Traveling to New York is a unique adventure, full of excitement and discoveries. However, one of the most common challenges for travelers is managing luggage, especially when there’s a gap between hotel check-out time and your flight, or when you arrive before check-in. Fortunately, the city is filled with options to securely store your belongings and make the most of your stay. This article explores the different solutions for storing luggage in New York, how these services work, and where to find them.

Why use a luggage storage service in New York?

Whether you’re a business traveler or a family tourist, the question of “What do I do with my luggage?” often arises. It’s obvious that exploring the city with a suitcase or bulky backpack can quickly turn into a nightmare. Here are several reasons why using luggage storage in New York is an ideal solution:

  • Optimize your visiting time: If your flight arrives early in the morning or if you have an early hotel check-out, luggage storage services allow you to avoid wasting valuable hours worrying about your belongings.
  • Comfort: New York is a city best explored on foot, especially when visiting places like Central Park, the MET, or the bustling Times Square. Walking around with bulky luggage can be uncomfortable and limiting.
  • Security: Leaving your belongings in secure locations allows you to visit museums and attractions that don’t accept large luggage, such as the Statue of Liberty or some museums where lockers are limited to small bags.

Now, let’s look at where you can safely store your belongings in the Big Apple.

Where can you store your luggage in New York?

Fortunately, New York has a wide range of luggage storage services, whether at train stations, airports, or through private services that allow you to leave your luggage in more unusual places like cafes or shops. Here’s a summary of the main options available:

Luggage storage at stations and airports

  • Grand Central Terminal: This iconic station offers convenient luggage storage services for travelers arriving by train or those wanting to explore the city after arrival. You’ll find both automatic lockers and more personalized services for larger items.
  • Penn Station: Located in the heart of Manhattan, Penn Station is another central point to leave your belongings. Secure luggage storage is available, ideal for those wanting to explore the nearby Times Square or Madison Square Garden before or after their train.
  • Airports: If you’re in transit or have a later flight, New York’s main airports—JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark—offer luggage storage services. This allows you to spend a few hours in the city without lugging your bags around.

Luggage storage at museums and tourist attractions

Some major museums and attractions in New York also offer luggage storage services, although these are usually limited in terms of size and capacity.

  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET): While the MET offers lockers, they tend to be small and don’t allow large luggage storage. Therefore, it’s best to store your belongings in a larger locker before visiting if you’re carrying bulky items.
  • The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): This museum also provides lockers for backpacks and small bags, but like the MET, it’s best to check in advance if you have large items.
  • The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: These popular attractions don’t accept large luggage. Luckily, there are storage services near the ferry terminal at Battery Park where you can leave your belongings before visiting the statue.

Private luggage storage services

In recent years, several private services have emerged in New York to offer even more flexibility to travelers. Companies like LuggageHero, Vertoe, and Stasher allow you to book luggage storage online at partnered locations (hotels, shops, cafes, etc.). Here’s how they work:

  • LuggageHero: This service is extremely convenient as it allows you to find nearby storage locations via an app or website. You just need to locate a drop-off point (often in a cafe or shop), reserve a spot, and leave your luggage. LuggageHero charges by the hour, which is ideal for short stays. Additionally, they offer insurance that covers your belongings in case of any problems.
  • Vertoe: Vertoe works similarly to LuggageHero, with hundreds of drop-off points spread across the city. You can book your storage online, and rates are typically calculated per day. This service is perfect for those wanting to explore the city peacefully before their flight.
  • Stasher: With strategically placed storage points near major attractions and tourist areas, Stasher is another popular option. Deposits can be made in hotels, shops, or associated businesses. Their rates are competitive, offering a flexible alternative to traditional station or airport lockers.

How do luggage storage services work?

The operation of luggage storage at stations and airports is quite simple. Most traditional services operate with a secure locking system, and some lockers are permanently monitored to ensure the safety of your belongings. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how to use these services:

  1. Find an available locker. Typically, automatic lockers are located in well-signposted areas within stations and airports.
  2. Follow the instructions to deposit your belongings. Most automated lockers work with a simple interface, where you can choose the locker size you need.
  3. Pay for the locker. Payments are usually made by credit card, either by the hour or per day, depending on how long you plan to leave your belongings.
  4. Retrieve your belongings using the provided security code or by scanning your receipt. In airports, some lockers are operated by staff, allowing you to securely retrieve your belongings with proof of identity.

How private platforms work (LuggageHero, Vertoe, Stasher)

LuggageHero, Vertoe, and Stasher operate under similar models, with slight variations in terms of pricing and flexibility. Here’s how to use these services:

  1. Book online via their app or website. Most platforms allow you to find drop-off points near your current location or near a place of interest.
  2. Drop off your belongings at the partnered location (cafe, hotel, shop). You’ll generally receive a tag to identify your luggage.
  3. Pay directly through the app or at the location (depending on the service). Rates are charged per hour or per day, depending on your needs.
  4. Retrieve your luggage at the agreed time in a hassle-free way.
Credit Photo Image_Source via Envato luggage storage Manhattan

Precautions when using luggage storage services

Although luggage storage services in New York are well-organized and safe, it’s always advisable to take some additional precautions to ensure the security of your belongings. Here are some tips to keep in mind before leaving your luggage:

Choose a trusted service

Whether you opt for traditional storage at a station or a private service like LuggageHero or Vertoe, it’s essential to verify the platform’s reputation before leaving your belongings. Check user reviews to ensure the service is reliable and the storage points are well-secured.

