Guest Bedroom Luggage: Creative Storage Solutions For Hosts

When guests arrive at your home, it's important to make them feel comfortable and welcome. One way to do this is to provide a luggage rack in the guest bedroom. This simple addition can make a big difference, offering a convenient place for guests to unpack and access their belongings during their stay. It also helps to keep the guest bed and floor clean and free of germs that may be lingering on suitcase wheels. A luggage rack is also a great way to prevent bed bugs, which can be a concern when travelling. If you don't have a luggage rack, you can offer a spare towel for guests to place their suitcase on when unpacking, or provide a large-volume garbage bag to keep their luggage in during their stay.

Avoid bed bugs

Bed bugs are a common issue for travellers, and it's important to take steps to avoid bringing them into your home. Here are some detailed instructions to avoid bed bugs when dealing with luggage in a guest bedroom.

Firstly, when you arrive at your accommodation, do a thorough scan of the room for signs of a possible infestation. Check the mattress, bedding, and furniture for any signs of bed bugs or their eggs. Look for small yellow eggs, dark spots of crushed bed bugs, and movement. Remember, bed bugs are about the size of a small apple seed, brown in colour, and look like a smaller, flatter version of a cockroach. Younger ones are lighter in colour. They tend to hide in porous surfaces, cracks, and crevices, so be sure to check seams, folds, and pockets. They leave behind tiny black dots of faeces, wings, and rust-coloured spots where they've been squished.

If you do find bed bugs, immediately contact management and request a different room, preferably one that doesn't share a wall with the infested room. It's also a good idea to keep your luggage off the floor, bed, or upholstered furniture. Place your luggage on a tiled floor, a shelf, or a luggage rack that has been inspected. Bed bugs can climb up the straps of a luggage rack, so be cautious of this.

When unpacking, keep your laundry sealed in airtight plastic bags rather than leaving it open in a suitcase or piled on the floor. If you need to unpack, do so on a hard, bright surface, such as in a garage or laundry room, so you can easily see any bed bugs that might be present.

Before packing to return home, wash or ask the hotel staff to wash all your clothing in hot water, ideally at a temperature of 100-120 degrees Fahrenheit. Dry the clothes on a medium or high-heat setting for at least 30 minutes. This will kill any bugs or eggs. If you have items that can't be washed, dry cleaning or heat treatment is another option to kill bed bugs. You can also use a hair dryer on electronic items, blowing hot air through the ports and over surfaces.

Finally, when you get home, unpack your bags in an area other than your bedroom, such as a garage or laundry room. Wash any clothing that hasn't been treated in hot water and dry on high heat. Items that can't be washed can be placed in a dryer on high heat for 30 minutes or put in a plastic bag and left in the sun for a couple of days. You can also use a pesticide or Diatomaceous Earth on items that can't be washed.

Use a luggage rack

Using a luggage rack is a great way to deal with luggage in a guest bedroom. It is a simple yet effective solution that can make your guests feel welcome and comfortable. Here are some tips and ideas to make the most of a luggage rack in your guest room:

Choose the Right Luggage Rack

Select a rack that is sturdy, durable, and foldable. There are various options available in the market, ranging from wooden racks to woven birch wood designs. Consider the size of the luggage rack to ensure it can accommodate different-sized suitcases. Some racks also come with additional features like a shoe rack or shelf underneath, providing extra storage space for shoes or packing cubes.

Keep it Accessible

Place the luggage rack in an easily accessible location within the guest room. If it's not set up already, you can keep it in the closet, ready to be used when needed. A luggage rack that is easy to unfold and doesn't require assembly will make it more convenient for your guests.

Ensure it's Clean and Sanitary

It is essential to maintain the hygiene of the luggage rack, especially if it has been stored for a while. Give it a good wipe-down before setting it up, and ensure the room is clean and ready for your guests. This simple step will make a positive impression on your guests and show that you care about their comfort and well-being.

Encourage its Use

Encourage your guests to use the luggage rack instead of placing their suitcases on the bed or the floor. You can even leave a friendly note or a small sign in the room, suggesting the use of the rack. This will not only keep the guest room tidy but also reduce the risk of bed bugs and other pests.

Combine with Other Storage Solutions

Consider combining the luggage rack with other storage options in the guest room, such as a closet or dresser. This will provide your guests with multiple options to unpack and organise their belongings comfortably. For example, they can use the luggage rack for their suitcase and the closet for hanging clothes or storing other travel items.

