For the home cook, storage can be a battlefield. The struggle is real, from juggling pots and pans to squeezing every last inch out of the fridge’s cheese drawer.
And let’s not even start on the challenge of stuffing oversized items like baguettes or uncooked spaghetti into Ziploc bags that seem to mock us with their inadequate size.
But before you throw in the towel and resign yourself to a life of clutter, we have a nifty trick that will double your Ziploc bag’s storage capacity in a snap. And the best part? You don’t need to rush out to buy bigger bags or special equipment.
Thanks to the cleverness of social media personality Jacqueline Stein, we’ve discovered a hack for efficiently storing oversized items that is a game-changer for Ziploc bags with press-to-close seals. Sorry, slider fans, this one’s not for you.
Here’s how you do it: Grab two Ziploc bags. Turn one inside out and flip it upside down. Now, align its seal with the seal of the other bag, which should be right-side up. If you’re using Ziploc freezer quart bags, you’ll notice the pink and blue seals designed to interlock, making it easy to match them up.
Once aligned, press firmly along the seals to join the two bags into one larger storage solution. Suddenly, you’ve got a mega bag ready to accommodate all those awkwardly long or bulky items, from kitchen utensils to art supplies.
But wait, there’s more! Sometimes, a Ziploc bag is just too big for your needs. You may want a petite pouch to carry snacks without bulk.
Another social media personality, Dustin Hadley, has a solution that’s as clever as simple. However, it does come with a word of caution, as it involves sharp objects and heat.
Here’s the drill: heat the edge of a sharp knife for about 10 to 20 seconds using a gas range flame, candle, or lighter. Place the Ziploc bag flat on a cutting board, then slice it down the middle with the hot knife.
The heat will seal the plastic, creating two smaller bags perfect for dry snacks like nuts or crackers. Remember, this seal isn’t liquid-tight, so keep it with the dry goods.
With these hacks, you’ll be the master of your kitchen storage in no time. Have you tried these Ziploc bag tricks? Do you have any other space-saving hacks up your sleeve? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
Also read: Preserve your fresh produce with these easy storage tricks
