You don’t always need your luggage, but what do you do with it until you do need it? There are places you may think of putting it that may seem out of your way. However, it may not be the best choice of location in your home to store it.
Do Keep Luggage Away from Vents
Keeping your luggage away from heater vents will prevent fire hazards. Not placing your suitcases or travel bags near cold air vents will allow for the circulation your home needs for proper heating and cooling too.
Don’t Store Luggage in Uninsulated Spaces
Don’t store your vacation luggage in a basement or an attic that’s not insulated. These areas are typically prone to more extreme temperatures than the rest of the house.
Excess heat may result in the weakening of suitcase materials. Too cold a temperature could cause your luggage to become brittle and possibly break.
Do Avoid Putting Luggage in Direct Sunlight
Keeping your belongings away from windows will prevent discoloration by direct sunlight. If you do, your items will also stay dry even if you accidentally keep a window open when it’s raining.
Don’t Put Luggage Where Pathogens Grow
Living organisms that can cause diseases are considered “pathogens.” Some examples of pathogens that ruin suitcases include bacteria, mold, or fungi.
Pathogens typically take up residence in basements, but these organisms could appear in other damp locations. For instance, your bathroom cabinets may get moist when you take showers.
That excess water from steam buildup could accumulate in bathroom storage. Likewise, the moisture in the air could accumulate in your attic because of summer humidity.
Do Put Luggage in a Climate-Controlled Area
The first floor usually is the most climate-controlled in a home. That’s where the heat and cooling waves circulate, especially if you have roof vents. It’s also usually the driest place in your house and where the most liveable temperature usually occurs.
You could also put your luggage in a bedroom as long as it’s not too “stuffy.” In this case, a dehumidifier, fan, or air conditioner could help regulate the air quality in this space.
Whether renting a home or bringing luggage to a home you own, climate-controlled storage would be another solution. Otherwise, make sure the home you occupy has enough space for it.
Don’t Place Unprotected Luggage in a Non-Climate-Controlled Shed
Putting unprotected luggage in a shed, garage, or storage unit that is not climate-controlled also is a no-no. You’ll regret it later because mice, rats, and other vermin can chew holes in them.
Some of the pathogens that appear in basements or other damp locations could also grow in non-climate-controlled sheds. Keep travel bags and suitcases out of these spaces if you have other places to store them.
Do Seal Your Luggage (If Climate Not Controlled)
Seal your luggage if you don’t have enough room to store it in a warm, dry space. This will keep your belongings safe until you have the opportunity to move them to more ideal conditions.
For instance, you can put it in plastic garments or mattress bags. Otherwise, you can find plastic bins with lids that are large enough to hide your suitcases and travel bags.
