As the academic year winds down, a familiar scene unfolds on college campuses: students grappling with overflowing boxes, struggling with bulky duffel bags, and facing the daunting task of packing up a year’s worth of accumulated belongings. Traditional cardboard boxes are cumbersome, prone to breaking, and a pain to store after the move. This is where products like the TICONN 2 Pack Extra Large Moving Bags with Zippers & Carrying Handles step in, promising a more convenient and durable solution for transporting possessions. But do these heavy-duty storage totes truly live up to the hype, especially for the unique challenges of a college move-out? Let’s take a comprehensive look.
At first glance, the TICONN moving bags impress with their sheer size. Marketed as “Extra Large,” they boast dimensions of 27″L x 14″W x 15″H, offering a substantial 24-gallon volume. This is immediately appealing for anyone facing a significant packing task. Compared to standard moving boxes, these bags provide a cavernous space capable of swallowing a surprising amount of stuff – from bulky bedding and winter coats to stacks of textbooks and miscellaneous room décor.
The construction of the TICONN bags is another key feature. They are made from a premium PE (Polyethylene) material, which the manufacturer describes as heavy-duty and waterproof. This material feels significantly more durable than the cardboard of traditional moving boxes. It’s flexible yet strong, capable of withstanding the bumps and scrapes that are inevitable during a move. The waterproof aspect is particularly valuable, offering peace of mind if you encounter unexpected rain or need to place the bags on potentially damp surfaces during transit or storage.
One of the most critical elements of any moving container is the handles, and TICONN seems to have put considerable thought into this. The bags feature wide and thick carrying handles that are designed to surround the entire bag, rather than just being stitched onto the sides. This design distributes the weight more evenly and provides significantly more strength, allowing the bags to hold heavier loads without the handles tearing or coming loose – a common frustration with overloaded cardboard boxes or flimsier bags. These handles are long enough to be carried over the shoulder, which is a major advantage when navigating crowded hallways or carrying multiple bags.
The inclusion of sturdy zippers is another practical feature that sets these bags apart from open-top bins or boxes. The zippers allow you to fully close the bags, securing your belongings and preventing items from falling out during transport. The top side of the bag can be fully opened, making it much easier to load and unload items, especially bulkier ones. This “open top” design, combined with the zippered closure, offers both convenience during packing and security during the move.
Beyond moving, the TICONN bags are marketed for their versatility as storage totes and organizers. Their foldable design is a significant advantage. Unlike bulky cardboard boxes that take up valuable space when empty, these bags can be neatly folded flat for compact storage in a closet, under a bed, or in a drawer. This is particularly useful for college students who often have limited storage space in dorm rooms or small apartments. They can be used for seasonal storage of clothing, bedding, or sports equipment when not being used for moving.
The listed load capacity of 50 pounds per bag seems reasonable given their size and construction. While you might be tempted to cram in as much as possible, it’s important to be mindful of this weight limit to avoid overstressing the handles or the material. Even at 50 pounds, a fully loaded bag can be heavy, so the sturdy handles and the option to carry over the shoulder are definitely beneficial.
Now, let’s specifically address how these TICONN moving bags perform in the context of a college student moving out at the end of the school year. This annual exodus presents a unique set of challenges. Students often have accumulated more than they arrived with, storage space in dorm rooms is minimal, and transportation options can be limited.
For the college student, these bags offer several distinct advantages over traditional moving boxes. Firstly, their large capacity means fewer containers to manage. Instead of packing multiple smaller boxes, you can consolidate belongings into fewer, larger bags. This simplifies the packing process and reduces the number of trips needed to transport items to a car or storage unit.
Secondly, the durability of the material is a major plus. College moves often involve navigating tight stairwells, crowded elevators, and being exposed to unpredictable weather. Cardboard boxes are easily damaged by moisture and can collapse under pressure. The heavy-duty, waterproof material of the TICONN bags provides much better protection for your belongings against the elements and the rigors of the move.
Thirdly, the strong, well-designed handles are invaluable. Carrying heavy boxes can be awkward and hard on the hands. The TICONN bags’ handles distribute the weight more comfortably and offer the option of shoulder-carrying, freeing up your hands to open doors or carry other items. This is especially helpful when you’re likely carrying multiple bags at once.
Fourthly, the zippered closure provides security. When you’re moving out of a shared living space, being able to securely zip up your belongings offers peace of mind that nothing will spill out or get misplaced during the chaos of move-out day.
Finally, and perhaps most significantly for a college student, the ability to fold these bags flat for storage after the move is a game-changer. Unlike cardboard boxes that you have to either discard or find space to store (which is often scarce), these bags can be neatly tucked away until the next move. This saves valuable space in a small apartment or at home during the summer. They can even double as laundry bags or extra storage during the academic year.
However, there are also some potential downsides to consider. While the 50-pound weight limit is reasonable, it’s important not to overload the bags. Overstuffing them beyond this limit could strain the material or the zippers. Also, while the handles are strong, carrying very heavy bags over a long distance or up multiple flights of stairs can still be physically demanding.
Another point to consider is that while the bags are durable, they may not offer the same rigid protection as a sturdy cardboard box for fragile items. If you’re packing delicate electronics or breakables, you’ll still need to use appropriate padding and potentially pack them within smaller boxes inside the moving bags for added protection.
Finally, while the open-top design is convenient for loading, it might make stacking the bags as stable as stacking uniformly sized boxes. This could be a minor consideration if you’re packing a vehicle very tightly and relying on vertical stacking.
Despite these minor limitations, the TICONN Extra Large Moving Bags appear to be a highly practical and effective solution, particularly for the challenges faced by college students at the end of the school year. They offer a significant upgrade in durability, capacity, and ease of handling compared to traditional cardboard boxes, and their ability to be easily stored after the move adds significant value.
Positive Points:
- Extra Large Capacity: Holds a substantial amount of belongings, reducing the number of containers needed.
- Heavy-Duty and Waterproof Material: Durable and protects contents from moisture and wear and tear.
- Strong, Well-Designed Handles: Distribute weight effectively and allow for comfortable carrying, including over the shoulder.
- Secure Zipper Closure: Keeps belongings safe and prevents items from falling out.
- Foldable for Easy Storage: Saves valuable space when not in use.
- Versatile: Can be used for moving, storage, and organization.
Negative Points:
- Weight Limit: Need to be mindful not to overload the bags beyond 50 pounds.
- Less Rigid Protection: Not ideal for packing very fragile items without additional padding.
- Stacking Stability: May not stack as uniformly or stably as rigid boxes.
- Can Still Be Heavy: Carrying fully loaded bags, even with good handles, requires effort.
How These Work Well for Moving Out of College:
These TICONN moving bags are almost tailor-made for the college move-out experience. Their large size allows students to pack bulky items like bedding, pillows, and out-of-season clothing efficiently, reducing the overall volume of their move. The heavy-duty, waterproof material is crucial for protecting belongings during transport, especially if they are being moved in open vehicles or face uncertain weather conditions. The strong handles are a major advantage for navigating campus buildings, stairs, and parking lots with heavy loads. The secure zippers provide peace of mind that nothing will be lost during the chaotic move-out process. Most importantly for a college student with limited space, the ability to fold these bags flat for compact storage after the move means they don’t have to deal with the hassle of storing bulky empty boxes, making them a far more practical and sustainable solution than traditional moving supplies.
