Staying in a hotel is one of life’s little luxuries—someone else makes the bed, fresh towels magically appear, and you don’t have to worry about cleaning up after yourself (at least, not as much as at home!).
But just because you’re on holiday doesn’t mean you should leave your manners at the door. In fact, a few small gestures can make a world of difference to the hardworking housekeepers who keep everything sparkling behind the scenes.
Recently, a group of housekeepers and seasoned travellers shared their top tips for being a considerate guest, and you might be surprised at how simple some of these suggestions are.
If you’ve ever wondered how you can show a bit of appreciation for the people who tidy up after you, read on—these easy acts can make their day a whole lot easier.
The Towel Trick That Makes a Difference
The number one tip, echoed by both housekeepers and guests, is all about towels. Instead of leaving your used towels scattered on the bathroom floor, try placing them in the bathroom sink before you check out. Why? It saves housekeepers from having to bend down repeatedly, which can lead to repetitive strain injuries over time.
As one housekeeper put it, ‘Repetitive movement injuries are common, and repeated bending can be one of the triggers.’
Some guests go a step further by bundling their towels. One clever traveller shared: ‘I lay the driest towel flat on the bottom of the tub, then put the rest of the used towels and washcloths on top, then I roll the dry towel around the rest so it forms a bundle. That way, the housekeeper only has to touch the cleanest, driest towel.’
It’s a small act, but it can make a big difference to someone’s workload.
Keep Your Belongings Off the Bed
Another tip from the pros: keep your personal items off the bed. Housekeepers often need to remake the bed, and having to move your clothes, bags, or electronics can slow them down and make their job more awkward.
By keeping the bed clear, you’re helping them work more efficiently—and ensuring your belongings aren’t accidentally misplaced.
Rubbish: Bin It, Don’t Scatter It
We’ve all been guilty of leaving a stray wrapper or empty water bottle on the bedside table, but housekeepers really appreciate it when all rubbish is placed in (or at least near) the bin.
Hotel bins are often on the small side, so if you have extra rubbish, consider using a paper grocery bag or similar to contain the overflow and set it next to the bin. And here’s a pro tip: empty any liquids from cups or cans before tossing them. No one wants to deal with a leaky rubbish bag full of old coffee or soft drink!
To Strip or Not to Strip the Bed?
Some guests think they’re being helpful by stripping the sheets off the bed before checking out, but most housekeepers actually prefer you leave them on. Why? It allows them to inspect the linens for stains or damage before sending them off to the laundry.
As one housekeeper explained, ‘Most of the time sheets have been removed, it’s for some disgusting reason, so leaving them on the bed is way more helpful and less scary in the long run.’
A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way
It’s easy to forget that behind every freshly made bed and sparkling bathroom is a person working hard, often to tight deadlines and with a long list of rooms to clean. By taking a few moments to tidy up after yourself, you’re not just making their job easier; you’re showing respect and appreciation for their efforts.
And if you really want to make someone’s day, a simple thank-you note, or a small tip (where appropriate) can mean the world to a housekeeper. In Australia, tipping isn’t as common as in some other countries, but a kind word or gesture is always appreciated.
Key Takeaways
- Guests can make housekeepers’ jobs easier by leaving used towels in the bathroom sink or bundled up, instead of on the floor, to help reduce bending and injury risk.
- Housekeepers appreciate it when personal belongings are kept off the bed, making it quicker and simpler to remake the bed without handling guests’ items.
- Placing all rubbish in or near the bin—and emptying liquid from cups or cans—prevents spills and helps keep the room tidy for cleaning staff.
- It’s best to leave bed sheets on the bed when checking out, as this allows housekeepers to properly inspect them for stains or damage before laundering.
Do you have your own tips for being a considerate hotel guest? We’d love to hear your stories and suggestions—share your thoughts in the comments below!
