When it comes to products that are useful in many facets of life, the first two that come to mind are duct tape and… Ziploc bags. Both have many uses in travel as well. Use the duct tape to keep your suitcase closed when the zipper breaks. Likewise, Ziploc bags have uses well beyond the 3-1-1 TSA rules. These 7 are among our favorites.

Ziploc Bags as Travel Hacks

Everyone knows that Ziploc bags are the key to getting through security at the airport. Just pack a 1 quart bag with your toiletries in 3 ounce bottles and you’re good to go. But don’t stop there. Get a whole box of Ziploc bags and use them for all sorts of packing travel hacks. (The knock-off store brands work too, but make sure they’re strong enough to contain whatever needs to be contained.)

These are just a few of the ways Traveling Moms have used Ziploc bags to make packing easier and keep kids organized.

Pack your delicates in Ziploc bags.

That way, if security needs to go through your bag they won’t have to touch everything.

Pack your kids’ clothes in them.

Use gallon bags to pack a full day’s outfit for each kid—shirt, shorts, socks and underwear, even barrettes and hair ties. It keeps clothes organized and makes it easier for younger kids to dress themselves.

Zip anything that might leak in your suitcase.

Creams, lotions, and makeup can all leak. Lock them in a Ziploc before packing them. It will save your clothes, your suitcase and your sanity.

Use them as mini diaper bags.

If you’re flying with a little one still in diapers, pack several Ziploc bags with one diaper and several wipes each. Then pack another with the diaper changing accoutrements—changing pad, powder and ointments. That way, when you have to change the baby in that impossibly small airplane lav, you won’t have to drag the entire diaper bag, just two Ziplocs. Then, before tossing the dirty diapers, lock it away along with all its smells into the empty bag that originally held the clean diaper and wipes. Your fellow passengers will thank you.

Organize the toys.

Pack small toys into small Ziploc bags to keep them organized in the car.

Put together craft kits in Ziploc bags.

Great for keeping kids busy on long plane, train or car rides while containing the mess and keeping kids from losing parts.

Use Ziplocs as vomit bags.

Pack them with several sheets of paper towels and wet wipes. They can be used to catch the vomit and then you have the supplies you need to clean it up.

How do you use Ziploc bags when you travel? Share with us in the comment section below.