Why the Bathtub Is the Safest Place to Store Your Luggage in a Hotel

Experts recommend following the acronym S.L.E.E.P. when checking in: Survey the room for dark stains or bug shells; Lift and look under the mattress and bed frame; Elevate your luggage — ideally in the tub; Examine your suitcase before leaving; and Place your travel clothes in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes once home. This simple process dramatically lowers the odds of bringing home unwanted guests.

To further protect your belongings, keep clothes sealed in plastic bags, avoid unpacking into drawers, and store personal items — like books or toiletry bags — in hard containers. Bedbugs are masters at hiding in cloth and paper, and can live up to a year without feeding, making even a small mistake costly once you return home.

It may feel unusual to stash your luggage in a bathtub, but seasoned travelers swear by it. A few minutes of precaution can save you months of dealing with an infestation. Next time you check in, skip the luggage rack and trust the tub — your suitcase, and your peace of mind, will thank you.