The $19 Amazon Find Our Team Swears By for Easy Packing and Storage

Every move — big or small — is chaotic. The logistics, clutter, and cardboard boxes all beg the question: If you aren’t on the verge of mental collapse, are you even moving? While I’m sure there are folks who plan and execute their moves with an even-keeled precision, all I know is that my husband and I almost lost it during our move to Brooklyn from Miami (and that was with the help of a moving company). We handled the packing ourselves, which is usually the worst part —​​ at least it would’ve been, if not for these TICONN Extra Large Moving Bags from Amazon. 

And a handful of AT team members who also moved recently all credited these very bags to making the process way easier. If you’re planning a move or in the market for a better way to store seasonal home decor, clothes, and more, read on to learn why you should add these to your next Amazon order. 

Consider moving bags the more convenient (and reusable!) replacement for flimsy cardboard boxes. They’re essentially giant zip-up duffles made of a durable tarp-like material that keeps water, pests, and dust out to better protect your belongings. And unlike boxes, these have top handles for easy carrying. They’re also massive: The 24-gallon bags can hold a lot, and I pushed their capacity to the absolute limit (more on that later). Packing aside, the moving bags can be used to safely store household items, too. 

I can’t stress enough how huge these moving bags are. AT’s Brand Partnerships Senior Manager, Jac Kenny, co-signs, saying, “I emptied an entire six-drawer dresser into them … and they were very full drawers.” I too was able to pack the bulk of my closet in a single bag, hangers included. And it doesn’t stop at clothes — larger items like comforters, throws, and pillows can fit inside without any fuss. It’s truly shocking how much these bags can hold. I filled mine to the brim and am proud to report that there were no ripped zippers, no tears, and no broken handles. 

While you might regret over-packing a cardboard box, these bags are surprisingly painless to move — even when they’re packed full — thanks to the heavy-duty handles. “I don’t know what magic is in them, but no matter how full, it was so easy to carry,” Kenny agrees. The super strong handles were nothing short of life-changing when lugging a stuffed bag up my stairs. 

“I hate how wasteful cardboard boxes can feel — not to mention how much tape and extra materials are needed,” says our Director of Shopping Strategy, Katie Maguire. Sure, cardboard boxes can be donated or recycled, but moving bags can be used again and again. “I purchased these for a move a few years ago,” says Maguire. “You can keep reusing them for storage and future moves!” 

As someone who’s afraid of bugs and critters making themselves at home in my things, I’m so glad I packed my essentials in moving bags instead of boxes. I kept them in a storage unit for a few months before my move, and am delighted to report that no creepy-crawlies were found. I can’t say the same about the cardboard boxes in my unit (gross, I know). Shopping Writer Megan Gray also swears by the bags for more protective storage: “I have a crawlspace area and use these for storing clothes, without worrying about dust.” What’s more, the waterproof material keeps everything dry and clean. 

The moving bags are obviously perfect for packing, but they’re also super useful for household storage. My holiday decorations, guest bedding, and seasonal clothes have all taken permanent residence in the bags, which I keep under my bed. If you don’t need the extra storage, you can always fold them up for seamless stashing. “My girlfriend first used these during her move a couple of years ago and held onto them for when we moved in together,” shares our Director of Shopping Revenue Strategy, Reid Webb. “I just love that they fold down compactly for easy storage until you need them again.” Honestly, same! 

It’s not every day that a product garners the praise of multiple AT editors and their movers (one person’s moving company even mentioned how great they are!). The TICONN Moving Bags are the real deal. Plus, they’re only $19 for a 2-pack, so I’d highly recommend grabbing a set of your own. 

Buy: TICONN Heavy Duty Extra Large Moving Bags, Set of 2, $19