A viral TikTok hack using a straw and a Ziploc bag promises to help travellers fit more into their suitcases without the need for expensive vacuum-sealed bags. The method, demonstrated by creator Sidney Raz, involves sealing the bag almost completely, inserting a straw into the corner, and sucking out the air to create a DIY vacuum pack.
The hack has gained traction online, with Raz's video receiving over 170,000 likes. The cost is minimal: a 30-pack of Ziploc bags costs £7.54 on Amazon, while 200 paper straws are available for £6.49, making each pack roughly 28p.
Adam Ewart from Send My Bag tested the method on clothing and confirmed its effectiveness, but suggested improvements. Instead of using just a straw, he recommends using the reverse end of a hairdryer or a vacuum cleaner to suck out the air from large Ziploc bags containing organised outfits. This, he says, allows you to 'fit way more' into your suitcase and is ideal for students moving abroad or anyone trying to avoid airline baggage fees.
Another TikTok creator, Christie Moeller, shared a separate straw hack to prevent necklaces from tangling. By threading a necklace through a straw and clasping the ends together, the jewellery stays tangle-free during travel.
