One simple travel hack can protect your suitcase—and your peace of mind—when you check into a hotel.

If you’ve ever worried about **bedbugs** after reading hotel reviews, you’re not alone. These pests can hide in mattresses, headboards, and even curtains—hitching a ride on your clothes or suitcase. Placing your luggage in the **bathtub** when you first arrive offers an immediate safeguard: bedbugs rarely travel across smooth, cold surfaces away from beds or furniture.

A Cleaner Space for Your Belongings

Hotel carpets and floors endure heavy foot traffic, spills, and dirt. Even clean-looking rooms can harbor bacteria or crumbs. The bathroom—especially the tub—is typically scrubbed thoroughly between guests, making it one of the **cleanest spots** in the room. Storing your suitcase there keeps it off potentially grimy surfaces.

Extra Security Against Accidents

Beyond cleanliness, the bathtub acts as a safe zone. It protects your luggage from spills, leaks, or clumsy accidents—especially useful if you’re traveling with kids or sharing the room.

Inspect Before You Unpack

Before settling in, use the time to check for bedbugs:

• Examine mattress seams for tiny dark spots or shed skins.
• Look behind the headboard and nearby furniture.
• Check behind picture frames and curtains.

Only after you’ve inspected should you move your suitcase to a dresser or luggage rack.

A Simple Habit Worth Keeping

While placing your bags in the bathtub may feel odd, it’s a **quick, effective habit** that can spare you from the nightmare of bedbugs—or simply keep your belongings cleaner. Next time you check into a hotel, try this hack. You’ll have peace of mind, a cleaner environment for your clothes, and a much lower chance of bringing home unwanted guests.