Cloakroom
Schedule
Section titled “Schedule”When: Saturday 09:00-19:30, Sunday 08:30-18:30 (shifts of 2-3 hours)
Where: K building, ground floor, Cloakroom
Team size: 2-4 volunteers per shift
What is the cloakroom task?
Section titled “What is the cloakroom task?”Manage a free coat check service for FOSDEM attendees. You’ll handle storage and retrieval of coats, bags, and luggage using a numbered ticketing system. Essential service for international visitors.
Requirements
Section titled “Requirements”- Good command of English (spoken) - essential for international visitors
- Organizational skills - keeping track of hundreds of items systematically
- Attention to detail - ensuring items are properly tagged and findable
- Physical ability - lifting and moving coats, bags, and luggage
- Reliability - people trust us with their belongings
- Calm demeanor - welcoming people and staying patient during peak times
- Teamwork - coordinating smoothly with other cloakroom volunteers
What you’ll be doing
Section titled “What you’ll be doing”Accepting items:
- Greet visitors and confirm they want to check items
- Count all items (coat, bag, luggage, etc.)
- Attach numbered tags using the numbering system
- Give matching claim tickets to visitor
- Place items in storage area systematically
Returning items:
- Collect claim ticket from visitor
- Locate matching numbered items
- Verify numbers match before handing over
- Return all items and wish them a good day
Organization:
- Keep storage area organized for quick retrieval
- Maintain systematic arrangement (by number or type)
- Keep clear pathways for fire safety
- Handle special situations: lost tickets, unclaimed items
Task workflow
Section titled “Task workflow”- Arrive at least 10 minutes early
- Get handover from previous shift (numbering sequence, special situations, unclaimed items)
- Familiarize yourself with layout if first time
- Accept and return items throughout your shift
- Peak times: typically 09:00-10:00 (morning) and 18:00-19:00 (evening)
- Work as a team - prioritize accuracy over speed
- Give thorough handover to next volunteers
- Report any problems to coordinator
Safety
Section titled “Safety”- Accuracy first - verify numbers match before returning items
- Organization is critical - develop systematic storage approach
- Fire safety - maintain clear pathways and know emergency exits
- Communicate with team - coordinate tasks and alert others to issues
- Handle valuables carefully - suggest visitors keep valuables with them
- Stay aware - report suspicious behavior to coordinators
- Always maintain coverage - don’t leave area unattended
What to bring
Section titled “What to bring”- Comfortable, practical clothing
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes (essential!)
- Water bottle - stay hydrated
- Personal phone - for Matrix communication if needed
Why volunteer?
Section titled “Why volunteer?”- Provide essential service that improves attendee experience
- Meet people from all over the world
- Indoor work in comfortable environment
- Work closely as part of a great team
- Visible contribution - people really value this service
- Satisfaction of helping thousands of visitors
Questions? #volunteers:fosdem.org