Up until quite recently, I was one of those people who could never manage to remember their reusable shopping bags. I tried everything! I hung them from a hook next to our garage door, I kept them in the back of my car, but none of my efforts made remembering them any easier. But now that I think back on it, I think it was more about the bags themselves than it was about the location I stored them in.
Because I recently bought a set of reusable shopping bags on Amazon, and it has made all the difference in the world! These bags are superior to my other reusable shopping bags in every way. I really enjoy using these bags, which makes it easy to remember them when I’m heading out for a grocery shopping trip! (I also have a storage tip that helps too—see “How I Store My Shopping Bags” below for more on that.)
So today I thought I’d tell you all about my new reusable shopping bags. Because every once in a while, you buy something so good that you just can’t keep it to yourself! ;-)
5 Things I Love About My Reusable Shopping Bags
1. They’re Big
Each of these bags measures 13” x 10” x 11”, so you can carry a LOT in them! I mostly use them to carry my groceries, but you could use one as a beach bag, a picnic basket, to haul sports equipment, or whatever else you might need a big bag for!
2. They’re Collapsible
Possibly my favorite feature of these bags is that they fold down flat. When they’re collapsed, they take up hardly any space in the trunk of my car! Plus, there are a few handy pieces of velcro that keep the bags collapsed.
3. They’re Strong
Arguably, the most important feature of any shopping bag is how strong it is. And let me tell you, these babies are strong. Each one can support up to 50 pounds worth of stuff!
And it’s not just the bottom of the bags that hold up. The sides are nice and sturdy, which means it’s almost impossible for them to tip over or slide around in the back of your car when you’re on your way home from the store.
4. You Get Three Of Them
While one bag would certainly be enough for a quick jaunt to the store, it’s probably not big enough for your largest shopping trips. But the good news is that these bags come in a pack of three! That’s three big, collapsible, strong shopping bags. I’ve never needed more than these three bags, even when my shopping cart is completely full!
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5. There’s An Optional Trunk Organizer
If you want, Urban House also sells a trunk organizer that accommodates two of these shopping bags. This organizer would be perfect for keeping stuff from sliding or rolling around in your trunk. It also enables you to put your two shopping bags of groceries into it, then carry the whole organizer inside at once! (Your dream of bringing all the groceries inside in one trip can now become a reality!)
How I Store My Shopping Bags
I’ve never been great at remembering to take reusable shopping bags with me to the grocery store. So I decided that with these ones, the best solution would be to simply store them in my car! That way, I never forget them and they are always there, at the ready.
Instead of just throwing them in my trunk, I decided to store them on these nifty hooks that attach to the headrest in your car. You can position them to the side if you want them out of the way, or position them over the front or back of the seat as needed.
I keep them pointed towards the back of my car, so I can hang the collapsed bags from the back of my passenger-side seat. And ever since I started keeping my shopping bags on these helpful hooks, I haven’t forgotten them once! :-)
What could you use a big bag like these ones for?
I love those shopping bags. I would like to suggest another use for them I discovered while recovering from a fractured femur. I had to use a walker during that time, and it was difficult to do so many things. I found that one of these bags was so great to help! Just put it on the inside where you stand, and hook the handles over each walker handle. This gives a fairly level surface to carry your stuff. I used it to carry laundry, paperwork, supplies…anything really. But my favorite use for it was to carry my plates of food without spilling them. My husband wasvery glad I thought of this, for he was very tired of being my slave. lol
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for recommending this! Can’t wait to grab one for myself.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.After giving two away to kind people I met at the grocery store, I had to buy a second set. Thanks for the heads up!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I like the concept of these shopping boxes and am now on the search for an American made version.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Re: Floppy bags: get, find, have cut, a piece of hard board, old election sign with the plastic corrugations between the advertising sides, thin plexiglass, you get the idea, to the size of the bottom of your bag or the size you want the bottom to be if the seams aren’t in the right places, whether it be square or rectagular. That will help your items to not fall over when they are packed properly. The hard ‘bottom’ will lay flat either on the bottom or sides when you fold the back for storage. You could make a cover for the bottom piece if you like. I use softer bags, sometimes quilted ones. When I get home, I load them into a handy rolling, collapsible cart. It looks like one of the plastic milk crate type things with a telescopic handle like a suitcase. When you unclasp the sides, the bottom that was resting against the back, comes down to make the floor. it even has a top to put on if it was raining or whatever. I can usually get everything stacked in that box with the exception of large pkgs of paper towels or TP. Very seldom do I have to make two trips into the house. I’ve had for probably 15 years and don’t remember where I got it. It looks similar to this https://www.amazon.com/Simplify-Tote-Collapsible-Utility-Black/dp/B079GNNR81/ref=sr_1_15?keywords=rolling+milk+crate+cart+with+wheels&qid=1560720274&s=gateway&sr=8-15
