It’s occured to me before, so I’ve been there—I checked into a cozy little hotel room, set my luggage down near the bed, and got ready to enjoy my stay. Then, I began reading reviews about that very hotel and came across the dreaded word: bedbugs.

My stomach dropped, and I couldn’t shake the idea of those tiny pests crawling into my suitcase and coming home with me. That’s when I understood about the handy travel hack of putting luggage in the hotel room’s bathtub. It seemed strange at first, but trust me, it’s a simple trick that can save you from a big headache.

Let me show why putting your luggage in the bathtub is a smart move, especially if you want to avoid bringing home unwanted guests—or suffering from hotel room cleanliness issues.

Bedbugs: The Ultimate Nightmare

If you’ve ever suffered from bedbugs, you know how frustrating and stressful they can be. Hotels, especially the budget-friendly or well-worn ones, can sometimes have bedbugs hiding out in places you wouldn’t predict—like mattresses, headboards, and even behind the curtains. These sneaky pests love to hitch a ride on your belongings, especially anything cloth or fabric like suitcases, backpacks, and clothes.

Now, here’s where the bathtub comes in. Bedbugs usually hang out in cozy areas where they can easily access people, so they tend to stick around the bed or furniture in the room.

A smooth, cold surface like the bathtub? Not exactly their favorite spot. Putting your luggage in the bathtub when you first enter your room gives you a opportunity to thoroughly inspect the room for any signs of bedbugs without worrying about your stuff being invaded.

A Clean and Safe Space for Your Belongings

Even if bedbugs aren’t a concern, there’s something comforting about understanding your luggage is in a cleaner, safer spot. Let’s face it, hotel rooms don’t always get as much TLC as they should. Floors and carpets? They might look clean but think about how many shoes, bags, and spills they’ve endured.

The last thing you want is for your suitcase to pick up some of that grime, especially if you’re one of those people who ends up putting it on the bed later.

The bathroom, particularly the tub, is typically one of the cleanest places in the room. Housekeeping tends to rub down between guests, so it’s a better alternative than placing your luggage on a floor that could be cultivating dirt, bacteria, or even old food crumbs. By putting your bags in the tub, you’re adding an extra layer of protection from any hidden messes.

A Little Extra Security

Aside from bedbugs and cleanliness, there’s another reason why putting your luggage in the bathtub makes sense: it’s a safe spot. Hotel rooms can sometimes have unpredicted foot traffic, from housekeeping staff to maintenance workers, and even if they don’t, accidents occur.

The bathtub serves as a little fortress for your luggage, keeping it safe from spills, leaks, and accidents that can occur in the main room. Especially if you’re staying with family or friends who tend to be a little clumsy (we all know at least one person, right?), this trick can save you from looking for your clothes rinsed with who-knows-what.

Take Time to Inspect the Room

I always use the bathtub trick as part of my hotel check-in routine. Here’s what I do: the moment I walk into the room, I toss my luggage in the tub and then give the place a good once-over. I start by pulling back the bed sheets and inspecting the mattress for any signs of bedbugs. This might seem like overkill, but it’s one of those things that you’ll be grateful for later if you catch anything suspicious early.

Check areas like:

The mattress seams

The headboard and nearby furniture

Behind picture frames and curtains
It’s a Simple Hack That Works

I get it—the idea of sticking your suitcase in the bathroom may feel weird at first. But after doing it a few times, it’s become a habit that brings me peace of mind every time I travel. Knowing that my luggage is guarded against bedbugs, dirt, and random accidents? Totally worth the extra effort.

Next time you examine a hotel, try this hack and see how it feels. You’ll have a cleaner, safer space for your belongings, and if nothing else, you’ll avoid the stress of bringing bedbugs back home.