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Storage for under the bed ideas – Where the heck do you start?
Limited storage space in bedrooms can be frustrating. It's like trying to fit a giraffe in a Mini Cooper - it just doesn't work.
So, fellow reader, you get smart and decide to store away a few things under your bed.
Perfect!
No... just, no.
But, just shoving everything under your bed isn’t going to cut it.
The problem is now finding some actually useful ideas and solutions on how to do this more neatly and properly.
Well, don’t you worry!
We’ll tackle this problem together, find a few great solutions, and prevent you from being buried alive under a pile of clothes/shoes.
"But, I really don't have time to read this entire awesome article right now..."
No problem! Here are some of the best overall products to check out:
Best Under The Bed Products Overall - Top 5 Picks
(Check out the rest of the recommendations below.)
Quick Overview of This Article
We’re going to go over the quickest and most practical types of solutions to help you create storage space under your bed.
Then, we’ll get into which ones will be the best underbed storage products for that specific category.
This will help you cut through the noise and select the ones that you like the most.
And finally, you’ll learn about some additional tips to make you a super storage ninja. (You will have earned that title by then.)
Plus, we’ll get into some frequently asked questions regarding under the bed storage.
The Importance of Under-The-Bed Storage and Maximizing Bedroom Space
Ah, the age-old dilemma of wanting to fill your bedroom with all your favorite things but also needing space to actually, you know, sleep. That's where under-the-bed storage comes in clutch.
Who needs to buy a fancy new dresser when you can just shove everything you own under your bed? Think of the money you’ll save!
Plus, think of all the extra space you'll have for activities like cartwheels or impromptu dance parties. (I won’t judge.)
So go ahead, embrace the power of under-the-bed storage, and let’s maximize your bedroom space - your wallet (and your cluttered closet) will thank you.
This is going to be you
Oookay then… let’s get into it!
NOTE: Make sure to take measurements of how much clearance you have under your bed first.
Plastic Underbed Storage Containers with Lids
Listen, I don't want to sound dramatic, but these storage container bins will change your life.
I used to think that the space under my bed was just a black hole where socks and dust bunnies went to die.
But now, thanks to these magical bins, you can have a whole new world of storage possibilities!
You’ll be able to fit everything from extra blankets to your special collection of miniature garden gnomes (yes, I’m a little jealous).
And the best part?
You’ll no longer have to risk your life trying to retrieve something from the depths of the abyss under the bed.
So, if you're like me and need a little more organization in your life, invest in some under-bed storage containers!
NOTE: This style of underbed storage will typically be a bit more expensive.
However, they're worth the investment if they're going to be exposed to constant use and abuse.
These are also great if your bedroom holds a lot of humidity, because they're not affected by it (unlike fabric material style storage).
Advantages and Benefits of Using Under-The-Bed Plastic Containers
- Stackable – You can stack the bins on top of each other (depending on how much vertical space you have). This will be effective at creating more storage space, as well as help you keep certain items in one area.
- Hidden from immediate view – Most nosy family members or friends wouldn’t even consider looking under your bed, so it’s the perfect way to store all those extra shoes you say you’ll wear.
- Frees up space from somewhere else in your bedroom – Your closet could probably use some spare room. And what about those cramped dressers? The bins will immensely help here.
- Keep Bugs Away – Since these come with lids, it’ll help prevent any small critters from getting into your items.
- Anti-thief protection? - Will a thief really be checking under your bed?? Not likely. It’ll be like adding an extra layer of security to help keep your collection of shoes (and miniature gnomes?) safe.
- No fragile zipper - These will have lids which makes them easier to close, instead of using zippers.
Under Bed Storage Bins with Wheels
Basically, the same as the ones mentioned above except with the added bonus of having wheels!
They offer the same benefits too; Although, some of them won’t be stackable.
Don’t worry though – I’ve listed some below that you’ll be able to stack.
NOTE: They won’t be the best if you have carpet because the wheels might not roll as well like on hard floor surfaces.
However, these will offer you more rigidity than the zippable containers we'll go over next.
Just don't get too crazy with adding a lot of weight on top of them because you risk the underside bowing downwards.
Fabric Under-Bed Zippable Storage Containers
Again, these are very similar to the ones mentioned before.
However, these tend to be made of a more fabric material rather than hard plastic. Which means they might be more fragile. Just be extra careful when pulling on them since they can be prone to tearing.
Honestly though, it’s not really a big deal if they’re not going to be exposed to a high-humidity environment (bad for fabric material).
Plus, they’ll offer you a bit more flexibility with fitting items inside since they’re not as rigid as hard plastic containers.
I’ve taken all of this into consideration and found these are some of the best zippable containers:
A few notes on zippable containers:
- Don't pull too hard on handles if the containers are heavy. Even though they have "reinforced handles", they can still potentially rip.
- Also, careful with the teeth on the zippers. If you're too aggressive with trying to
force it open or closed, you can potentially break the zipper. - Most of this style of container found on Amazon are sometimes too thin and flimsy (non-sturdy); Causing the container to lose its shape and collapse if it's empty (like a sandwich bag). I'd recommend the ones that have a sturdier structure. If you need even more rigidity, you can cut a few pieces of cardboard to act as extra reinforcement.
- If there's not much clearance under your bed, then one of these less rigid (non-sturdy) options will be best since the container can be 'squished' and pushed into place.
