Everyone knows that plastic bags are handy kitchen tools, perfect for storing fresh food and leftovers.

What many don't realize, however, is that plastic bags have uses in every room of the home--and beyond.

In the bedroom, women store panty hose and other lingerie, as well as bobby pins, safety pins and other items, in plastic bags. They don't take up a great deal of room and can be stored within bureaus and desk drawers.

Even in the bedroom, women use plastic bags to contain panty hose as well as other lingerie, along with safety pins, bobby pins, and other items. This is likely because plastic bags don't take up a lot of space and can be stored with ease in bureaus and desk drawers.

In the children's playroom, parents store small collections of children's toys (such as dolls, marbles, jacks, etc.), plus small clothing items like caps, socks and gloves, in plastic bags. They are always careful, though, to keep them on elevated shelves, away from the hands of toddlers and infants.

Over in the children's playroom, plastic bags can be used to hold children's toys (like small dolls, colorful marbles, jacks, etc.), plus small clothing items like caps, socks and gloves. Be sure, though, to keep them on high shelves, safely out of the hands of infants and toddlers.

In the living room, people make use of plastic bags to tidy up a bit; as a convenient place to store those random odds and ends that don't have a designated container.

How exactly can these handy containers be used outside of one's home? In more ways than you can imagine.

When you do yard work, you can deposit your lawn clippings into these bags. They can be used to clean up after dogs and cats during strolls, or to clear trash from one's property.

When you send your kids to school, be sure to send a supply of plastic bags with them. They're great for transporting school supplies, and can be slipped into lunch boxes to hold everything from peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to cheese sticks, and even a cookie or brownie.

And, although none of us care to admit it, most of us have used plastic bags as smuggling devices during those weekend trips to the cinema; sneaking in candy, trail mix, or even a celery stick or two...

And when you're on vacation, plastic bags can prove a useful travel accessory.

After all, items like jewelry and small change can get lost in large suitcases, unless they're separated into bags. And those who fly know that, according to airline rules, certain items must be stored in quart-sized plastic bags before being carried onto an airplane.

Coming home from your vacation, you can keep your newly bought souvenirs and postcards in plastic bags, keeping them straight and secure for the duration of your journey.

Back home, don't forget that plastic bags are used most commonly as a helpful tool in the kitchen. Large servings of food can be divided into bags for storing and freezing. And after a meal, it's a common practice to store leftovers in sealed plastic bags.

Whether at home or away, plastic bags are convenient and easy to use, and for a variety of purposes. They're not just for kitchens anymore!