Unpacking the Risks: Why Your Suitcase Should Never Touch the Bed

In the world of travel, where excitement and adventure meet the practicality of packing, a seemingly innocent habit could be putting your health at risk. Placing your suitcase on the bed, a common practice among travelers for convenience, has significant hygiene implications that are often overlooked. The turning point for many, including myself, came after watching “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” and realizing the importance of cleaning luggage wheels, which accumulate dirt and germs from various locations worldwide.

A suitcase’s journey includes contact with sidewalks, public transport platforms, and natural elements, making the wheels a breeding ground for dirt and unseen germs. A simple cleaning exercise can reveal the shocking amount of grime collected, prompting a rethink of luggage handling practices, particularly the habit of placing suitcases on beds.

Despite the widespread nature of this practice, as evidenced by stock photos and social media polls, there’s a growing awareness of the need to avoid using beds as temporary luggage stands. Alternatives such as packing on the floor, using luggage racks, or finding innovative solutions like built-in luggage shelves in compact hotel rooms, are gaining popularity for their practicality and hygiene benefits.

Luggage racks, in particular, offer a convenient and cleaner alternative for accessing your belongings without resorting to unpacking entirely. Their history dates back to the late 19th century, evolving from a necessity for porters handling heavy trunks to a staple hotel amenity that keeps luggage accessible and, more importantly, off the bed. This practice not only maintains cleanliness but also reduces the risk of bedbug infestations, a growing concern in hotels worldwide.

Experts, including Rob Anderson, an associate professor specializing in blood-feeding pests, suggest minimizing luggage contact with walls, carpets, and beds to reduce the likelihood of bedbugs hitching a ride. In lieu of a luggage rack, keeping suitcases in large, tightly closed garbage bags is recommended as an additional precaution.

Upon returning home, the challenge of where to place your suitcase for unpacking remains. Innovative solutions include using packing cubes to organize belongings on the bed before transferring them to the suitcase on the floor, or laying a spare towel on the bed to create a barrier between the luggage and the bedding.

For those looking to invest in a long-term solution, a variety of luggage racks are available online for under $100, providing a dedicated space for packing and unpacking that keeps both your luggage and living spaces clean.

The key takeaway for travelers is to be mindful of the hygiene risks associated with placing suitcases on beds and to adopt cleaner practices that protect both your health and your living spaces. Whether it’s investing in a luggage rack, utilizing packing cubes, or simply cleaning your suitcase wheels, small changes can make a significant difference in ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable travel experience.