Why You Should Always Put Your Suitcase in the Hotel Bathroom First

When you first walk into your hotel room, the instinct is to drop your suitcase on the bed or near the wardrobe, freshen up, and start settling in. But seasoned travelers and pest control experts alike will tell you to do something different — head straight for the bathroom and place your suitcase inside the bathtub.

It might sound strange, but this simple act has big benefits that many travelers overlook.

1. Protection From Bedbugs

One of the biggest hidden threats in hotel rooms isn’t poor service or broken amenities — it’s bedbugs. These tiny pests are masters of hiding in mattresses, upholstered chairs, carpet seams, and even luggage racks. Once they crawl into your suitcase, they can hitch a ride to your home and infest your entire house.

But here’s the good news: bedbugs don’t like tile, metal, or porcelain, which makes the bathtub one of the least likely places for them to hide or climb. By putting your suitcase in the tub right after entering the room, you buy time to inspect the mattress, headboard, and room corners for any signs of infestation without risking contamination of your clothes or belongings.

2. Gives You a Clean, Controlled Environment

Let’s be honest — even in luxury hotels, floors and carpets are not always as clean as they appear. Placing your bag directly on the floor or furniture increases the chances of picking up dirt, dust, or worse. The bathroom, particularly the bathtub or shower area, is usually the most thoroughly cleaned space in the room thanks to regular sanitizing with disinfectants.

By starting in the bathroom, you ensure your suitcase stays clean and away from germs, especially during those crucial first few minutes before you’ve unpacked or hung anything up.

3. Helps You Stay Organized While Settling In

The bathroom is a naturally defined space, separate from the rest of the room. Putting your suitcase there temporarily gives you time to take a breath, inspect your surroundings, and unpack in a thoughtful way instead of just scattering your items around. Many travelers find that it helps them unpack more strategically, separating clean items from shoes or dirty clothes right from the start.

4. Allows You to Check the Room Without Rushing

Have you ever checked into a hotel room, unpacked immediately, and only then noticed it had unpleasant smells, broken AC, or hair in the sheets? Placing your suitcase in the bathroom while you do a walk-through of the room gives you time to assess if everything is in working order. If there’s a problem and you decide to switch rooms, you can do so easily without needing to repack or worry about contamination.

5. Peace of Mind for Allergy Sufferers

People with allergies — especially dust mites, pet dander, or mold — are more vulnerable when staying in hotel rooms. Keeping your luggage in a cleaner space like the bathroom reduces the chances of your items absorbing allergens that might be lingering in carpet or bedding. It’s a small but meaningful trick to help protect your health on the road.


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Final Thoughts

The idea of parking your suitcase in the bathtub might seem quirky, but the benefits are real — from preventing pests to staying clean and organized. It’s a favorite hack of seasoned travelers, flight crews, and even pest control professionals.

Next time you check into a hotel, don’t head straight to the bed. Take a quick detour to the bathroom — your suitcase (and your sanity) will thank you later.