These $30 vacuum bags are the best space-saving hack I've figured out yet for my small apartment

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• I've spent a lot of time and money on organization products for my small NY apartment.
• Of everything I've bought, vacuum bags have been the most effective.
• For $30, I converted my storage space from six large containers to five stackable airtight bags. They take up 1/10th of the space, and I didn't have to throw out things I still want.

If you've ever moved your belongings from one space to a markedly smaller one, you'll already be aware of what I like to refer to as the "Alice in Wonderland" effect. You get everything settled, go to sleep, and wake up to find that your possessions have grown to three times their original size, the walls have shrunk, and a place your real estate agent called "charming" is now claustrophobic.

For me, this is what it was like moving from the midwest to New York City - land of four seasons, high rent, and categorically small closets. Suddenly, owning more than one sweatshirt was unjustifiable.

I became interested in organization as a matter of necessity. I spent every Sunday night trying to feng shui my room into a clutter-free zone. I bought lots of helpful products in the ongoing search, and I collected crowdsourced wisdom from colleagues.

However, the small living space hack that has made the biggest difference, by a mile, was buying vacuum bags. I would have tried them sooner, but they carried the faint stigma of long infomercials and homes that smell like bleach. At 23, I felt too young.

But after fitting the contents of two duffels, two backpacking packs, and two large suitcases into five vacuum-storage bags that take up one tenth of the space under my bed, I am a complete convert. It's the best $30 I've spent in a long time.

The 'SpaceSaver' vacuum bags I chose were highlighted as "Amazon's Choice," had over 8,800 reviews, and a 4.3-star rating overall. For $30, I didn't need them to do much aside from work.

The bags come in three sizes: Medium for $20 (28 x 20 inches), Large for $23 (32 x 24 inches), and Jumbo for $30 (40 x 30 inches). I grabbed the Jumbo bags for under-bed storage, but you may opt for the smaller sizes if you're planning to store them somewhere that requires you to be mindful of borders (like layering them into a suitcase you're storing anyway).

They claim to reduce a bag's volume by 80%, and that sounds right to me. The Jumbo bags themselves are spacious, and surprised me with how many towels, puffy comforters, multiple sets of sheets, sleeping bags, and sweatshirts I could stuff in without effort.

In terms of actually using them, the process is pretty much intuitive. I didn't read directions, and I didn't need to - which is good news for anyone who wants to solve a storage issue immediately, without undue energy or attention.

All you have to do is open a bag up, stuff many, many things inside, zip it closed (a clip helps ensure the tracks for the seal are aligned), remove the cap, and suction all of the air out of the bag with your vacuum. Then, screw the cap back on. I was careful to replace the cap as quickly as possible so minimal air escaped in the interim, but it didn't seem like I should have worried; there was no giveaway 'woosh' sound or noticeable expansion. And in case you're traveling without a vacuum, the set also comes with a travel pump - which was also easy to use.

The SpaceSaver bags are made from anti-microbial materials, too, so there shouldn't be any concern of mold, mildew, or bacteria.

I've had a straightforward, positive experience with them, but, if for some reason you don't, they are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee - just email their customer service for a replacement.

All in all, I've tried virtually every life hack there is when it comes to getting creative with maximizing a small space. And while the space itself will dictate which tips and tricks you can successfully use, vacuum bags will probably work for most of them, and they've been the far-and-away winner for me in terms of storage efficiency. If you're looking for a way to de-clutter without throwing out your winter clothes, comforter, and spare linens seasonally, you probably won't regret spending $30 on a few of these.

SpaceSaver Premium Reusable Vacuum Storage Bags (Jumbo 6-Pack), $29.99