Keep luggage in the bathroom

When staying in a guest bedroom, it's a good idea to keep your luggage in the bathroom. This is because bed bugs are commonly found on mattresses, box springs, and in the crevices of furniture and upholstery. They can easily travel home with you in your luggage, so it's best to avoid placing your luggage on any upholstered surfaces, including the bed.

The bathroom is the safest place to store your luggage as bed bugs are less likely to infest this area. They prefer to hide in dark, flat places near beds or other areas where humans spend a lot of time, and they require a blood meal before each shedding of their skin. The bathroom is not an ideal habitat for them due to the short amount of time humans spend there and the lack of hiding places. Additionally, towels and bathmats are cleaned between guests, further reducing the risk of bed bugs.

If you're concerned about bed bugs, you can follow these steps:

• Place your luggage in the bathtub or shower stall while you inspect the rest of the room.
• Check the mattress seams, box springs, and crevices of furniture for ink-like stains or bed bug skins.
• Look behind headboards, inside dressers, and examine sofa cushions and chairs.
• If you find any signs of bed bugs, notify management and request a room change.
• Once you're sure the room is clear of bed bugs, you can bring your luggage out of the bathroom. However, avoid placing it on the bed, just in case.

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your luggage stays free of bed bugs during your stay in a guest bedroom.

Clean your suitcase

Keeping your suitcase clean is an important part of maintaining hygiene, especially when you're travelling. Here are some tips to ensure your suitcase is clean:

Wipe down the suitcase:

Use disinfectant wipes to clean the surface of your suitcase, both inside and outside. Pay special attention to the wheels, as they come into contact with various surfaces and can accumulate dirt and germs.

Wash the suitcase fabric:

If your suitcase is made of fabric, consider washing it periodically. Some suitcases may be machine washable, but always check the care instructions first. Alternatively, you can use a damp cloth and a mild detergent to spot clean any stains or dirty areas.

Disinfect the interior:

Spray the inside of your suitcase with a disinfectant spray or use disinfectant wipes to wipe down the interior surfaces. This will help kill any germs or bacteria that may have accumulated during your travels.

Clean the telescopic handle:

The telescopic handle of your suitcase can also harbour dirt and bacteria. Use a disinfectant spray or wipe to clean the handle, paying attention to the crevices and joints. Make sure to extend the handle fully to clean the entire surface.

Wash or wipe down the contents:

Before packing away your clothes, ensure they are clean. Wash or wipe down any items that may have come into contact with dirty surfaces, such as shoes or dirty laundry. This will prevent the transfer of dirt or germs to the inside of your suitcase.

Use a suitcase liner:

Consider using a suitcase liner or large garbage bag to line the inside of your suitcase. This adds an extra layer of protection and can be easily removed and washed or replaced.

Store luggage in a large-volume garbage bag

Storing luggage in a large-volume garbage bag is a great way to protect your belongings and maximise space in a guest bedroom. Here are some detailed steps and tips to help you with the process:

Firstly, determine the size of your luggage. Luggage comes in various sizes, and you want to ensure the garbage bag is large enough to accommodate it comfortably. Measure the dimensions of your luggage, including length, width, and height. This measurement will help you choose the right size garbage bag.

Garbage bags are available in different capacities, such as 13-gallon, 30-gallon, or even 55-gallon bags. For a standard-sized luggage, a 30-gallon or larger bag should suffice. However, if you have multiple pieces of luggage or larger items, consider opting for an extra-large bag, such as a 60-gallon option.

Once you have the right size garbage bag, place it in the guest bedroom, preferably near the entrance or in a designated storage area. This placement will make it easily accessible for your guests. If you have multiple bags, you can stack them neatly in the same spot.

Now, when your guests arrive, they can simply slide their luggage into the large-volume garbage bag. This method provides an additional layer of protection for their belongings, especially if they are staying for an extended period. It also helps contain any dirt or mess accumulated during travel, keeping the guest bedroom clean.

Additionally, large-volume garbage bags can be useful for guests who may have limited mobility or difficulty lifting their luggage. Sliding the luggage into the bag reduces the need for heavy lifting, making the process more manageable for your guests.

Remember to choose a durable garbage bag made from thicker plastic to prevent tears and ensure the bag's longevity. You can also look for bags with special features such as drawstring closures, which make it easier to secure the luggage inside and transport the bag if needed.

By following these steps, you can efficiently store luggage in a large-volume garbage bag, providing a practical and convenient solution for your guests' belongings in the guest bedroom.

Frequently asked questions