One of the most irritating and challenging mishaps at an event is leaving your car with us, walking into the building, and, ten minutes later, realizing you left something. For your sake, it’s better to remember to take everything you intend to bring with you so that you don’t have to say to your friends, “I’ll be right back!”.
Below are six essential items you should always keep with you so that you don’t have to come back to our valet attendant.
1. Your Credit Card (Or Other Form of Payment)
Of course, it goes without saying that you should never leave money in your car, no matter where you go or what you’re doing. However, there’s a good chance that you’ll need your credit card, cash, or checkbook when you walk into the establishment.
Forgetting to bring your payment to the bar tab or the dinner table can be embarrassing and alter your mood for the evening.
2. Driver’s License or ID
Equally as embarrassing as retrieving your credit card from the valet is being carded, but you seem to have “misplaced your ID.” If you’re like most people, you may have a more compact form of carrying your essentials when you walk into a building. For instance, a guy may carry a clip, and a woman may opt for a pocketbook instead of a purse.
Before you release the car to one of our valets, check that all your essentials are in the clip or the pocketbook. This includes your ID.
3. Your Coat
Sometimes, it’s just too cold inside. That extra layer can give you the warmth you need. If you leave it in the car, however, you may find that the rest of the evening is uncomfortable at best. If you’re questioning whether to take a jacket or sweater with you into the building, we have found that - more often than not - most people are glad they carried the additional layer.
4. Your Phone
In addition to forgotten money and credit cards, a forgotten phone causes tremendous agony for those who leave it in the car with our valet. Granted, we are happy to assist you by taking you to your car if necessary to retrieve an item. The thought of going through the motions, however, can aggravate anyone.
Your best bet? Don’t forget the phone. Make sure you have it as you exit the car.
5. Your Gifts
It’s your best friend’s birthday. Everybody is having a good time with food and drink. It’s finally time to open the presents. Everybody gathers around. You suddenly realize you left your gift on the floor in the back seat. It’s not uncommon for guests to forget specific party or event items in their car.
You’re not the first, and you won’t be the last. But it can ruin your evening if you spend an extra five to ten minutes trying to sneak that gift on the table so that no one else notices.
6. Sunglasses
Minnesota summers are beautiful, and if you're attending an outdoor event, you need to have eye protection. Sunglasses or another one of those easily overlooked items that you might find yourself searching for if the sun is glaring into your eyes.
UV ray damage is a real concern. So keep your eyes protected and enhance your ensemble with some style and remember to bring your sunglasses with you when you drop the vehicle off with your valet.
Tips for Protecting Your Vehicle When Using Valet Parking
As a guest, protecting your car’s valuables should be your main priority when getting out of your vehicle. Along with remembering your most important items, you can assist us in keeping your vehicle and valuables safe by following a few simple tips below.
Arrive and Leave During Operating Hours
If you are attending an event, you may want to check with the hosts to find out when the event is over. Likewise, if you are going to a restaurant or other venue, you’ll need to know when the venue closes and the parking area is no longer accessible.
You can also ask an Unparalleled Parking attendant. We can tell you when valet parking will close. We also recommend that you arrive within hours of operation. Your car and valuables will be secure as long as the valet service is available.
Don’t Lose Your Claim Ticket
When you arrive at your destination, a friendly Unparalleled Parking valet attendant will greet you, open your door, and hand you a claim ticket. That claim ticket is the only proof you may have that your vehicle belongs to you.
It becomes even more challenging to find and validate vehicle ownership during an event that hosts hundreds of people. Therefore, we recommend keeping your ticket in a safe place, such as your jacket pocket, wallet, or purse.
Vehicle Operation Features
At Unparalleled Parking, we take great care with every car we park. We’ve learned that no two vehicles are the same (even if they’re identical models). Therefore, if there is anything we need to know about your car, please tell us when you get out.
Does it handle a certain way? Is there a malfunction? Is customized? Is there a handicapped device? If there is anything unique about your car that would affect how we park it, please let us know in advance.
Arrive Slowly and Cautiously
As you pull into the lot, you may have a line of cars in front of you or vehicles that pass you as they exit. For this reason, we advise that you use extreme caution when pulling up. If you arrive in the evening, please turn off your high-beam lights.
This allows anyone in front of you, pedestrians, other drivers, and valet attendants, to see the surrounding area without being blinded by the lights. By slowing down and practicing care, you can avoid a fender bender.
Schedule Your Upcoming Party with Unparalleled Parking
Unparalleled Parking is a Minneapolis-based valet company that provides parking for small and large gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a wedding or going to an art gallery showcase, we can provide the right type of valet service for you.
Our service extends to the Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, area. To find out more or to schedule an event date, contact us at 651-300-1515, or you can message us online today.