Why unpacking straight away might not be the best idea - according to a doctor
When it comes to being organised and unpacking after a holiday, procrastination is often frowned up.
But now a doctor has given us an excuse to be "lazy", warning that opening up your suitcase too soon after a trip could have rather gross consequences.
In a viral TikTok video, Dr. Jason Singh said it could actually lead to an infestation of bed bugs – which can lay eggs in your clothes and belongings, and potentially spread through your house after travelling back with you in your luggage.
Watch the video above.
Dr. Jason Singh warned not to unpack straight away. TikTok
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"Okay, so hear me out, especially if you stayed in a hotel, and that's because of bed bugs," he said in the clip.
"Bed bug eggs typically hatch within six to 10 days, and the nymphs require a blood meal shortly after hatching, to continue their development.
"Now, if your suitcase remains closed, and undisturbed for at least two weeks, well any bed bug egg or nymph present will likely die due to starvation or desiccation."
He said that's a definite "reason to be lazy", something he admits to being himself.
"I mean, let's be honest, what kind of psycho unpacks right away? Let me know."
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Taking your time unpacking could work in your favour. Getty
The advice was met with jubilation from fellow 'lazy' unpackers in the comments.
"So me procrastinating is doctor-approved. Perfect," one person wrote.
"Thank god. It takes me ages to muster up the energy to unpack," another said.
While others admitted they get it done right away.
"I unpack and throw everything in the washer as soon as I get home. I need all my stuff [that] I travel with," read one comment.
While another person said: "I am the psycho who unpacks once I get home."
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Bed bugs can cause havoc on your holiday and at home. iStock
How to check your hotel room for bed bugs
There are a few things you can do to check whether your hotel room might be at risk of having bed bugs.
Martin Seeley at MattressNextDay recently shared some advice, pointing out that not unpacking straight away also applies to when you get to your room in the first place.
"Leave your bags in the bathroom and away from furniture, as tiled and bright surfaces make bed bugs easier to spot," he told 9Travel.
"Then make the room as dark as possible by turning off the lights and closing the curtains. Using your phone's torch, inspect the mattress for bed bugs.
"It is also worth checking any couches, chairs and other upholstered furniture. They tend to cluster in seams where it's warm and safe."
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It's worth giving your hotel room a once over when checking in. Getty
Ironically this advice goes against what most seasoned travellers recommend, which is to unpack immediately.
Internet-famous mum Babs, who regularly shares her 'motherly advice' revealed some of her top unpacking tips, including one thing she does to make the process much easier.
"We always put dirty clothes in one suitcase, and clean clothes in another," she explained.
"Dirty clothes go right from the suitcase into the [washing] machine, clean clothes right into your draw.
"And once your suitcases are empty, put them away, you don't want to be tripping over them in the middle of the night."
