Stitchit123

I think they are great. When I moved from Ohio to Missouri I started bringing stuff out here in my car to store in my Dad's basement.I brought out 19 medium size totes of fabric-(1/3rd of my stash) - that we unpacked and laid out in the trunk.we took out the seat in back and stacked the totes and more fabric. My little sister told me about the vac bags. I took 11 empty totes back to Ohio-1 1/2 yrs later they were still sealed and every thing was as fresh as the day I packed them. We made 4 more trips like this with fabrics and excess linen closet items. They are great if you are mailing quilts. 1 twin size and 4 queens in a box that was only big enough 1 Q and a twin.

tessagin

I use those and Ziplocs extra large storage bags. Never had trouble with a petroleum odor but I use baking soda packets also. I just make a small pouch with a paper towel like an envelope and place baking soda in it and place on top just incase you don't get all the air out. One thing to be sure of is to make sure none of the articles have been in a damp area. If so run through a low heat dryer. Will prevent any mold or mildew with slightest moisture.

Shoofly1

This is off subject, but, as you are downsizing, you gotta read this book, "The Joy of Less" by Francine Jay. She is the guru of downsizing and shares a ton of practical information in her book, along with a big dose of wisdom. In fact, her fresh outlook of downsizing was so inspiring, I couldn't wait to get started...and life truly is more joyful. This is a book I saved and re-read from time to time.

Tudey

I use them when I ship a quilt to someone. Makes packing them a lot easier!

Pollytink

WOW! Thanks so much for all the great feedback! Feel much encouraged and will definitely try these!

IBQUILTIN

I will follow this post as I too am getting ready for a move and wondered how they would do to pack quilts, blankets and pillows in less space. I wonder if the movers would have a problem if they started to reinflate? Might be exciting. lol

Bubbie

When it comes to space bags of any kind, you will have people who love them or hate them. Yes they will puncture, but they are plastic. When I'm filling a new bag with fabric (or clothing), I also use a plastic tote too. I've found that I have NO trouble with my bags, they can be moved around and such because they are all in totes. The big thing to remember is the weight. This is why I use the totes, when a bag is full it's heavy. I have large plastic totes with lids that fit tight, they will hold up to 6 space bags full.

JanieH

I have both name brand and inexpensive ones and really can't tell the difference. Once I needed to take 3 quilts to New Mexico and put them into 2 bags - 2 in one and 1 plus sweater in another. They really saved space in my suitcase.
I also have several small ones that you can roll up to squeeze air out of them and don't need to use a vacuum. These are great for my little travel pillow and some other things I carry on the plane. It makes them all fit neatly in my carry- on bag. One trip it really impressed the man sitting next to me who thought it was a neat trick.

salemrabbits

used them when #1 daughter moved and put her stuff in storage. It's been 2 years almost, and they are still in storage holding up. Can't imagine what they will smell like, but they were packed with clean linens, towels, etc. and a dryer sheet as recommended. They look fine last time we checked them. AND we live in upstate NY, so they have been in a cold storage locker and been frozen. Interesting they didn't "pop"

Jingle

I tried storing leftover batting. I didn't seal it just wanted to unzip and zipper only lasted a few times. It was a very large bag.