Picture this: You’ve just checked into your hotel room after a long day of travel. The excitement of being in a new place and settling in is palpable. Your suitcase is sitting in front of you, and you’re about to place it somewhere in the room. But wait… before you put it on the bed, the couch, or the floor—you should really consider putting it in the bathroom.
Yes, you read that correctly. The bathroom! As strange as it may sound, there’s a very good reason why you should immediately stash your luggage in the bathroom when you check into a hotel room. This simple action could potentially save you from a lot of unpleasant surprises. Here’s why.
1. The Bed is a Breeding Ground for Germs and Pests
We all know that hotel rooms are cleaned between guests, but the reality is that hotel beds are notorious for harboring bacteria, dust mites, and even bedbugs. While the sheets and blankets may look fresh and inviting, it’s nearly impossible to guarantee that the entire bed is free from unwanted hitchhikers.
According to pest control experts, bedbugs are an ongoing issue in many hotels worldwide. These tiny, blood-sucking insects can hide in cracks and crevices, and although they are small, they can cause significant discomfort (and often a lot of anxiety) if they decide to set up camp in your luggage.
Placing your luggage in the bathroom, away from the bed, minimizes the risk of transferring any creepy crawlies from the bed to your clothes, shoes, or personal items. Bathrooms, especially in hotels, tend to be more isolated from the sleeping areas, and the hard, clean surfaces make them less likely to harbor pests.
2. The Floor is More Susceptible to Germs and Dirt
Hotel room floors, especially carpeted ones, can be a hotspot for dirt, bacteria, and even mold. People walk on these floors in socks, shoes, and bare feet, and they aren’t always cleaned as thoroughly as we’d like to believe. Just think about all the foot traffic that passes through a hotel room before you arrive—after all, it’s a shared space with hundreds of other guests.
When you place your suitcase on the floor, it’s likely to pick up germs, dust, and dirt. This is especially true if you’re traveling to a city with high humidity, where bacteria and mold thrive. But by placing your luggage in the bathroom, you’re keeping it off the high-traffic areas of the room. The bathroom floor is typically made of tile, vinyl, or other smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces, which make it easier to keep things sanitary.
3. Protect Your Belongings from Potential Spills and Leaks
In the excitement of unpacking, we often forget that hotel bathrooms are full of potential hazards like water spills, toothpaste drips, or even a leaking shower. If your luggage is placed on the floor, there’s always a chance that liquids could spill onto it from a wet floor or a splashing sink. Bathrooms, however, are generally better equipped to contain liquid messes, especially when compared to the other areas of a hotel room.
Additionally, if you’ve packed any delicate items that could be easily damaged by moisture (like electronics, books, or leather goods), the bathroom might be a safer place to store your suitcase temporarily, just in case there’s a water-related accident.
4. Bathrooms Are Typically the Most Sanitary Room in the Hotel
While we’ve all heard stories about questionable hotel cleanliness, there’s one area of the room that generally has a higher standard of hygiene than others: the bathroom. Hotel housekeeping staff tend to give the bathroom more attention than any other part of the room, since it’s where guests expect the highest level of cleanliness.
In particular, things like the toilet, shower, and sink are scrubbed down regularly to minimize bacteria and germs. While this doesn’t mean the bathroom is 100% spotless (because, let’s face it, hotel bathrooms can still be a little grimy), it’s generally safer to store your luggage in the bathroom for the initial period of your stay until you’re comfortable placing it on other surfaces.
5. A Quick “Health” Check for Your Luggage
Here’s a little hack: when you first arrive in a hotel room, inspect your luggage for any signs of pests or damage before bringing it into the main areas of the room. If you put your luggage in the bathroom first, it gives you an opportunity to perform a quick check without it touching your bed or other furniture. You can inspect the bottom and sides for any signs of bedbugs, dust, or other contaminants, and if you notice something unusual, it’s easier to take action right away.
In some cases, hotel staff may even be willing to help if you find anything concerning in your room, especially if you catch it early.
6. The Bathroom Provides Extra Space for Organization
After placing your luggage in the bathroom, you might notice an added benefit: extra space for organization. Some hotel bathrooms have shelves or countertops where you can unpack toiletries, cosmetics, and other items from your suitcase without cluttering up the room. This makes it easier to settle in and feel more at home.
Many guests also use the bathroom as a space to sort through their belongings—whether it’s organizing laundry, storing valuables, or deciding what to wear. By using the bathroom as a temporary “landing zone” for your luggage, you can make the process of unpacking or preparing for the day more streamlined.
7. It’s Just a Temporary Spot—You Can Move Your Luggage Later
It’s important to note that placing your luggage in the bathroom isn’t necessarily a permanent move. Once you’ve given the room a quick inspection, you can move your suitcase to another area, such as the closet or a designated luggage rack. The point is that the bathroom provides a safe, temporary space while you evaluate the room for any potential issues.
Bonus Tip: Use Your Luggage Rack, If Available
Many hotels provide luggage racks in the room, which are another good option for keeping your luggage off the floor and bed. A luggage rack is usually clean, sturdy, and designed specifically for holding suitcases, so if your room has one, make use of it! Just make sure to check the rack’s condition to ensure it’s stable and safe.
Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself and Your Belongings
While this may seem like an unconventional tip, placing your luggage in the bathroom upon arrival can help you protect both your health and your belongings. It’s a simple but effective way to minimize exposure to germs, pests, and unexpected accidents in a hotel room. Whether you’re trying to avoid bedbugs, keep your luggage dry, or just want a clean spot to get organized, the bathroom offers a safe haven for your luggage until you’re ready to settle in fully.
So, the next time you check into a hotel, remember this easy trick—your luggage will thank you!