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I meant to add that slightly rounding the corners of the hard bottom piece might be a good idea, so a pointed corner didn’t rub on your bag.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.When I clicked on your site link the bags you are showing do not show up but 2 bags with linings and lids. The price was a heck of a lot more than $30.00. Did I click wrong?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Linda! I’m so sorry! The link is actually correct, but the company has changed their product line and it looks like they no longer have these exact bags – so frustrating! However, I did find some other bags with all the same features and over 1,000 five star reviews: https://amzn.to/2Fex8jb
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks! Ran into the same problem as everyone else. I’m looking at both of your suggestions! Thanks for researching.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.The link is incorrect….it goes to the two pack insulated cooler bags. I can’t find the ones you are talking about. Are they still available? If not, this shouldn’t have been posted.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Heidi! I’m so sorry! The link is actually correct, but the company has changed their product line and it looks like they no longer have these exact bags – so frustrating! However, I did find some other bags with all the same features and over 1,000 five star reviews: https://amzn.to/2Fex8jb
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Is there any way to clean the inside of the tote
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have similar totes. I fill them with water and dishwashing liquid (I use Dawn). Give it a good wash. I follow up with vinegar and water to rinse and then allow them to air dry. I think a small amount of bleach with the rinse water would also work to disinfect it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes! For a quick, frequent cleaning, I spray them with hydrogen peroxide and leave them to dry. For a more thorough cleaning, I would use a stiff brush dipped in equal parts white vinegar and water. Just scrub, rinse the brush, scrub with a clean/wet brush, and let dry :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.So disappointed. The link has all kinds of bags, just not the ones that Jillee promoted.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.So, HOW do we get 4 of the ones shown???
I am SO sorry Bigitte! The company I bought these bags from has changed their product line suddenly, and I can’t find the same bags anywhere! I did some searching, and I finally found these with the same features, and tons of great reviews: https://amzn.to/2Fex8jb
Sorry again, and thanks for your patience :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you, Jillee! I am happy to report that I ordered these bags just now, along with the hooks.
I’m so glad, enjoy! :-)
I googled Urban House shopping bags and found them at https://www.toyboxtech.com/urban-house-auh-sb4bk-large-collapsible-grocery-shopping-tote-box-with-reinforced-bottom-14l-x-11w-x-11h-pack-of-4-black-with-brown-trim/ They are the same price
Please log in or create a free account to comment.They don’t have on amazon except for amazon Canada. This directs you to site with the INSULATED bags that are two for $30. I really wanted to get these bags – can you help, Jillee?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi Carol! The company seems to have gotten rid of this product – I am so disappointed, and I’m very sorry! I did, however, find these very similar ones with tons of great reviews: https://amzn.to/2Fex8jb
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Also, these bags would be perfect for the new Scan, Bag, Go option of shopping that my King Soopers Kroger store offers. :)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Me too!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use BAGGU bags. 3 different sizes. They also hold up to 40-50 lbs, plus they fold up really nice to fit into my purse. I ALWAYS have at least 1 or 2 with me and have extra ones in my glove compartment for the grocery store. Cashiers really like them and there are many styles and they always offer new styles. Another plus is that they are machine washable! Really, Jillee, you should try one for your purse!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.They look really nice, but how easy are these to clean? I bought some shopping baskets, similar to the ones you see used in stores. They stack. They are easy to clean. We need to get away from our addiction to plastic. Thank you Jillee.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Although they are not machine washable, they are still pretty easy to clean! I just use a stiff scrub brush with equal parts white vinegar and water – add a drop or two of dish soap if they’re really dirty! I rinse with a clean brush or rag, and leave them to dry :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My concern about these is that they are too big. Our grocery packers seem to want to put everything in one bag and then I can’t even pick it up, I have enough problem with my back as it is. They do look nice and sturdy though.