Make sure your luggage is well-labeled and locked

Before leaving your luggage, it is highly recommended to use a lock to secure your suitcases or backpacks, even if the storage location seems safe. This can prevent unfortunate incidents and adds an extra layer of protection. Additionally, ensure your luggage is clearly labeled with a tag that includes your name and contact information.

Check the opening and closing times of storage points

Although some storage services are open 24 hours, this is not the case for all services, especially those that depend on local businesses like cafes or hotels. It’s important to check the operating hours of these storage points to avoid any surprises if you need to retrieve your luggage after a certain time.

Be cautious with valuable items

Although luggage storage services often offer insurance for deposited belongings, it’s recommended not to leave high-value items in your luggage, such as jewelry, expensive electronics, or important documents. If you carry valuables, it’s better to keep them in a small backpack or on you rather than leaving them in storage.

Alternatives to traditional luggage storage

Sometimes, traditional luggage storage may not be a practical option depending on your location or specific needs. Fortunately, New York offers several interesting alternatives for storing your belongings.

Leave your luggage at a hotel, even if you’re not staying there

Some hotels in New York offer luggage storage services for travelers, even if you’re not a guest at the hotel. Although not all hotels provide this option, those that do can be a practical alternative if you need to leave your luggage for a few hours. These services are usually paid, but offer similar security to dedicated storage facilities.

Use lockers in gyms or coworking spaces

Some gyms and coworking spaces in New York offer lockers for short-term rental. If you are a member of a national gym, you may even have access to these services for free or at a reduced price. Additionally, if you have work meetings or activities near a coworking space, these places often provide temporary storage solutions for non-members.

Opt for personalized concierge services

For a more exclusive solution, some concierge companies in New York offer personalized luggage storage services. You can book a service where an employee will collect your luggage directly from your location (hotel, station, etc.), store it in a secure place, and return it to you at the agreed time. This type of service, although a bit more expensive, offers peace of mind and optimal flexibility.

A list of luggage storage points by neighborhood in New York

Since New York is a large city, it’s important to know where luggage storage points are located based on the neighborhoods you’re visiting. Below is a summary of the available options in the city’s main tourist areas.

Manhattan

Manhattan is the most visited and densely populated neighborhood in New York, with major attractions like Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. You’ll find numerous luggage storage options in this area, whether through private services like LuggageHero and Vertoe, or more traditional places like Penn Station. These options are ideal for those who want to explore this central part of the city without carrying their luggage.

  • Penn Station: Secure luggage storage for travelers.
  • Port Authority Bus Terminal: Luggage storage for passengers in transit.
  • Times Square: Luggage storage points with LuggageHero and Vertoe.
  • Empire State Building: Private luggage storage points nearby.
  • Lower Manhattan (Wall Street, Battery Park): Storage available near Battery Park for the Statue of Liberty.
  • Central Park: Luggage storage near the main entrances via LuggageHero and Stasher.
  • Chelsea: Storage points near the art galleries and the High Line.
  • Union Square: Private luggage storage accessible through Vertoe.

Brooklyn

Brooklyn, known for trendy neighborhoods like Williamsburg and DUMBO, is another area where luggage storage can be very useful. Vertoe and LuggageHero offer several drop-off points in this part of the city, especially near subway stations and tourist attractions like Brooklyn Bridge Park. If you’re visiting for a day, these storage options will allow you to travel light while discovering the authentic essence of Brooklyn.

  • Brooklyn Heights: Storage points near the Brooklyn Bridge.
  • Williamsburg: Various storage options associated with LuggageHero and Vertoe.
  • DUMBO: Storage near tourist attractions like Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Queens

If you arrive or depart from JFK airport, you’ll likely pass through Queens, one of New York’s largest boroughs. Although less touristy, Queens has drop-off points for luggage storage, especially near bus terminals and train stations. This is an excellent solution for those transiting through this airport and wanting to spend a few hours in the city before their flight.

  • Astoria: Drop-off points through private services near subway stations.
  • Flushing: Storage available near Citi Field and Flushing Meadows Park.
  • JFK Airport: Luggage storage services in the terminals.

Staten Island and the Bronx

Staten Island and the Bronx are less touristy areas, but they are home to popular attractions like Yankee Stadium and the Bronx Zoo. Luggage storage options in these areas are less numerous, but it is possible to find solutions through online platforms listing local partners. If you’re planning to visit these neighborhoods, it’s advisable to check the availability of nearby storage in advance.

Bronx

  • Yankee Stadium: Nearby storage points for game days.
  • Bronx Zoo: Storage services near subway stations.

Staten Island

  • Staten Island Ferry Terminal: Storage for travelers in transit.
  • St. George: Storage points in the neighborhood near the ferry.

Traveling to New York is a memorable experience, but managing luggage can quickly become an issue if not planned in advance. Fortunately, the city offers a wide variety of solutions to store your belongings securely and make the most of your stay without carrying heavy bags.

Whether you choose traditional storage at stations or airports, private services like LuggageHero and Vertoe, or even alternative solutions like hotels or gym lockers, there is a suitable option for every type of traveler.