Have you ever stood in front of an open suitcase and thought: "This doesn't fit!"? Summer is the season for travel and with it comes an old friend - packing frustration. In an effort to cram our entire wardrobe into our carry-on luggage (just in case, of course), we look for all sorts of shortcuts. And the internet faithfully delivers them to us - sometimes useful, but often just... fun to look at.
But one of the tricks that is conquering TikTok, Instagram and everything in between again these days is vacuum packaging of clothesIt's not some space science, but an elegant solution that should have been included in your travel rituals long ago. That is, if you don't mind your suitcase looking like some kind of bloated package that just went through a meditation course.
How does vacuum packaging work?
Basic rule? Less air = more space. Fold clothes in special vacuum bags, and then with help hand pumps or whatever a common mammal you suck the air out of them. The result? The clothes are compressed into compact blocks, meaning you can fit a lot more in the same suitcase.
The bags are made of thick plastic that prevents air from re-entering, so everything stays nice and tight—until you open them and a wave of wrinkled memories wash over you. But hey, a little wrinkle is a small price to pay for an extra pair of pants, right?
Does this really work? And is it worth it?
Yes, it works. But with a caveat. First the good news: more space means less need for additional luggage, which means less costs for checked baggageIf you regularly fly low-cost airlines, where every extra gram costs more than the airfare itself, you'll understand the excitement.
Now for the reality: even though your suitcase may look half empty, its weight does not changeIn fact – because you can fit more in there, it might even end up being heavier than usualBefore you head straight for the plane, check to see if you can still safely lift it overhead. If not, you'll be first in line for help from the flight attendants (and their slightly judgmental stares).
What can (and shouldn't) be packed in vacuum bags?
Vacuum bags are great for:
- Clothes (shirts, pants, sweaters)
- Bedding
- Towels and swimsuits
They are less suitable for:
- Shoes – these are stubbornly incompressible
- Toiletries (because… explosions)
- Delicate fabricswho don't like to wrinkle
Why does this trick excite us so much?
Honestly? Because it finally allows peace of mind for all of us who would rather take two weeks' worth of wardrobe on a weekend trip. Vacuum packing isn't just a space-saving solution—it's a psychological balm. You can pack an extra sweater "just in case" without feeling like you're traveling with two suitcases to visit grandma.
And yes, it sounds almost too good to be true – but this time the internet actually keeps its word.
Have you tried this trick yet?
Share your experiences in the comments – or at least admit which unnecessary pieces you managed to get rid of triumphantly to squeeze into hand luggageIf anyone asks you, just say it's about advanced logistics. Have a safe journey!
