Why Some Hotel Guests Store Their Luggage in the Bathtub

• A leaking air conditioning unit located near a window.
• A surprise fire sprinkler malfunction or accident.
• An overflow from the sink or tub in the room right above yours.
• Water or rain seeping in through a poorly sealed window.

Guests who have ever experienced soaked and damaged luggage are almost always extra careful afterward. The bathtub, which is literally designed to hold and contain water, becomes the safest and most protective spot in the whole room for temporary storage.

General Cleanliness and Hygiene

Some guests are concerned less about pests and more about general cleanliness. Items like carpets, chairs, and luggage racks are not always cleaned or sanitized very deeply between every guest’s stay.

However, a bathtub is usually cleaned and disinfected thoroughly every single day by housekeeping staff. For a traveler who is focused on hygiene, placing their bag in the bathtub feels like a much cleaner and more reassuring option than putting it on a rack or on the carpet.

A Tool for Psychological Comfort

Beyond the practical reasons, there is also a psychological side to this habit. Traveling often takes people away from their normal routines and can make them feel a little out of control. Creating small routines and rituals—such as deciding to place their luggage in the bathtub—can help a person restore a feeling of consistency and safety. Even if the chances of bugs or leaks are very small, the act of storing luggage this way can lower anxiety and help a guest feel more secure as they settle in.

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