Expert's 28p straw hack to 'fit way more' in your suitcase when packing

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to cram one last piece of clothing into your suitcase – luckily, this weird hack can help.

A common way that people try to create more space in their cases is by using vacuum-sealed bags, which are designed to remove all of the air from your luggage. This helps maximise space and keeps your items organised. However, instead of going out and ordering your own, there is a way you can make them yourself using two common items.

Sidney Raz, a TikTok creator who tests life hacks he’s only learned in his 30s, revealed that you can actually create your own vacuum pack for food using just a straw and a zip lock bag.

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His hack received over 170,000 likes, in which he demonstrated how the method worked. First, he sealed the Ziploc bag almost the full way, then he poked a straw in the corner and used it to suck the air out.

This sealing method works out incredibly cheaply, as a 30-pack of Ziplock bags can be picked up on Amazon for just £7.54, while 200-pack of paper straws can be bought on the site for £6.49.

But how well does it work for clothes? Adam Ewart from Send My Bag confirmed that the straw hack is actually effective – however, he also added his own improvements.

Adam said: “I saw someone using a straw to vacuum seal a Ziploc bag, great for food, but what if you want to shrink clothes to fit more into your bag on a budget airline flight? I tested it with t-shirts, socks, you name it. It works – but it’s not easy using just a straw!”

He suggested: “Instead, try this: organise outfits into large Ziploc bags, then use the reverse end of a hairdryer or a vacuum cleaner to suck out the air.

“You can fit way more into your suitcase, and it’s perfect for students moving abroad or anyone trying to avoid airline baggage fees (naming no names, but you know who you are).”

There are plenty of other creative ways you can use straws to improve your packing. TikTok creator Christie Moeller shared a way to stop necklaces from tangling in your luggage – simply using a straw.

According to her hack, you can thread your necklaces through drinking straws to keep them from knotting up in your suitcase.

In her video, Christie, who describes herself as “Queen of Style Hacks” said: “Unclasp your necklace, feed one end through a straw, then bring the ends back together and clasp together. Do this to each necklace you’re bringing, and no tangles!”