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Exactly! I’ve been doing the reusable bags for over a decade now. I have my set of Envirosax that neatly store in a small cosmetic bag size pouch. They’re nice & roomy & hold about 45 lbs each. I have an extra-large Reisenthal canvas tote which is perfect for TP, paper towels & other large bulky & light items. What does ever bagged decide to do fill the XL bag with milk, jars, cans etc. This is even after reusables became the norm. I’ve had baggers struggle just to lift the bag(s) in basket. This even happens quite frequently after asking to pack light.. I have a bad back, blah, blah. I left while foods with a 70 lb bag, Trader’s with a 63 lb bag. That’s even after talking to store managers pointing out the fact that maybe an in-service training may be appropriate. No improvement. I did find it amusing that after having this discussion with a manager & then going about the marketing, I saw her on my way out. I grabbed her & asked her to carry out my bag to the car for me. Strange request for a manager & she offered to call someone. I insisted that she help. Ya should have seen her face as she bent over the cart & tried to hoist the biggest bag. With a eat poo & die grin I said that is exactly my point. And your not old & frail or suffering a physical impairment. I waffles all my extra bags that were at the ready for the bagger & made my request on light pscking. I offered to go back to the checkstand to confirm. I moved from the area shortly after, but every time that manager saw me she must have alerted her baggers cos I never got an overloaded bag again!
Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. Many healthy friends complain about the same thing. It’s much easier repacking items as you put in the car than to give step-by-step directions in the store. It just holds everyone up.
Love my Envirosax. They are still as gorgeous as the day purchased even a decade later & they tons of washings. I believe it has been suggested a once of week washing, having a dedicated meat bag & definitely not storing your bags in your car (the heat can cause bacteria to grow). There was a big hullabaloo made about all this around the time California instituted their reusuable bag law.
In my experience its best to get a good quality roomy bags with a nice mouth opening (some bags have a smaller opening) & then pop them into a cargo organizer. Carry the cargo organizer in with all your bags or take a few out to lighten the load. Organizers can be picked up cheap. They sell some with an insulated bag for cold items. I prefer my own soft side bag though.
Think I’d like to try Jillee’s recommendation for sturdy storage organization more than shopping. If they can be found.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m a Canadian who winters in Florida. We have bought these bags right in our grocery stores for years, but when we take them to Florida, they look at them like they are from another planet. They have no idea how to pack them, in fact one guy at Walmart was just tossing things in them erratically and my husband had to repack everything as he was checking out. (I think the guy was being an ass)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It sure beats Walmart US putting 3 things in a plastic bag and then starting another bag!!
As someone who works for a grocery store., I love this style bag. They really hold a lot. I like that they are sturdy enough to lay flat one their own.. I don’t sack groceries using Mary Ann’s method. Only if the customer says to.,I do agree – a lot of the fabric bags are flimsy., I just fold the top over first so the bottom can lay flat.My mom does have a bag this style. She got it from one of the stores. I know she wouldn’t pay $30.00 for one.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I think my mom or paid $ 5.00 at the most for her bag like this. My work doesn’t carry this style.They were from another store in the area.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m actually pretty good about using my reusable shopping bags. After unloading them, I hang them on the back door so I won’t forget to put them in the trunk. And I have a small one that I keep on the front passenger seat to remind me to actually grab the “big brothers” in the trunk!
But I’ve been checking these out lately. My biggest complaints with using the old ones are that they are too deep and too “floppy” for the baggers in the store. I have to constantly remind them to lay my milk, tea, soda, OJ, etc. on their sides because they always fall down anyway, and you can’t put anything else in the bag. In addition, because the bags do not have stiff sides, other things fall down, i.e. the ketchup bottle falling over and crushing the bag of loose spinach. I realize that some of these issues are bagging issues but you can’t just hover over the baggers and tell them how to do their job. I think hard side bags that are not as deep, but probably have the same area, will make it easier on both baggers and shoppers.
Oh, and there is one more thing you can use these bags for…..a portable bed for your kitty if you have a buddy who has to be everywhere you are!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use to use resuseable grocery bags until I started reading they had to be disinfected. I don’t understand why because the things you buy at the store are in cans or boxes. ( I can understand if you are using them for meat or fresh produce). I don’t want to be bothered having to disinfect grocery bags.
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