Checking into a hotel often begins with excitement — you set down your suitcase, look around, and get ready to unwind. But travel and pest-control experts warn that your first move may also be the riskiest. Before unpacking, the safest temporary place for your luggage isn’t the luggage rack or the floor — it’s actually the bathtub.

The reasoning comes down to one persistent travel threat: bedbugs. Even clean, reputable hotels can harbor these tiny pests. They hide in mattresses, bed frames, upholstered furniture, and carpets, and they can easily crawl into suitcases left on beds or floors.

Bathrooms, however, are one of the last places bedbugs choose to settle. They avoid smooth, slick surfaces and prefer warm, soft materials instead. The porcelain of a bathtub is difficult for them to climb, making it a secure spot for your bags while you inspect the rest of the room.

Entomologist Dr. Katelyn Kesheimer told Reader’s Digest that she always places her luggage in the bathroom first. Bathrooms tend to offer fewer hiding spots, and they’re usually cleaned more thoroughly than bedroom areas.

Experts recommend using the acronym S.L.E.E.P. when checking in. Survey the room for dark spots, stains, or shed shells. Lift the mattress and inspect seams and the bed frame. Elevate your luggage — ideally in the tub. Examine your belongings before checking out. And Place your travel clothes in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes once you return home.

To further protect your items, keep clothing sealed in plastic bags. Avoid using dresser drawers, which are common hiding places. Store smaller belongings like books or toiletry bags in hard containers instead of soft materials.

While putting your suitcase in a bathtub may feel unusual, seasoned travelers swear by the practice. A few minutes of caution can save you months of dealing with a difficult infestation. The next time you check in, skip the luggage rack and trust the tub — your peace of mind may depend on it.