These vacuum bags are the best space-saving hack I've figured out yet for my small apartment

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• I've spent a lot of time and money on organization products for my small NYC apartment.
• Of all the things I've bought, the Space Saver vacuum bags have been the most effective.
• For $40, I converted my storage space from six large containers to five stackable airtight bags. They take up 1/10th of the space, and I didn't have to throw things out.

If you've ever moved your belongings from one space to a markedly smaller one, you're aware of what I like to refer to as the "Alice in Wonderland" effect. You get everything settled, go to sleep, and wake up to find that your possessions have grown to three times their original size, the walls have shrunk, and a place your real estate agent called "charming" is now claustrophobic.

For me, this is what it was like moving from the midwest to New York City — the land of four seasons, high rent, and categorically small closets. Suddenly, owning more than one sweatshirt was unjustifiable.

I became interested in home organization as a matter of necessity. I spent every Sunday night trying to turn my room into a clutter-free zone. I bought lots of helpful products in the ongoing search, and I collected crowdsourced wisdom from colleagues.

However, the hack that has made the biggest difference, by a mile, was buying vacuum bags. I would have tried them sooner, but they carried the faint stigma of long infomercials and homes that smell like bleach.

But after fitting the contents of two duffels, two backpacking packs, and two large suitcases into five vacuum-storage bags that take up 1/10th of the space under my bed, I am a complete convert. It's the best $40 I've spent in a long time.

The bags come in three sizes: Medium (28 x 20 inches), Large (32 x 24 inches), and Jumbo (40 x 30 inches). I grabbed the Jumbo bags for under-bed storage, but you may want the smaller sizes if you're planning to store them somewhere that requires you to be mindful of borders, like layering them into a suitcase you're storing anyway.

They claim to reduce a bag's volume by 80%, and that sounds right to me. The Jumbo bags themselves are spacious and surprised me with how many towels, puffy comforters, multiple sets of sheets, sleeping bags, and sweatshirts I could stuff in without effort.

In terms of actually using them, the process is pretty much intuitive. I didn't read directions and I didn't need to — which is good news for anyone who wants to solve a storage issue immediately without undue energy or attention.

All you have to do is stuff your things inside the bag, zip it shut, remove the cap, and suction all of the air out of the bag with your vacuum. Then, just screw the cap back on. I was careful to replace the cap as quickly as possible so minimal air escaped in the interim, but it didn't seem like I should have worried; there was no giveaway "woosh" sound or noticeable expansion. And in case you're traveling without a vacuum, the set also comes with an easy-to-use travel pump.

The SpaceSaver bags are made from anti-microbial materials, too, so there shouldn't be any concern of mold, mildew, or bacteria.

I've had a straightforward, positive experience with them, but, if for some reason you don't, they are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee — just email their customer service for a replacement.

I've tried every major life hack to maximize a small space and vacuum bags have been the far-and-away winner for me in terms of storage efficiency. If you're looking for a way to de-clutter without getting rid of your winter clothes, comforter, and linens, you won't regret grabbing a few of these.