Organising Cloakrooms – The Complete Guide

Practical tips and advice for a smoothly running cloakroom at any type of event or venue.

Why a Good Cloakroom Matters

The cloakroom is the first and last point of contact with your visitors. A well-organised cloakroom ensures smooth flow, reduced wait times at entry and exit, and a professional impression of your venue or event.

Yet the cloakroom is often underestimated. With a few clever tweaks, you can make the difference between chaos and a seamless operation.

A Perfectly Organised Cloakroom in 6 Steps

Calculate the Number of Coats

Estimate 60-80% of your total number of visitors. For 500 visitors, you’ll need 300-400 cloakroom tickets. Always order a little extra as a buffer.

Choose the Right Tickets

Paper cloakroom tickets are cheap and ready to use immediately. For daily use, consider plastic tickets or a ticket printer.

Set Up the Space

Ensure enough coat hooks or racks, a clear counter, and ample space for visitors to wait without blocking passageways.

Use a Colour System

Change colours daily, per show, or event. This prevents old tickets from being reused and always keeps you organised.

Monitor the Busiest Moments

Most rush occurs at entry and after the event. Make sure you have extra staff on hand at these times.

Check at the End

Count remaining coats at the end of the evening. Store unclaimed items in a secure place.

Practical Tips for Your Cloakroom

Colour Coding

Use a different cloakroom ticket colour per day or event to avoid confusion with old tickets.

Adequate Staff

Plan for one staff member per 100-150 guests for smooth handling at entry and exit.

Clear Signage

Make sure visitors can easily find the cloakroom with clear signs at the entrance.

Separate Valuable Items

Provide a separate area for bags and valuables. This prevents damage and gives visitors peace of mind.

Handy Storage

Keep unused cloakroom tickets in their original packaging. They take up very little space.

Evaluate and Improve

Track how many tickets you use each evening. This helps you better estimate your needs next time.

Did You Know?

The average visitor spends 45 seconds checking in a coat. With an efficient ticket system, this can be reduced to 15 seconds per visitor. For 300 coats, that saves over an hour of waiting time.

Paper Tickets vs. Plastic vs. Ticket Printer

Paper cloakroom tickets are the most affordable option. They come pre-printed, ready to use immediately, and are ideal for one-off events or venues without daily cloakroom operations. Costs: just a few cents per ticket.

Plastic tickets are reusable and more durable. Suitable for venues with daily cloakrooms, like theatres and hotels. Higher upfront cost, but more cost-effective in the long run.

Ticket printers are the professional solution. They print tickets on demand, offer the most flexibility, and are perfect for large venues with varying visitor numbers. Higher investment, maximum control.

Frequently Asked Questions About Organising Cloakrooms

How many cloakroom tickets do I need?

Estimate 60-80% of your total number of visitors. When in doubt: order extra. It’s better to have leftover tickets than to run out.

How do I prevent mix-ups?

Use a clear ticket system and change the colour daily. Always check that the number on the receipt matches the number on the coat.

What do I do with uncollected coats?

Store unclaimed coats in a safe place. Keep a record of the corresponding ticket numbers. Most venues keep coats for 30 days.

How many cloakroom staff do I need?

A rule of thumb: one staff member per 100-150 guests. Large events with peak entry times may need extra staff.

Can I reuse cloakroom tickets?

Paper tickets are for one-time use. Plastic tickets can be reused. For the highest hygiene standard, we recommend paper tickets.

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26 March 2026