The only things I vacuum seal is steak and a few individual bacon servings. No worries that way.

On the bulk part, I always repackage FD meals at home. They are two servings for me so I split them in half and stick each meal in a baggie labeled and sealed with painter's tape. Six meals fit easily into a quart zip-loc w/ whatever descendants were included. That cuts down on the bulk considerably. I've even eaten repackaged FD meals I didn't get around to eating on the next year's trip and I find hanging to be convenient (all things considered) plus it lets me sleep oh so soundly. ;)

I don't even attempt to burn the foiled paper from cigarette packs any more. It's easier to pack it out than pick it out.