We’ve all been there: you check into a cozy hotel, drop your luggage by the bed, and start settling in. Then, like a punch to the gut, you read a review mentioning bedbugs. Suddenly, that suitcase you just unpacked feels like a potential invader. That’s when I discovered a simple, lifesaving travel hack: put your luggage in the bathtub. It sounds unusual, but it’s surprisingly effective—and it could save you from a serious headache.
Here’s why this trick makes perfect sense, whether you’re worried about pests, cleanliness, or just general hotel mishaps.
Bedbugs: The Sneaky Intruders
If you’ve ever encountered bedbugs, you know how stressful they can be. These pests love to hide in mattresses, headboards, and even behind curtains, and they’re experts at hitching a ride on fabric items like suitcases and clothes.
The bathtub comes in handy because bedbugs prefer cozy, accessible spots like beds and furniture. A smooth, cold surface like a bathtub? Not so appealing to them. Placing your luggage there gives you a safe zone while you inspect the room for any signs of bedbugs—without risking your belongings.
A Cleaner, Safer Space
Even if pests aren’t your primary concern, the bathtub is often a cleaner spot than the floor. Hotel carpets and floors can hide all kinds of dirt, crumbs, or spills, and the last thing you want is to transfer that to your suitcase. Bathrooms, on the other hand, are typically scrubbed between guests, making the tub one of the tidiest spots in the room. Stashing your luggage there protects it from hidden grime and adds peace of mind.
Extra Protection Against Accidents
The bathtub isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s also about safety. Hotel rooms can have unexpected foot traffic, and accidents happen: drinks spill, toiletries topple over, or someone accidentally bumps your suitcase. I’ve experienced this firsthand, and having my luggage safely in the tub kept it dry and unharmed. Think of the tub as a little fortress for your belongings, guarding them from messes and mishaps.
Inspect the Room With Ease
I always use the bathtub trick as part of my check-in routine. Step one: toss your luggage in the tub. Step two: inspect the room carefully. Check the mattress seams, the headboard, and the furniture around the bed. Peek behind curtains and picture frames if you want to be thorough. Once you’re satisfied everything’s clean and pest-free, you can move your luggage back into the main area—or leave it in the tub if no luggage rack is available. Bedbugs are far less likely to invade that space.
Why It Works and Why You’ll Love It
It may feel a bit strange at first, but after a few trips, putting your suitcase in the bathtub becomes second nature. It protects your luggage from pests, dirt, and accidental spills, giving you one less thing to worry about during your stay.
Vacations should be relaxing, and this small step can make a big difference in keeping your travel stress-free. Next time you check into a hotel, try this simple hack. Your suitcase—and your sanity—will thank you.
Protecting your luggage is just the beginning. Once you get into the habit, you’ll discover more clever hotel hacks that make travel easier and safer than ever.
