Bulky Bedding Took Over My Closet Until I Tried This $24 Storage Solution

As an apartment-dweller, there are certain things I truly rely on to maximize my limited square footage,  like storage baskets to curb clutter or my sofa that converts to a guest bed. But the most essential items by far are vacuum seal storage bags. I use them for everything, from storing spare bedding and off-season clothing to cramming clothes into a carry-on while traveling. That’s why I can never have too many on hand. I’ve purchased bags from multiple brands over the years, but the SONGMICS Vacuum Storage Bags have them all beat. 

They make the big, bad, and the bulky remarkably slim and easy to store, all while keeping critters, dust, and debris out. Like I said, I’ve put them to use all over my apartment — and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Here’s why.

The SONGMICS Vacuum Storage Bags are the ultimate space-savers. Made from heavy-duty reusable plastic, they protect clothes, pillows, and bedding from dust, pests, and debris. Using them is simple: Just seal the bag with the airtight double zipper, then use SONGMICS’ included rechargeable electric pump to suck out the air through the triple-seal valve, and voilá — bulky items are suddenly nearly half their original size. Stash them under the bed, in a closet, or in your suitcase while on-the-go. 

In this SONGMICS set in particular, you get three small bags, four medium, four large, and four jumbo sizes. There’s a size for every storage need, whether it’s a couple of sweaters or a thick king-size duvet. 

I genuinely believe that I wouldn’t be able to keep half as much stuff in my apartment without these bags. Their storage capacity is no joke. I recently tested a bunch of quilts for a Best List story, for example, and my small, New York apartment was overrun by options for the story — until I sealed them off in the SONGMICS bags. I was able to fit king-size quilts in the large vacuum seal bags and two quilts in the jumbo bag without the material tearing. Once the bags were vacuum sealed, it was finally small enough to stow in my closet until it was time to bring it out for testing. 

I also use the bags to store puffy winter coats and sweaters I only reach for during the fall and winter, and I find that the bulk of my winter essentials can live in one large bag, impressively. When these items are compressed into a flat, manageable size, It can double or triple the amount I keep in my under-bed storage drawers, too. My husband is even able to pack his king-size Casper pillow in one of these bags when we travel. And unlike other vacuum seal bags I’ve used in the past, these actually hold their seal. So if you want to maximize your storage and trust that your items will stay compressed and dust-free long-term, I couldn’t recommend these more. 

Normally, I immediately bypass the included pumps and use my Dyson vacuum to suck out the air. But for the sake of testing, I took SONGMICS’s rechargeable electric pump for a spin with these and was pleasantly surprised! It works quite well for a pump so small; and while I’ll probably keep reaching for my own vacuum out of habit, I keep the SONGMICS pump on hand for when I travel and need to compress clothes back into my suitcase. 

Buy: SONGMICS Vacuum Storage Bags, $24 (normally $30)

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