*First decision: what size*
Note that the 'large' Ziploc bag is only 10.5 by 11 inches - what we're talking about here are the jumbo size bags.
The original 2 gallon, jumbo Ziploc brand reclose-able storage bags are 13 by 16 inch (15.5 inches to the closure). The generic bags some manufacturers offer are frequently only 12 * 15 inch or 13 * 18 inch bags. Depending on the thickness of the bag (see below) there could be anywhere from 20 to 50 per cent difference in price between the two sizes. However, if you're packing for a male or a larger/taller woman you might need the extra volume in the 13-inch wide bag.
*Second decision: What thickness*
The original 2 gallon Ziploc brand reclose-able storage bags are 2 mil in thickness, as opposed to Ziploc brand reclose-able freezer bags which are 3 mil in thickness. Bags of 3 mil thickness will probably last a little longer, but 2 mil is certainly okay.
*Third decision: What closure type*
standard recloseable (the kind you pinch together yourself) or slider (like a true zipper). The two bag types are generally offered at the same price, size and thickness being equal, but you generally get twice as many bags for the price if ordering the standard recloseable type. Since, regardless of type, manufacturers will usually only ship a minimum of 50 to 100 bags (more than enough for the average household) the price per bag might less a consideration than the total price, not to mention your personal preference.
Speaking of personal preference, some people claim the recloseable type is more air and water tight than the slider type. However the slider type is much faster and easier to use and is probably air tight enough for most packing purposes.
*Shipping: especially for customers outside the US*
When comparing suppliers, take careful note of shipping rates. Gramur charged me, as an international customer, US9 for standard shipping; royalbag would have charged me US16. This cancelled out any savings that royalbag might have afforded me as opposed to Gramur. (Customers within the US have generally much lower shipping charges, so your situation could be quite different.)
#34
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If you do take a few straws along to remove the excess air, you might want to know that they also make great travel "cases" for necklace chains. No more tangling or knots. Just cut the straw to the required length and fasten the clasp on the necklace. Multiple use items -- the best kind!
Sue, you are the Bagmeister!
Sue, you are the Bagmeister!
#38
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But that's just the problem....how could I get a life, with no decent Ziploc to put it in.....
Seriously, I would hardly blame anyone for thinking me a bit obsessed. But damnit, once I realized those stupid bags had to be shipped from over 2,500 miles away, you can bet I wanted to have the right ones.
Maybe after all this, I should stipulate that my cremated remains be put in a Ziploc....
Seriously, I would hardly blame anyone for thinking me a bit obsessed. But damnit, once I realized those stupid bags had to be shipped from over 2,500 miles away, you can bet I wanted to have the right ones.
Maybe after all this, I should stipulate that my cremated remains be put in a Ziploc....
#40
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Bag update
this weekend I paid my periodic visit to Gracious Home here in NYC and bought 2-gallon jumbo Ziploc bags, and, thanks to this posting, one box of 12 2.5 gallon bags, I think they are Hefty, and they have a zipper pull.
I paid through the nose, but I MUST have them! And for the first time, I will also pack straws. thanks all.
By the way, you all probably alread know that one of the supermarket bag companies makes zippered "snack" size bags (not sandwich, much smaller than quart.) Those come in handy also for earrings, luggage locks and keys, and other small items.
this weekend I paid my periodic visit to Gracious Home here in NYC and bought 2-gallon jumbo Ziploc bags, and, thanks to this posting, one box of 12 2.5 gallon bags, I think they are Hefty, and they have a zipper pull.
I paid through the nose, but I MUST have them! And for the first time, I will also pack straws. thanks all.
By the way, you all probably alread know that one of the supermarket bag companies makes zippered "snack" size bags (not sandwich, much smaller than quart.) Those come in handy also for earrings, luggage locks and keys, and other small items.