A method of packaging a diaper includes: disposing a compressible absorbent diaper within a flexible substantially air impermeable encasement; creating a vacuum state within an interior space defined by the encasement; sealing the encasement such that the interior space of the substantially air impermeable encasement is completely sealed, and such that the compressible absorbent diaper is completely enclosed within the sealed interior space; and pressing at least a portion of the compressible absorbent diaper with a smooth surface. Pressing may occur before vacuum-packing, after vacuum-packing, during vacuum-packing, or both before and after vacuum-packing.