Every housewife at least once in her life wondered how to organize the storage of things in the closet, so that there was always order in it. In addition, any space-saving methods are especially relevant for small apartments. In order to achieve the desired order, it is worth using the vacuuming method. This method of storage is carried out by placing things in special bags. Thanks to this principle, from 50 to 75% of the space is freed.
Vacuum storage of things: step-by-step instructions and practical recommendations
In fact, the method of vacuum storage of things has been around for a long time. But only in recent years has it been gaining more and more popularity. This is primarily due to the significant advantages of this way of storing seasonal items. Vacuum packaging is able to protect things from ultraviolet radiation, dust, moth, fungus, and absorption of odors. Thus, things remain safe and sound. In addition, this method, as mentioned earlier, saves a significant amount of space. These bags can be used to store bed linen, winter and summer clothes, soft toys, bath textiles, etc. To put things aside until next season, follow the step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: Preparing things for vacuuming
Before you do anything, you need to prepare for it. Vacuuming things is no exception. Before proceeding with the most important thing, things should be washed and dried. This is necessary so that when opening the package, things do not have an unpleasant odor. Therefore, first you need to perform washing, cleaning, high-quality drying and airing. Thus, during storage, various bacteria will not multiply in things. If you have not used something for a long time, then it is advisable to just throw it away or give it to those in need.
Step 2: sort
After the things have been prepared for vacuuming, they should be sorted. This is done primarily for convenience. For the fitting, you should not vacuum together a thing that is used each time guests arrive, and a thing that will be needed only after six months. It is also very important to separate things by size. For small items, it is advisable to choose more compact packages, and for bulky items – large covers.
Step 3: Select a vacuum bag by purpose
For storing casual clothes, regular small to medium-sized vacuum bags are suitable. It is recommended to store outerwear in hanging bags. Thus, it will be in an upright position, which means in a straightened form. In this position, the fabric does not receive unnecessary folds and folds. In this way, it is customary to store jackets, coats, down jackets and suits. Blankets, pillows, rugs and the like should be stored in large vacuum bags with a valve, powered by a vacuum cleaner.
Step 4: Select a vacuum bag by size
When choosing a package by size, consider the location of its future location. Remember that after creating a vacuum in the bag, it becomes solid. Therefore, it can only be stored in a straightened form. Package size 50 × 60 is suitable for placing things on shelves or in a chest of drawers. And for storing things in the bedside drawer, vacuum bags with a size of 100 × 80 are suitable. Also, the size of the package should be chosen based on the dimensions of the storage items. You need to measure clothes or a stack of things and add another 4-5 cm in length and width. This size would be ideal. As a result, the fastener will close freely, and at least 1 cm will remain at the edges. This will be the most reliable way of storage.
Step 5: Folding things into a bag
Putting things in a vacuum bag should be done carefully. They should be evenly distributed in all corners or rolled up. The package should not be reloaded, the maximum weight of the packed clothes for one bag should not exceed 60 pounds. In order not to damage the vacuum bag during storage, it is worth hiding all zippers, rivets, buckles, and other accessories. To do this, it will be enough to turn the clothes inside out.
Step 6: Sealing
In order to remove air from the vacuum bag, you need to remove the protective cover from the valve. Then evacuate air. This can be done using a conventional vacuum cleaner or the pump that comes with the vacuum bag. In order to draw out the required amount of air, you need to firmly attach the hose to the opening of the bag and hold it for about 30 seconds. As a result, the bag will flatten, and the volume of things will decrease approximately 4 times. If you pump out the air longer than necessary, you could inadvertently damage the packaging bag. After pumping out the air, it is worthwhile to securely close the valve with a lid. Then the evacuated items can be folded into the closet and stored until the next season.
Step 7. Depressurization
It will not be difficult to depressurize things. If the package remains intact, then it can be reused. You can store empty bags by rolling them into rolls. Once opened, things will require special care. You do not need to wash them, but ironing in some cases will not be superfluous. Outerwear will need to be ironed, all voluminous down products can be straightened with steam. But knitted clothes are able to smooth out on their own, for this it is worth hanging it on a hanger.
This storage method is the most optimal and convenient. Moreover, it does not require significant budgetary investments. Finally, check out a few more best practices.
Many manufacturers recommend keeping things in the bag for no more than six months. After the expiration of this term, it is worth opening the package and ventilating the things in it.
The second recommendation concerns package selection. After opening, many housewives complain of an unpleasant smell. Considering the factor that things were pre-washed and dried with high quality. To avoid this problem, opt for flavored bags. For example, with the scent of lavender, jasmine, lilac, rose, etc. Such bags are especially good for packing bed linen.
Items made from natural fur and leather should be stored without sealing, as this can deform their structure. And down products can be reduced in volume only by 50%, since when compressed, the filler will roll, as a result of which, it will lose its original appearance
You should not store vacuum-sealed items next to heating devices, as this will cost the bag.
The permissible temperature for storing things is from 0 to 54 degrees Celsius. But the most optimal will be from 18 to 22 degrees.
You can also use vacuum bags to pack things in a suitcase. Thus, you will save 75% of the space.
With the help of vacuum storage, you will be able to preserve the original appearance of your things for a long time. You don’t need to put in effort and waste a lot of time. The evacuation process is quite simple and convenient, everyone can handle it. And as it turns out, such bags can be used not only for storing things, but also for transporting them. Therefore, you should definitely try this method and evaluate all its benefits from your own experience.