There’s so much to explore in London; busy streets, iconic historical landmarks and rich culture everywhere you go. However, tourists find hauling heavy bags around the stage a significant obstacle to really enjoying the city.
If you’re flying in early, it’s time to check into your hotel, or you just want to wander around without your bags for a while before a late train, it’s important that you store your luggage in a safe and convenient place. It is best to get a suitable Victoria station luggage storage for your ease.
One of the busiest hubs of transportation in London, Victoria Station, is home to multiple options for luggage storage to make your travel a little easier and hassle free. This post will focus on providing tourists with luggage storage tips when visiting Victoria Station, so that your stay will be as smooth as possible.
1. Book Luggage Storage in Advance
One of the best things that you can do to guarantee a stress free storage experience when storing your luggage at Victoria Station is to reserve your storage space in advance.
In addition to traditional left luggage services, third party luggage storage services let you reserve a spot before, so you know that there’s availability upon your arrival. Booking in advance allows you to pick a convenient drop off point near the station or even the hotel.
Benefits of booking in advance:
- Guaranteed space: Of course, it avoids the worry of arriving and finding there isn’t any availability, particularly in peak tourist seasons.
- Flexibility: There are many third party services which allow you to book storage for just a few hours or for multiple days so that they work out for your travel plans.
- Discounted rates: Discounts and lower rates are often listed when pre booking online compared with walk in prices.
2. Pick a Convenient Location Which is Near Victoria Station
There are many luggage storage services around Victoria Station, so it is important to find a service near a station that’s convenient and secure. Third party companies team up with some local businesses like cafes, hotels, and shops to be the storage points.
If you’re going directly to tourist sites like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey or St. James’s Park, pick a place close to some of these famous sights and it’ll save you time and make it easier to explore them.
Key considerations when selecting a storage location:
- Proximity: Try to find places that are walking distance from Victoria Station to reduce a hassle that comes along with dropping off or picking up your bags.
- Security: Make sure that your storage provider stores your bag in a secure way similar to placing it in a CCTV monitored facility or a known local business. If you use reputable services, you’ll be insured or guaranteed against breaking or even theft.
- Operating hours: Be sure to check hours of operation for the storage facility. If you’re planning on storing your luggage for more than a few hours or even overnight, make sure it’s available at times you need.
3. Pack Light for Easy Storage
So when storing your luggage, you want to take into consideration the size and weight of your bags. Traditional and third party luggage storage must be charged by bag size or duration. By packing light you can save money and avoid the hassle of having to struggle with big, heavy bags.
Tips for packing light:
- Minimize what you bring: Pack only what you’ll need during your time in London. You might want to leave non-essential things in your hotel or at home.
- Use smaller bags or backpacks: Carry on bags or backpacks that are smaller and easier to store. There may be restrictions regarding oversized luggage on some services, and smaller bags tend to be cheaper for storage.
- Compression bags: Compression bags help tremendously in making it easier to fit more clothing in your bag, while compressing the bulk.
4. Secure Your Valuables Before Storing Your Luggage
By the way, when you use luggage storage services, it’s better to take the valuables like passports, wallets, laptops, electronics, and jewelry out of your bag. Most storage services are quite safe, but it’s safer to store your goodies with you than in your bag.
There are some third party services that allow you to store smaller items or put smaller items in lockers that can give you a bit of extra peace of mind.
What to keep with you:
- Travel documents: Never forget to keep all your passport, travel tickets and hotel booking information with you.
- Electronics: For safety reasons, it’s best to avoid storing valuable electronics such as cameras, phones or laptops in luggage storage. All of this is best carried on you in a daypack or as to your own personal care.
- Money and credit cards: It’s never a good idea to keep large amounts of money or your crucial cards in your luggage. Keeping your funds safe can be done with a money belt or secure wallet.
5. Check for Insurance Coverage
While using or looking for luggage storage services, you must make it so that the service incorporates insurance coverage for lost, stolen or damaged items. Most luggage storage services will insure them while the support might be different, it will be a great service offered by them.
Questions to ask about insurance:
- Does the service insure your items?
- How does coverage limit individual bags or items?
- Are there some items which are excluded from protection, such as electronics or fragile goods?
- If your luggage is damaged or gone missing, then what is the procedure for that?
Beforehand, checking these details can help you to avoid any unpleasant surprises if something goes wrong.
6. Use Luggage Storage for Day Trips and Transfers
Luggage storage at Victoria Station is extremely convenient if you’re looking to drop off or pick up luggage on a day trip or when changing airports. So, say you’re heading to Gatwick Airport; you can drop your luggage at Victoria Station while you explore the city or wait for your train.
Most luggage storage services provide flexible options – along with a few hours or an entire day of bag storage, so you can more easily plan your itinerary.
How luggage storage helps with day trips:
- Freedom to explore: Drop your bags at a store, and take London on the cheap. No need to lug around a weight on your back to visit key places or for a walking tour.
- No hassle with transfers: If you’re changing trains or buses, then you have the option to place your luggage in storage and spend a few extra hours on your feet seeing the sites, without the lugging of your packs.
Wrapping Up
Taking these luggage storage guidelines, vacationers can go through Victoria Station and London without hassles, by keeping their baggage securely and safely and then browse the town. Knowing your options, pricing and security measures whether it be a traditional left luggage service or a more flexible third party, means you will be well taken care of on your stay in one of the world’s most exciting cities.