So there I am in Brooklyn after just wrapping up a workshop I was attending. I just checked out of my hotel,  glanced down at my watch, and realized I have just enough time to visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum before catching my flight at LaGuardia that afternoon. The only problem… what to do with my bags before my flight?

My guess is that you’ve been there before too. You just need somewhere to leave your bags either before you check into your hotel or after you’ve checked out and there doesn’t seem to be any options… or are there?

Why Drop Your Bags Somewhere?

Dropping off your bag isn’t just about lightening your load, there are actually several reasons why dragging your luggage around the city and into your next meeting could in fact be detrimental.

Look More Professional at Work Meetings

Whether you like it or not, walking into a meeting while fumbling with luggage just isn’t an elegant look.

• Dragging a bag can make you tired, sweaty or frazzled.
• It can take up too much physical space in that tiny conference room.
• Makes you look like you have somewhere else to be.

Lighten Your Load while Site-seeing

Of course even if you’re done with the meeting, here are a few good reasons to ditch the bag for a few hours before you flight.

• You don’t feel like bumping into priceless artwork with your huge bag at the museum.
• Taking that leisurely stroll through Central Park isn’t the same dragging a roller bag.
• Ever tried shopping with your luggage? It’s a tight squeeze in the dressing room.
• You don’t feel like having your waiter trip on your bags at lunch.

Where to Drop Your Bags for the Day?

Option 1: Find ANY Nearby Hotel

This is by far my favorite, most practical and easiest option especially if you want to save time. While most people think you can only check your bag at the hotel where you’re staying, this just isn’t the case. Most hotels are fine checking anyone’s bags for a few hours even if you aren’t staying there.

I’ve checked my bags for the afternoon at hotels around the world and it’s been the perfect solution. I use Google maps to find the nearest hotel in the area where I’ll be hanging out, find the bellman or concierge and politely ask them to check my bag. I then always tip them $2 per bag both when dropping off and picking up. And it may be a good idea to tip even more if you aren’t staying at that particular hotel.

I have done this dozens of time and have only had one hotel not allow me to check a bag if I wasn’t staying there. And I just simply thanked them and found another hotel.

Option 2: Leave it with the Office Receptionist

If you’re headed into a sales meeting, you may want to check your bag with the front receptionist. While this isn’t the best option, it is definitely better than dragging several bags bag into someone’s office or plopping it down in a conference room corner.

The best way to do this is simply ask the receptionist at the front if there is somewhere you could park your luggage for a bit during your meeting. If they look confused, ask if they wouldn’t mind if you set your bags in the copy room.

Option 3: Local Pay Per Bag Options

There’s also a host of other city specific options to drop your bags but they vary greatly depending on which city you’re in so they’re not as practical. But if you find yourself regularly visiting one of these cities these vendors might work well for you.

• City Co-Pilot:  New York ($10 per bag per day)
• Excess Baggage: London, Dublin, Madrid, Barcelona ($15 per bag per day)
• Amtrak Parcel Check: New York and a few other cities ($5-$10 per bag per day)

Option 4: Carry It

Sometimes this is your only option. You might be pressed for time or there just aren’t any hotels nearby so you’ll just have to carry your luggage with you. So try to pack as light as possible and with only ONE carry-on bag. Walking into a meeting with a light bag over your shoulder is one thing, dragging three huge suitcases in is another. Even site-seeing with an over the shoulder bag is very doable if you pack the right way. So pack lighter to begin with and this will be much less of an issue.

No matter which option works best for you, it’s time to ditch the luggage for the day, have a rock star meeting and enjoy that museum luggage free!