We researched the best vacuum storage bags, evaluating durability, cost, and ease of use, so you don’t need to familiarize yourself with a lot of specialized equipment to pack your belongings. Our top choice, the Spacesaver Premium Vacuum Storage Bags, are great for long-term use and travel and come in a variety of sizes. Here are the best vacuum storage bags to protect your clothes, bedding, and more, plus keep them organized and neat. The plastic on these vacuum storage bags is thick and durable. Plus, the brand offers a lifetime guarantee, although you do need to follow the instructions for use down to the letter to be eligible. Even with perfect use, the bags might start leaking after many uses, which is fairly common for the product category and ultimately not a dealbreaker for us. If you want to purchase a number of bags in the same size or a variety of bags of very different sizes to organize your storage closet, suitcase, or linen collection, these bags certainly make it easier to make the most of your space. You can easily put them alongside each other in a closet or bin, and you won’t need to spend a ton of money to complete your organization project either. Price at time of publish: $44 The instructions for use are printed right on the side of the bag, so you don’t need to worry about keeping track of separate directions. There are helpful pictures to illustrate exactly what you need to do, too, whether you are using the bags at home or for travel. You can purchase these bags in a pack of five, six, 12, or 15—with the cheapest option being the five-pack. The only downside is the bags are not available in smaller sizes (less than 28 by 20 inches), unlike our best overall pick. Price at time of publish: $36 One of the great things about the Space Max small bags is that they come with a hand pump. It can be hard to find vacuum storage bags that are small, and most don’t have a pump included. Rather than purchase a variety pack or a larger package to get these extras, you can buy just what you need. They are also very affordable and a fraction of the cost of larger options. The pump will work with larger bags if you do decide to purchase an additional pack in the future. Price at time of publish: $16 These bags have a double-zip design to keep the contents airtight and protect your items from dirt, dust, and moisture. The one-way air valve works with most vacuum hoses to remove the air. However, this package does not come with a hand pump for travel. If you already have a hand pump, these vacuum storage bags are a good purchase that perform very well. They aren’t the cheapest on our list but aren’t the most expensive either. Just note: A warranty is not included, but the brand does have great customer service and attempts to fix any problems that occur. Price at time of publish: $19 These bags are extra thick, making them perfect for rough use and situations where they may be tossed in the moving truck, shifted around a basement, or squeezed up against other items in a carry-on suitcase. They also come with a lifetime free replacement guarantee. If your bag rips or starts to lose air, BoxLegend will send you a new one free of charge. Each bag has a double zipper to ensure it stays sealed. The package does not include a travel pump, but you can purchase one separately or use one that you already have. Price at time of publish: $24 These bags come in long and short sizes and in variety packs of four or six. They also come in a few different color options and are the only vacuum storage bags on the market that do. The short bags work great for jackets and pants, while the long bags are better for coats and dresses. Keep in mind that extra-long items may need to be folded at the bottom. These aren’t the cheapest option, but they will certainly work better than having items hanging loose or potentially getting all wrinkled in other vacuum storage bags. Price at time of publish: $37 Just keep in mind the pack doesn’t come with a hand pump or adhesive clips. Although, if you are looking for something that is large, chances are it won’t also be a travel-friendly packing solution that would likely require a hand pump. These do come in a pack of five, ideal for storing several sets of winter bedding when not in use or even heftier sweaters for different family members. The seal is compatible with a standard vacuum hose and can be reused year after year. Price at time of publish: $30 This pack of 44 bags is a good deal when you don’t include the extra cost of the FoodSaver system. If you have a food vacuum sealer already, getting new bags is easy and relatively cheap. Each bag can hold up to one quart of food and can be refrigerated, frozen, microwaved, and boiled. There are other sizes available from FoodSaver and bags for different uses, too, whether it be storing shrimp and salmon in the freezer or cereal in the pantry. If you do use the bags in the freezer, know that they can help prevent freezer burn, resulting in less food waste and more savings. Price at time of publish: $25 The large and jumbo sizes may be more than you need for travel use. While they do work with the included hand pump, it can take quite some time. Using a vacuum hose is more efficient and faster when you have it available. The zipper seal has multiple colors on it so that you know when it is fully closed. It’s key to note that you should be very careful not to remove or damage the pink gasket in the valve. Unfortunately, if this is damaged during travel, you won’t be able to vacuum seal the bags. Price at time of publish: $18 These are expensive compared to many other vacuum storage bags and only come in a set of two in the jumbo size. The Ziploc seal is what makes these bags so great and effective, though, especially for any long-term use. Once you vacuum the air out of the bag using a standard vacuum hose, you can be sure that it will stay sealed and airtight for a long time. Price at time of publish: $27 Typically, vacuum storage bags come in small, medium, large, and jumbo sizes. A small bag can be as little as 24 by 16 inches, while a jumbo bag can be as large as 48 by 36 inches. Small vacuum storage bags, while good for traveling, don’t always come with a travel pump. In addition, large vacuum bags may be too difficult to use with a travel pump. So, if you’re planning on using your bags on the go, it’s key to think about what tools you’ll need. Ask yourself these questions. Do the necessary tools come with your purchase, or will they be accessible to you? And are the tools effective for the size bag that you’re opting for?
Intended Use
It’s also key to consider if you plan to use your vacuum storage bags for off-season storage of your belongings and reuse them year after year or if you want to store items once for a longer period of time. If you want to use your bags for the former, look for ones that are made of durable plastic and don’t have valves or gaskets that will break easily. In addition, look for ones backed with a very good replacement warranty. If you want to use your bags for the latter—say, when you take a trip across the world—look for ones that come with a hand pump, so you don’t need to track down a vacuum at your destination.
Durability
Vacuum storage bags are usually made of thick plastic. Although they aren’t puncture-proof, regular use doesn’t cause problems with the plastic itself. The bag’s valves, zip top, or seals are typically the first to go. If you plan to reuse your vacuum storage bags often or want to use them long-term, look for a company that offers a lifetime guarantee or has really invested in the durability of their bags. It may be helpful to look for notes about lifespan within user reviews.
Available Warranties
Vacuum storage bags can come with a warranty or guarantee. This warranty can cover your bags for a lifetime, for one year, or whenever you experience defects and damages. Be careful when you use your bags, as any unintended use can often void your warranty. Great customer service is another key feature that can make a set of vacuum storage bags stand out from their competition. If you do have problems, it is nice to be able to contact a representative from the brand to get a replacement sent directly to you.
Standout Features
Travel Pump
If you’re using your vacuum storage bags on the go to keep your suitcase organized and neat, look for one that includes a hand pump. Using this accessory, you can remove air from your storage bag while you travel and don’t have access to your normal vacuum. This can make packing even easier when you are on your way home and can even free up space for extra souvenirs.
Adhesive Clip
An adhesive clip is a great way to make sure you get a good seal on your bag. Any place that opens, including the main opening to the bag where you put your items, is a place where air can potentially get into the vacuum-sealed storage bag. An adhesive clip keeps this area secure and airtight, even when the regular seal is a bit worn.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. As a military veteran and former military spouse, Katie has had to rely on efficient storage solutions to keep track of items in the off seasons and as her family travels. For this article, she considered each option’s durability, cost, and ease of use. She also spoke to professional organizer Sandra Bent to get her best tips for keeping things organized in storage.
