How to Shrink a Lovesac Without the Kit (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Are you looking for a way to shrink your Lovesac without using the official kit? You’ve come to the right place. Lovesacs are comfortable and versatile, but when it comes time to transport or store them, their size can be a real challenge.

In this article, we’ll explore some effective alternatives to the Lovesac shrinking kit, helping you save space and make moving your Lovesac a breeze.

The most popular way to shrink a lovesack without a kit is to use vacuum storage bags, which provide a similar effect by vacuuming out the air between the bean bag fillers.

We’ll jump into how to do this below.

Tools Needed

To shrink your Lovesac without a kit, you will need a few simple tools and supplies. Luckily, most of these items can be found around your house or easily acquired from a local store.

• heavy-duty extra-large storage bag or a mattress vacuum bag. Preferably, a king size mattress bag would work best for larger Lovesacs. These bags can withstand the pressure created by the shrinking process.

• Vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. This will be used to effectively remove the air from the storage bag and compress the Lovesac. Make sure the vacuum cleaner has enough power to suck out the air efficiently.

• A roll of duct tape. This will be used to reinforce and seal any weak points or potential openings in the storage bag. This ensures that no air leaks during the shrinking.

Having a friend or family member assist you during the shrinking process can be very helpful. It’s easier to handle the Lovesac if you have someone to help you guide it into the storage bag and hold the vacuum hose in place while you create the suction needed to shrink the Lovesac.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Materials

As explained above, to successfully shrink your Lovesac without a kit, you’ll need to have the following items on hand:

• A vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment
• Large plastic bags or an appropriately sized mattress vacuum bag
• Duct tape

Step 2: Remove the Lovesac Cover

Before you can shrink your Lovesac, you’ll need to remove its cover. Carefully unzip the cover and slide it off. This will make it easier to work with the inner bag during the shrinking process.

Step 3: Place the Lovesac in a Plastic Bag or Mattress Vacuum Bag

For this step, you can either use large plastic bags or a king size mattress vacuum bag. Place the Lovesac inside the bag and make sure it fits snuggly.

If you’re using plastic bags, you may need to use more than one and secure them together with duct tape to fully enclose the Lovesac.

Step 4: Attach the Vacuum Hose to the Bag

Insert the vacuum cleaner’s hose attachment into the bag containing the Lovesac. Make sure the hose is touching the filling material but not obstructing the vacuum’s airflow.

You can also create a small opening in the plastic bag or mattress vacuum bag for the vacuum hose and seal it tightly with duct tape to keep the air from escaping.

Step 5: Vacuum Out the Air

Turn on the vacuum cleaner and start sucking out the air from the bag. Be patient as this process may take some time, depending on the size of your Lovesac. Keep an eye on the bag to ensure it’s shrinking and not tearing or getting damaged.

Step 6: Seal the Bag

Once the Lovesac has sufficiently shrunk, turn off the vacuum cleaner, quickly remove the hose, and seal the opening in the bag with duct tape. Ensure the bag is airtight to prevent the Lovesac from expanding again.

Now, you’ve successfully shrunk your Lovesac without using a kit. You can easily store or transport it, and when you’re ready to use it again, simply open the bag, remove the Lovesac, and allow it to expand back to its original size.

Related: Alternatives to Lovesac that don’t break the bank

Alternative Method: DIY Compression Kit

Don’t have access to a vacuum seal bag? You can create your own DIY compression kit by following these steps:

1. Get a large duffle bag or travel bag that can fit your Lovesac.
2. Remove the cover from your Lovesac and place the foam-filled interior inside the bag.
3. Close the bag, leaving a small opening for your vacuum cleaner’s hose.
4. Insert the vacuum hose into the opening and suck out the excess air, causing the Lovesac to compress.
5. When you’ve achieved the desired level of compression, use duct tape to seal the opening, ensuring that your Lovesac remains compressed and easy to move.

Safety Tips and Precautions

When attempting to shrink your Lovesac without a kit, it’s important to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions. Here are some friendly tips to help you safely navigate the process.

Ensure you have a clear and spacious working area. Clear out any furniture, decor items, or other obstacles that might hinder your movement or pose a risk of injury. This will make it easier for you to move around while compressing the Lovesac.

Be gentle with the filling. Overly aggressive handling or squeezing could cause damage to both the filler and the outer cover. Be patient and gradually remove as much air as possible without stressing the material.

Use durable materials like heavy-duty plastic bags or mattress bags. These can help contain the compressed Lovesac and protect it during transport.

Avoid applying duct tape directly onto your Lovesac’s fabric. The adhesive on the tape may damage or leave residue on your Lovesac’s cover, affecting its appearance and quality.

Always practice proper lifting techniques. Bend at your knees rather than your waist to prevent back strain, and use your leg muscles to support the weight. If possible, enlist the help of a friend or family member to share the load.

Re-expanding Your Lovesac

After successfully shrinking your Lovesac without a kit, at some point you will have to expand it again. Here are a few simple steps to help you achieve the desired fluffiness.

1. Remove your Lovesac from its compressed state

This is done by taking it out of any plastic or duffle bags you may have used for storage or transportation. Make sure to handle it gently, as the fabric and foam inside can be vulnerable after the shrinking process.

2. Gently massage and break apart the compressed foam

This process helps revive the foam and create space for air circulation. Pay special attention to larger clumps of foam, as they may take a bit more effort to loosen up. This process can take anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of your Lovesac.

As you continue massaging the foam, remember to fluff and shake the Lovesac to encourage even distribution of the foam. This can be done by grabbing the edges and giving it a good shake or using your hands and feet to redistribute the foam evenly. The goal is to ensure all areas of the Lovesac are filled and comfortable.

To speed up the re-expansion process, you can occasionally use a vacuum cleaner to help draw air into the Lovesac.

Simply attach the vacuum’s hose to the Lovesac’s fabric, creating a seal with your hand, and gently vacuum the surface. This will help pull air into the foam and promote a faster expansion.

Within 24 to 48 hours, your Lovesac should return to its original size and fluffiness, ready for you to enjoy its comfort once more. Remember to keep massaging and fluffing it throughout this time, as the foam can continue to expand and become more comfortable.