Stephen Anderson
Table of Contents
Getting organized can feel overwhelming, especially when space is limited. The area under your bed is prime real estate that often gets ignored. But with a little creativity, you can transform that unused space into valuable storage that makes your life easier.
We’ve gathered some of our favorite tips and products to help you maximize under-bed storage. From rolling drawers to fabric bins, these clever solutions will keep items out of sight but still accessible. Utilizing the space efficiently not only reduces clutter in your closet and dressers, it also gives you room to organize off-season clothing, extra linens, shoes, sports equipment, and more.
Follow our under-bed storage guide to finally put that wasted space to good use. You’ll be amazed at how much you can fit!
Use Storage Containers Designed to Fit Under the Bed
Plastic storage containers are ideal for sliding under your bed neatly. Look for ones between 4-8 inches tall to make the most of the space. Modular interlocking containers allow you to customize the layout. Some even have wheels so you can easily pull them out to access contents.
Clear bins let you see what’s inside at a glance. Opt for bins with lift-off lids over snap-on tops for easier access. Storage containers with dividers keep items organized within the bins. Label the outside of each container so you know what’s stored inside.
Storage cubes and fabric bins also work well for under-bed storage. Cubes stack neatly like modular shelves. Fabric bins fold down when not in use. Both options come in a variety of colors and prints to suit your style.
Invest in Pull-Out Storage Drawers
Drawers are one of the most convenient under-bed storage solutions. Look for rolling drawers on wheels that pull all the way out from under the bed for full access. Some have built-in dividers for organization. Others are designed to hold shoes, sweaters, toys, or other specific items.
If you don’t want to invest in full pull-out drawers, try inexpensive drawer organizers. These are essentially stand-alone drawers without the frame. Slide them under your bed and use handles to pull them out when needed.
Elevate Your Bed for Extra Height
Adding a set of bed risers raises your bed several inches off the floor. This expands the storage space available underneath. Just make sure your risers are sturdy enough to support a mattress and don’t slip easily.
For extreme under-bed storage, replace your bed frame with a storage bed. Thesespecialty bed frames have large built-in drawers for keeping all kinds of items. Some storage beds even include small closets! Others have shelves and cubbies instead of drawers.
Storage beds come at a higher price, but they dramatically increase storage capacity. The trade-off is you lose the ability to rearrange your room since the storage components are built-in.
Use Vertical Space with Wall-Mounted Rails
Don’t limit yourself to just the floor space under the bed. Install hooks or storage rails on the wall, bed frame, or legs. Hang shoe organizers, purse holders, jewelry cases, and wall baskets to take advantage of vertical storage real estate.
Storage rails with S-hooks allow you to hang bins, bags, and baskets from the rail. Use them to store accessories, toiletries, cleaning supplies, or craft items. Just make sure whatever you hang from the rail is light enough not to loosen the rail.
Add a Bed Skirt to Conceal the Clutter
Once you’ve filled the under-bed space with storage items, add a bed skirt around the edges to hide the clutter. The bed skirt gives the illusion of a tidy, finished bedroom even though there are containers stacked underneath.
For easy access, use a split bed skirt rather than a full four-sided skirt. The split skirt is open at the foot of the bed so you can reach storage items as needed. A bed skirt with pleats will also allow access to under-bed storage.
Clever Under-Bed Storage Ideas
Now that you know the basics of maximizing under-bed storage, here are some specific ideas for utilizing that space:
1. Extra Linens and Bedding
Use fabric bins or storage containers to store extra sheets, blankets, pillowcases, mattress pads, and other linens. Add a few cedar blocks to keep fabrics smelling fresh.
2. Off-Season Clothing
Swap the contents of under-bed storage between summer and winter. Store warmer clothes like sweaters and pants under the bed in summer. In winter, replace them with shorts, tanks, and t-shirts.
3. Shoes and Accessories
Use shoe organizers under the bed to store shoes upright and organized by type or color. Stacked clear bins work great for hats, scarves, purses, umbrellas, and bags.
4. Gift Wrap Supplies
Corral gift bags, tissue paper, wrapping paper rolls, ribbon, and bows in under-bed storage so they’re on hand when you need them.
5. Memorabilia and Photos
Protect precious photos, childhood mementos, yearbooks, and other keepsakes in acid-free boxes under the bed. Dig them out later for sweet memories.
6. Luggage and Sporting Goods
Free up closet space by stashing your suitcases, duffle bags, golf clubs, tennis rackets, and other bulky items under the bed when not in use.