Compression/Vacuum Storage Bags
Ah, vacuum storage bags. The ultimate space-saving hack.
It's like magic, but instead of a wand, you just need a vacuum cleaner (or a small hand pump) and a little bit of folding.
With these bags, you can condense your winter wardrobe down to the size of a big thick tortilla, leaving you with enough extra closet space to finally see what the bottom of your floor looks like again.
Plus, you can use them in combination with any of the storage containers mentioned above for more effective space-saving-goodness!
NOTE: These storage bags come in different sizes (jumbo, large, medium, etc). I recommend one of these packs because they come with an assortment of different sizes to fit all your different sized items.
All the ones recommended will come with a hand pump so you won't have to pull out your vacuum cleaner to suck the air out. Although, you can still use your vacuum if you prefer.
Advantages and Benefits Of Using Vacuum Storage Bags
- All the benefits from the under-the-bed container bins.
- Tend to be cheaper than the storage bins mentioned above, and you’ll get more in quantity.
- Airtight seal better protects your items from dust, moisture, and anything else that might try to harm them.
- Super satisfying to see the compression! (Okay fine, this one is subjective
)
)Under The Bed Shoe Storage Organizers
These deserved a small category of their own since they’re primarily made for shoes.
And, we all know how many unused pairs we have just collecting dust.
These handy organizers allow you to cram all of your favorite kicks into one convenient location, freeing up some valuable bedroom space - while also protecting them from dust and bugs.
They also have built-in dividers to keep your different pairs of shoes separated from each other.
Just imagine never having to worry about tripping over your beloved footwear again!
NOTE: For these shoe organizers, I strongly prefer the ones that have a solid bottom. If not, the whole thing can be too flimsy once you start adding your shoes. This can make it harder to pull out once you have it under your bed.
Surprisingly, a large majority of products don't have sturdy bottoms.
That didn't stop me from looking though! Here are some great options WITH bottom support:
Additional Tips For Maximizing Under-The-Bed Storage Space
- Keep your most frequently used items within easy reach. Place the other less used storage bins towards the rear, or somewhere else where they’re out of the way.
- Use dividers to separate your different items inside the containers. Something like cardboard can work really well here. (Unless the bin you select already has built-in dividers)
- Label your containers for easy identification and have the label face towards you just in case you forget what was inside the container.
- Don't overdo it! Leave some space under your bed for air circulation and easy access to all your storage. It’ll help you with cleaning the area and prevent the underside of your mattress from hitting or smashing your stored items.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q: "Is under-bed storage a good idea?"
A: Yes, but in moderation!
Too much and it could get squished by your mattress. Plus, it'll be difficult to keep the area under there clean.
Dust bunnies love to pile up after a while.
Q: "What should you store under your bed?"
A: Under your bed can be a great storage space for items that you don't use frequently but still want to keep accessible.
For example, you could store extra bedding, seasonal clothing, seasonal decorations, extra shoes, or bulky items like heavy winter coats.
However, it's important to avoid storing anything that could attract pests or create a cluttered and chaotic mess.
Q: "How do I get more storage under my bed?"
A: If your mattress is on a regular platform bed frame, then I recommend using the storage products mentioned in this article.
Or, if your mattress is just flat on the ground then you can invest in a bed frame that raises it off the ground.
This will create the open space that you can use to store your extra items.
Q: "Does under bed storage get dusty?"
A: Unfortunately, yes.
It’s a prime spot for dust to accumulate since dust consists of tiny particles of dead skin cells, fabric fibers, and other materials that get stirred up into the air and settle on the ground.
Since the space under your bed is usually dark, cool, and relatively undisturbed, the dust just likes to settle there and pile up over time.
Additionally, if you have carpeting in your bedroom, it can trap dust and make it more difficult to clean.
Q: "How often should you clean underneath your bed?"
A: If you're a fan of that musty, allergen-filled air, then by all means, never clean under your bed.
But if you prefer to actually be able to breathe without wheezing like an asthmatic pug, it's probably a good idea to clean under there at least once every 2-3 months.
I’d suggest adding an automatic recurring reminder on your phone, so you won’t forget.
Q: "How do you clean under your bed without moving it?"
A: Start with a vacuum cleaner to pick up most of the bigger dust bunnies and other dirt and debris.
Then, use one of these handy Swiffer Dusters. It picks up and traps dust extremely well!
It’s also awesome for reaching around crevices without you having to contort your body like a gymnast.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts – Long story short…
Overall, Under-the-bed storage is a simple yet effective solution for maximizing storage space in your home.
It's a convenient and often overlooked space that can be utilized to store items such as shoes, seasonal clothing, bedding, and other miscellaneous items.
By using these storage solutions, you can free up closet space and reduce clutter in your home.
It's also a great way to keep items out of sight, but still easily accessible. Additionally, under-the-bed storage can help you stay organized and make it easier to find items when you need them.
So, my fellow storage ninja, I encourage you to try out any of the storage solution options we went over.
Let’s free up some space and conquer all that mess!
Fortunately, it won’t be expensive and doesn’t require a whole-house remodel.
It’s not only quick and simple to do, but it’s one of those home to-do’s that makes a BIG difference around your bedroom.
If you feel that there was anything else I missed, please let me know below!
Have any questions or comments? Feel free to leave a comment.
Otherwise, I’ll see you in the next article.
Take care!