Vacuum Storage Bags > Reviews (17)

JML VacPac Vacuum Seal Storage Bags

Why I bought them

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A large quantity of bedding, clothes and other odds and ends that needed to be transported over two hundred miles from home to my narrowboat in readiness for my next cruise was causing me a real problem. Since retiring to enjoy my boat and freedom, my income has dwindled to nil and downsizing is the name of the game. My car has downsized too, now a little Ford KA, great for shopping but pretty useless for anything involving luggage or bulk. I needed a cheap way of cramming as much into the car as humanly possible, hiring a vehicle was out of the question so I came up with the idea of Vacuum Storage Bags as a method of transporting my gear.

What they do

The idea is that you pack your items for storage in the plastic bag and then seal it with the aid of a little plastic gizmo which you run along the upper edge of the bag so pressing together the zipper type closure to make an airtight seal. This done you then insert the nozzle of your vacuum cleaner into the special one way valve and literally suck the air out. The bag compresses around the contents as the air is removed and flattens the whole package into an easily stored and transportable slab. It was quite amazing just how small a parcel my pile of clobber became! The whole process was quick and easy thanks to clear instructions on the box.
JML state that the bags will compress your clothing and other textiles in seconds giving 300% more storage space in cupboards, drawers and wardrobes. The bags also protect against damp, dust, dirt and bugs. They are made for JML in China and are re-usable and recyclable. They are suitable for most textile items but the box does warn that they are unsuitable for the storage of feather filled pillows and duvets.

Cost and availability

JML products are sold in various outlets such as Woolworth, Wilkinson, Robert Dyas and many other stores throughout the UK. They also trade online. I bought my VacPac storage bags in my local Woolworths for £9.99 per box. Each box contained two large sized bags, each measuring 21.7"x 33.5". I found I could get two pillows, two fleecy throws and a bath towel in one bag. In another I managed to get three thick sweaters, a fleece jacket, assorted t-shirts and two pairs of jeans. The large pile of clothing was reduced to several flattish packages which fitted neatly into the boot of the car for transporting, problem solved!

The company make their 'VacPac' bags in a variety of sizes to suit different needs, jumbo size, large, hanging VacPacs, under bed storage bags, as well as the standard type that I bought.

I can foresee that I will reuse these bags over and over again and would recommend them to anyone needing to store or transport bulky items.

**Review also submitted to peazyshop.co.uk for publication under pen-name brittle1906

Update December 2011

I see from reading my review I bought these in Woolworths, that is a certain indication of the age of the review, so time for an update!

After several years of use these storage bags are still with me. One has developed a slight tear, but a quick tape-up job (good old Duck Tape!) has meant I can still use the bag. These days, the bags are used mainly for storing surplus bedding in the loft rather than for transporting items.

I would definitely recommend JML storage bags to others.

Thank you for reading.
Brittle1906 December 2011