7. Everyday Basics
Store things you use regularly like extra towels and sheets, clothes waiting to be folded, reading material, charging cables, first aid supplies, arts and crafts, pet supplies, car care products, automotive tools, or electronics accessories.
8. Seasonal Décor
Holiday decorations only come out for short periods each year. Pack them neatly into under-bed bins marked by holiday so they’re organized when it’s time to decorate.
9. Files and Important Documents
Turn under-bed space into a home office storage area with binders, files, and fireproof lock boxes for safely storing important paperwork.
10. Bulk Food Storage
Take advantage of under-bed clearance to store large bulk food items that won’t fit in your pantry. Think big bags of pet food, boxes of snacks, cases of bottled water, or surplus canned goods. Just monitor expiration dates and rotate stock.
Tips for Maximizing Under-Bed Storage
Follow these tips for safely and efficiently using under-bed storage:
- Make sure bins and storage items are not piled higher than your mattress to avoid creating an unstable surface.
- Store the items you access most often near the outer edges for easy access.
- Use transparent containers so you can identify contents at a glance.
- Label all under-bed storage bins and containers.
- Avoid storing anything valuable or fragile under the bed. Opt for non-breakable plastic bins over glass containers.
- Store electronics and important documents in protective, waterproof containers in case of flooding.
- Clean and vacuum under the bed periodically to control dust and allergens.
- Use storage items small enough to lift and remove individually. Don’t overload bins.
- Measure available under-bed height carefully and buy storage containers to fit.
- Install lighting under the bed if the area is too dark to see storage items. Battery-operated LED lights work great.
Frequently Asked Questions About Under-Bed Storage
How much weight can you safely store under a bed?
Most bed frames can support 200-250 pounds of evenly distributed storage items underneath. Avoid exceeding weight limits to prevent the bed frame from buckling or breaking.
Does under-bed storage cause mold or mildew?
As long as air circulates freely under the bed, moisture and humidity won’t build up to cause mold growth. Use breathable fabric bins rather than solid plastic. Make sure bedding can overhang the mattress edges so air flows underneath.
Should under-bed storage touch the floor?
Yes, storage containers and drawers should sit directly on the floor rather than on bed risers or rails. Evenly distributing weight across the floor helps prevent sagging or damage to your bed frame.
How much height do you need for under-bed storage?
Check your bed frame height before buying under-bed storage items. Make sure containers and drawers are no more than 6-8 inches tall to fit in the space while allowing mattresses to overhang about 2 inches.
Can I vacuum seal or shrink wrap items for under-bed storage?
Yes, using a vacuum storage bag is an excellent way to compress off-season clothing, linens, and soft items under the bed to save space. Just avoid vacuum sealing important documents or rigid items that could get damaged.
What’s the best under-bed storage for small spaces?
Look for collapsible, foldable, or nesting storage items like fabric bins, organizers, and shelves that slide flush under the bed. Modular cube systems and stackable drawers are also great for maximizing every inch.
Should I use under-bed storage in a kids’ room?
Under-bed storage works well in kids’ rooms but avoid storing anything extremely valuable or hazardous. Mount safety rails on raised beds. Only use unbreakable plastic bins, not glass or ceramic. Supervise young kids when accessing under-bed items.
How can I add doors or curtains to hide under-bed storage?
You can install hinged doors or hanging curtains around the bottom of your bed frame to conceal under-bed items. Use hooks, magnets, or Velcro to secure curtain panels around the bed. Make sure curtains or doors don’t block needed airflow.
What’s better: wheeled or non-wheeled under-bed storage?
Wheeled storage easily rolls out from under the bed for access. But non-wheeled items may fit more storage capacity under the bed. Choose based on your needs and mobility. Use non-slip liners so containers don’t slide around on floors.
Should I anchor under-bed storage to the bed frame?
For safety, it’s a smart idea to anchor wardrobes, drawers, and other substantial under-bed storage to the bed frame so it can’t tip over if pulled out forcibly. Use L-brackets or other hardware to securely attach items.
Get Organized with Under-Bed Storage!
Don’t waste valuable square footage – utilize the space under your bed to banish clutter. By implementing these clever storage solutions, you can take control of your belongings and maximize every inch of your bedroom.
Say goodbye to messy piles of stuff around the house. Under-bed storage allows you to create your own organized storage system customized to your needs. Regain order in your home, stash things out of sight, and reclaim your floors. You’ll be amazed by how much hidden storage potential exists under your bed!
