5 Ways To Solve Your Airbnb Luggage Storage Problems
Airbnb is a fantastic way to explore the world. Whether you're traveling for a vacation or you're in a new city on a business trip, Airbnb and similar accommodation rental businesses provide you with the freedom of location that hotels often don't. Your own cooking and laundry facilities, more space, and a more "home away from home" feel are just a few of the benefits - especially if you're traveling with small children or for an extended period of time. Plus, many Airbnbs are cheaper than hotels (although that's not always the case!).
There's just one problem with this type of accommodation: luggage storage. Unlike with hotels or hostels, Airbnb-style stays often don't have the capacity to look after your bags before check-in or after check-out.
So, how can you make the most of your travels without having to drag your bags with you? We've put together a few solutions for you to try out.
Ask your Airbnb Host about luggage storage
Free storage is always nice, and while many Airbnbs aren't able to look after your bags for you outside of your check-in and check-out times, it's always worth a try. Give your host a call or drop them a message before your trip begins so that you can find out ahead of your vacation and plan accordingly. Even if they don't usually offer luggage storage at your Airbnb, they might be able to make an exception or give you some advice on local luggage storage facilities.
Left luggage lockers at the train station
If you're arriving at your destination by train, take a look at the train station's website to find out if they offer bag storage services of their own. Although not always the case, many train stations still have luggage locker facilities that you can make use of.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind if you're going to use train station storage lockers:
Locker size
Remember to check what size the lockers are before you arrive so that you can be sure that the lockers are big enough to store all of your bags.
Paying for your locker
Find out how to pay for the lockers before you arrive. While some train stations might allow card payments or online bookings, find out whether the machines are coin-operated before you arrive, and make sure you have the correct change if they are.
Make use of the airport's left luggage service
If you're arriving in the city by plane, take a look at the airport's website to check out whether they have any baggage check facilities that you can book into. These can be quite expensive, but if you're only in the city for a few hours then maybe this is the best choice for you.
There are a couple of things you need to keep in mind if you're using airport luggage storage.
Location
Make sure you know where the bag drop-off point is. Some airports have baggage storage options available in every terminal, but others are more limited and some don't have any storage available at all!
Suitable Hours
Find out what the location's opening hours are, and how long it will take to retrieve your luggage when you return to the airport. Not only do you need to make sure the hours are suitable for your trip, but you'll also need to make sure you have plenty of time to pick up your bags before you catch your next flight
If you're on a layover, make sure to check out our city layover guides to find travel inspiration.
Make use of museum cloakrooms (or the bag-check facilities at other attractions)
Many museums, galleries, and other tourist attractions have bag-check options, cloakrooms, or other types of luggage storage facilities available for free or for a small charge for their visitors. However, they're often run on a first-come, first-serve basis, so keep that in mind if you're turning up to the attraction with a lot of luggage, or even just a big rucksack. Many museums and galleries have strict bag restrictions in place, and you don't want to add on long queueing times to your visit, or find that you can't even get into the venue because of your luggage.
Use a luggage storage app
If you don't want to leave your bags in a transport center, or simply want to avoid the steep prices, then using a luggage storage company is the perfect alternative. Many luggage storage companies partner with local shops and businesses around cities to create storage spots for travelers and tourists who need a few hours free of their belongings in order to make the most of their day.
With a luggage storage app, you can quickly and easily locate the nearest luggage storage locations near you, make a booking, and drop off your bags. Because these storage spots are inside local businesses, make sure to choose a business with the right opening hours for you.
How to choose the best luggage storage app
When choosing the best luggage storage app for you, consider the price, opening hours, locations, protection, and the different costs for storing big or small bags to help you decide.
Store your bags with Bounce luggage storage
We've got more than 6000 luggage storage partners in more than 100 cities around the world, from coffee shops to hotels to convenience stores. Whether you need to store your bags for multiple days or for a few hours, book the best location for you through our luggage storage website or app, show the store your reservation, and drop off your bags in their safe hands.
Why use Bounce?
- We charge just $5.90/bag per 24 hours (€5 if you're in Europe and £5 in the UK)
- It's a flat fee regardless of bag size - so long as you can carry it, we can store it
- Every booking is made online via our website or app and covered by our $10,000 BounceShield™ Protection, for added peace of mind
- We offer a free cancellation policy up until your check-in time, for maximum flexibility
- Every store is vetted by our team and has security tags so that you can be sure your belongings are in safe hands
- Many of our locations are open 24/7, with many more open 'til late, so you can find a storage spot with the most convenient hours for you.
Are you a short-term rental owner?
We know that you want to provide the best service possible for your guests, and we know just how we can help with that. If you want to offer Airbnb luggage storage but can't store bags yourself, sign up to our affiliate program, refer your guests to Bounce, and receive 15% commission every time they store their bags with us.