The Ziploc: Confessions of an Over-Organizer

Owning the Ziploc Obsession

Disclaimer: this is not a Ziploc sponsored post.

I love to organize, re-organize, and label everything, but my Ziploc obsession probably started with my mom. She used to pack our suitcases using gallon Ziplocs before packing cubes were even a “thing.” Later as an adult, I find myself packing for trips doing the same. You can also forget the fancy cosmetic cases, I was stashing makeup into one bag and shower essentials into another. Once different sizes started coming out, I couldn’t be stopped. Fast forward to becoming a mom–my label-making-OCD-heart was kicked into overdrive.

Hi, I’m Sandra and I’m the crazy Ziploc lady, but I love them and I’m here for it. They’re inexpensive and reusable over and over (and over). Let me preface this by saying, yes I reuse and recycle these bags in every way possible so spare me the environmental hoorahs, sometimes a girl just needs a plastic baggie.

Getting Organized With Ziplocs

I swear by these zip plastic bags and use them for everything. Now, as a mom, I can unequivocally say that I continue to re-purpose them for new things and old hacks. May I also say, as a parent when looking for things quickly “ain’t nobody got time” for the mess. So i’m going to share some of my favorite uses. Can we also talk about the variety of the bag sizes now available?!

Speaking of getting organized, check out this post on getting organized at home.

Of all the things I use Ziplocs for, packing is my favorite. The nerdy excitement is unreal. I feel like Oprah when we are packing, ‘you get a bag, and you get a bag, everybodyyy gets a baaag!’ My husband could no sooner suffocate me with one of those bags, kidding. 

Here are a few of my favorite Ziploc uses:

(Full disclosure: I have done all of the below.)

1. The travel case. TSA can be a drag especially when they want to rummage through your suitcase as if looking for golden treasure. Ziplocs make it easier for them to see you’re not packing brass knuckles. They’re also great for your carry-on like cosmetics, phone chargers, snacks, etc.
2. Speaking of travel. I’ve used packing cubes for over 10 years and they really came in handy while working in racing living out of a suitcase. But with Ziplocs, when unpacking I just put the bags straight into drawers. You can also leave them in the suitcase and keep everything from getting mixed up. Even packing cubes won’t do that. Here are some ideas I use:

• • Categorize by outfits/day or type of clothing (like tops/bottoms or camis/tees)
  • Great for socks, bras, undies, also for scarves
  • Shampoo, conditioner, lotions are great in the gallon size
  • Hair accessories fit perfectly in the snack size.
  • The small vitamin size is great to make your own daily vitapacks if you’re on pre-natals, etc. Also great for rings and dainty earrings. 

For our first trip to Disney with Marcelo at 2 months old, I packed an entire outfit per bag for him (onesie, pants, socks, sweater). The decision-making process was easier ‘this outfit or that one?’ It also helped maintain how many outfits we had.

3. Since we’re on the topic of my favorite place, Disney. Ways to use Ziplocs in the parks:
   • freeze water night before to toss in a lunch bag to keep bottles cool
   • first aid, things like bandages for babes and Tylenol for mommy
   • sunscreen, bug spray
   • mama’s “stuff” ie: lip gloss, hair ties, etc.
   • use a quart size to waterproof your phone, perfect if caught in the rain or going on water rides
   • an extra battery pack for phone and cables, you know with all the pictures you take
   • snacks
   • again, one incidental bag for change of clothes/dirty clothes
4. Emergency Bag. The gallon size is perfect to keep 2 spare diapers and a onesie in the car for those occasional poosplosions. Additionally, reuse that bag for the dirty clothes.
5. Going to the water park or beach? Quart size is perfect for your cell phone, keeps sand and water away so you can still take pics of your cutie in the sun. The gallon size is a great wet bag for their swimsuit. 

Okay, we discussed travel, how about some other ideas?

1. The Diaper Bag. The bag you carry is a personal choice. Keeping it organized is everything. Ziplocs are perfect for categorizing things like utensils, spare clothes, toys/crayons, diapers, dirty diapers.
2. Snacks, snacks, and more snacks! Obviously, the snack size portions perfectly. My husband would disagree.
3. In the kitchen. In a pinch, while baking with the kids use a Ziploc as a piping bag to decorate cupcakes, cookies, and cakes. Just stuff all your icing, and pinch a hole on the corner, and voila!
4. Sensory bags. There are tons of ideas if you just Google it or head over to Ziploc’s site. The gallon freezer ones are best. Water and sequins go a long way. Though I double-bag for our little Marcelo because he is a tough guy! (His uncle/Godfather is DJ Entice, I had to go there with the “tough guy.”)
5. BONUS! Just keep an empty one, you never know when you may need it.

Other Suggestions

The ones with the labels are great, you can write what each bag contains if you really want to get with it. I usually write a note and slip it on top of the clothes so I can look at a glance then reuse it for something else. 

The dollar store bags work out great, they don’t need to be a brand name, though they won’t last as long I find for things like travel.

All you have to do is search Pinterest for some other Ziploc organization ideas and it’s endless.

For travel, I also love to pre-mix my own oats. Add all your fixings and take them with you on the go to the office. If traveling by plane or road trippin, almost any airport or gas station has paper cups and hot water, stir it all in and have a healthy snack on the go! It’s perfect for airport layovers and keeping your energy up!

Add in: 1/2 cup rolled oats (or sprouted, my preference), 2 tbsp of Chia Seeds (high in fiber/protein), chopped walnuts (rich in antioxidants), hemp seeds (natural appetite suppressant, tons of vitamins and rich in 2 essential fatty acids), powdered peanut butter, raisins, cinnamon, dried bananas. MAKE IT YOUR OWN! 

The size varieties available now are awesome. Gone are the days where a Ziploc was used for your PB&J sandwich. I’d love to hear what ideas and uses you have for Ziplocs. Share in the comments below so other mamas can read your hacks too and tag me on Instagram so I can see and share!