We've come to accept clutter as part of our lives. The things we pick up and bring home or don't put away back in their rightful place can often tell the story of our week. It's when little spots of clutter join together to form mountains that it's time to get things back under control.
Transitional seasons like spring and autumn are when most homes go into clutter overload. It's too warm for big coats and high tog bedding but chilly enough to turn down light clothing like summer frocks, which means all clothing options have to be left out to deal with all eventualities. When the mercury finally dips one way or another, it's time to send off-season bits and pieces packing.
Whether you live alone or have a stadium's worth of things to store, vacuum-packed bags offer a low-cost solution that is high on satisfaction. Perfect for packing away pillows and duvets, sleeping bags, extra towels and bed linen - not to mention clothing - the strong plastic bags can hold a lot more than you would think.
Their secret? The design includes a nozzle to suck excess air out with a regular vacuum cleaner. Pulling out all the air means giant sacks can be stored much more compactly, even if your stuff does wind up looking like it's been sous vide. It won't win any storage beauty contests but putting things away like this will give your rails, cupboards and drawers some much-needed breathing room.
There are extra-large bags to hold king-size blankets and duvets and smaller versions which can be handy for packing clothes into luggage if you're going on a big trip.
Save yourself the elbow grease and check out our pick of the best vacuum plastic bags here.
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Argos Home Pack of 6 Mixed Vacuum Storage Bag
For the pauper's sum of just £11, you can get a pack of six storage bags from Argos's own-brand line. It means you can use them in multiple ways instead of just stowing them under the bed or couch. The best bit is that you don't even need a vacuum to get the air out. Simply add your items, zip shut and then roll to force all the air out. It's this feature that makes them ideal for travel.
Buy now £10.00, Argos
Lakeland Vacuum Clothes and Duvet Storage Tote Bag - 87L Jumbo
If you're swapping over to a bigger, plumper duvet for the winter months, fold away seasonal summer blankets and bedding in Lakeland's spacious 87L storage bag. The tote design comes with handles to make shifting it from one room to another easier and there's a viewing panel so you can easily see what's inside without unearthing the lot. Comes with a three-year guarantee.
Buy now £26.99, Lakeland
Amazon Basics Vacuum Compression Storage Bags with Airtight Valve and Hand Pump, Large, 5-Pack, Clear
With a set of five bags in a large size, there's no reason not to pack away infrequently used odds and ends so they're out of sight. From Amazon's basics range, the vacuum-sealed bags come with a hand pump so that you can compress items even when you don't have a vacuum to hand - like when you're on holiday.
Buy now £11.29, Amazon
The Range Pack of 10 Vacuum Bags
Whether you've got a big family or want to split this purchase of 10 vacuum bags between friends, The Range's bundle presents excellent value for money. As well as compressing bulky items, the bags protect your belongings from dust and keep delicate items away from hungry moths. The pack includes two small (50 x 60cm) and two medium (60 x 80cm) sizes, plus three large (70 x 100cm) and extra large (80 x 100cm) options to cover all bases.
Buy now £7.49, The Range
IKEA SPANTAD Vacuum-sealed bags
You can always count on IKEA for home essentials to streamline your space. The Swedish chain has a pleasingly economical storage option in its Spantad vacuum-sealed bags, costing just £4 for a set of two measuring 67 x 100cm a-piece. Designed to store out-of-season clothing as well as festival and fancy dress items, each one comes with a label on the top corner to help with organisation. Simply suck out the air through a valve and you'll have flatter parcels that are much easier to store.
Buy now £4.00, IKEA
Black and Decker Plastic Vacuum Storage Bags
Stuff even more under the bed or into the back of the cupboard with the help of these Black & Decker vacuum bags. The set of six are all the same size at 100 x 60 x 1cm and promise to shield your goods from moisture, dust, pet hair and other everyday contaminants.
Buy now £12.99, Wayfair
Packmate Extra Large Flat Vacuum Bags - 2 Pack
Pack away big duvets, blankets, bedding and more without worrying about where everything will go thanks to these XL vacuum storage bags (each measuring 70 x 105cm). As well as textiles the bags are great for flattening big bulky pillows to store for months at a time or to make moving house that much easier.
Buy now £10.99, Robert Dyas
Protect & Store Pack of 2 Extra Large Vacuum Storage Bags
Protect and easily store your items in these capacious and robust plastic bags which come in a handy pack of two. The cube-shaped bags are crafted from multilayer laminate to stop both air entering and protect against tears. Perhaps best of all, once they've reached the end of their life cycle, the bags are reusable and recyclable. The box-shaped design is also useful for organising further into storage boxes or stacking in your spare room.
Buy now £12.00, Argos
Dunelm Set of 2 Vacuum Storage Bags
Like a squirrel in winter with its nuts, tuck away excess bedding, towels and clothing in cupboards and under beds utilising every inch of space with the help of Dunelm’s vacuum storage bags. Sold as a set of two and fastening with a zip, you’ll watch with amazement as your parcel shrinks down into minuscule proportions once you’ve removed the air with a vacuum.
Buy now £3.00, Dunelm
