There are plenty of situations while traveling where you just don’t want to lug your bags around all day. Maybe you’ve checked out of your hotel or rental but have hours before your flight. Or perhaps you’ve got a long layover and want to do some sightseeing. What you need is a secure place to store your luggage—whether for a few hours or even overnight.
Why I Needed Luggage Storage
During a trip to the UK, I started in London before heading to Wales for two nights, then returned to London for the rest of the journey. I had a large suitcase, a carry-on, and a backpack. Since I didn’t need the big suitcase in Wales, I looked for a place in London to safely store it while I traveled lighter.
Traditional Options: Left Luggage at Stations
We’re well past the days of coin-operated lockers, but most major airports and train stations still offer luggage storage, often referred to as “left luggage.” These locations typically provide a range of travel-related services, but storing bags is their primary purpose.
The big advantage? Convenience—they’re located right inside the terminal or station. The downside? Cost. These tend to be the most expensive options.
We once used this type of service when we visited Dublin for the afternoon and needed a place to store our bags. It did the job, but it wasn’t cheap—and for this trip, storing a suitcase for multiple days would’ve added up quickly.
A Modern Alternative: Luggage Storage Networks
A newer, more budget-friendly option is using luggage storage networks. These services partner with local businesses (think: corner shops, hotels, or cafes) to store your bags safely. Some popular options include:
We’ve written about these companies before, but I had never used one myself—until now. After comparing options, I decided to try Bounce.
Using Bounce: My Experience
Booking with Bounce was straightforward. I searched for nearby locations on their app, found one a few minutes from London’s Euston Station, and made a reservation. After booking, I received a QR code and an email with the location details, map, phone number, and business hours.
It was only a five-minute walk from the station when I found the corner market where I was to drop off my bag. As I approached the store, I saw the sign for Bounce outside, so I knew I was in the correct place.
The drop-off point was a small corner market. As soon as I arrived, I spotted a Bounce sign in the window, which gave me some peace of mind. The staff checked my reservation, attached a few price-tag stickers to my suitcase, and gave me a tag to photograph as my claim ticket. It wasn’t high-tech, but it worked.
Pickup was a little less smooth—the store was busier, and it took a few extra minutes for someone to retrieve my suitcase from the back. Still, everything was there and intact.
Would I Use Bounce Again?
Yes, I would use Bounce again. The price was significantly cheaper than the station’s left luggage—£5.45 per day versus £15. That saved me nearly £20 for just two days.
That said, the setup—especially the handwritten-style tagging system—felt a little basic. Bounce does say that all partner businesses must have a secure storage area not accessible to customers, and they include $10,000 of insurance coverage in case of loss, theft, or damage.
Still, I’d be more cautious if I were storing valuables or traveling with someone else. The short walk to the storage location meant I had to drag my bag through the streets—fine when solo, but maybe less ideal if traveling with my wife or in a group.
Next time, I might try one of the other services to compare. But for a simple and affordable bag drop, Bounce did the job.
Tips for Using Luggage Storage Services
- Check the reviews of the specific location before booking.
- Make sure you receive a claim ticket—even if it’s just a photo.
- Confirm operating hours to avoid getting stuck without your bag.
- Don’t store valuables—insurance helps, but prevention is better.
Final Thoughts
Luggage storage networks like Bounce are a great option for travelers looking to lighten their load temporarily. They’re not perfect, but when you weigh the cost and convenience, they can make your trip much more manageable.
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