Under-bed storage quick picks
Plastic under-bed box with wheels: Rubbermaid Cleverstore Clear Latching Plastic Storage Tote, 2-Pack
Stylish under-bed storage bin: Pottery Barn Teen Quinn Under-Bed Storage
Fabric under-bed bag with zipper: The Container Store Under-Bed Zippered Storage Bag
Rolling under-bed shoe rack: Kosiwu Rolling Under-Bed Shoe Storage, 2-Pack
No matter what kind of space you live in, whether a quaint city apartment or a multi-level family home, finding places to stow and organize all your things is no easy feat. But one place you might be able to find some extra room? Under your bed.
“Under-bed storage is an often overlooked solution that can transform your room into an organized and clutter-free sanctuary,” says Melanie Summers, professional organizer and owner of I Speak Organized. “It’s ideal for items you need handy yet hidden.”
To help you get the most out of your under-bed space, we tapped a few expert organizers for their advice and product recommendations.
How to choose under-bed storage
Measure your space
Before you buy any bins or boxes, you’ll need to do some at-home research. “The first thing I’d suggest is to take a look under the bed to assess the storage space you have,” says Kris Hargrove, professional organizer and founder of Organized by Kris. “Are there clear pathways, or does your bed frame limit the storage area?”
To better determine what size and type of bins you can easily access from under your bed, Hargrove suggests taking measurements both from the bottom of the bed frame to the floor and along any clear pathways you plan to use for storage. Precise measurements will allow you to get bin sizes that maximize your storage potential.
In addition to the deep horizontal space your bed provides for storage, if you have a more lofted bed, you should also think about how you can make the most of your vertical space.
“If your bed frame sits lower to the ground, you might consider using risers to lift it higher, creating more vertical space for storage,” says Hargrove. “If you choose this option, you might also want to use a bed skirt to hide what you’re storing underneath.”
Determine your style
“If you’re able to see the bins under your bed at a glance, next think aesthetically,” says Jamie Hord, founder of Horderly Professional Organizing. “Get bins that are visually pleasing to you and your style. You could go for a clear option that you can easily see what’s inside or you could opt for a decorative option.”
Sort and categorize your items
Once you have your new storage solutions under your bed, Hargrove says you should pack them in a way that makes sense; sorting and categorizing so similar items can be kept together and labeled. “Store items you want regular access to along the outer perimeter of the bed frame, and place items that are not used as often toward the middle of the bed,” says Hargrove.
While many storage bins come with a label slot or card holder, there are simpler ways to stay organized too. “You don’t need to get fancy and buy a label maker (unless you want to) — painter’s tape and a sharpie does the trick,” says Hargrove. “You can also write directly on the bin with a Sharpie, which can be removed with rubbing alcohol.”
To maximize space inside the containers, Hord’s team likes to roll clothes or use a clothes folder. For smaller items, Summers recommends using drawer organizers to keep everything tidy and prevent items from getting lost. You can also compress bulkier things (like comforters or sweaters) in vacuum-sealed bags before placing them in bins to maximize space.
To help you transform your under-bed area, we’ve rounded up the best under-bed storage containers, some of which come right from our experts, so you can find the perfect one for your storage and organization needs.
Best under-bed storage
“What I love about these fabric bins is that they have handles, making them easy to pull out from under the bed,” says Hargrove. “They also have clear tops, so you can easily see what's inside. The dimensions provide a good amount of storage space without being too bulky.”
Made with hinged lids, these fabric storage boxes are great if you want something that will be gentle on your floors and help shield your extra clothes from all the dust and debris floating under your bed.
Both Hord and Summers praise this long box from The Container Store. “[This] is our favorite plastic under-the-bed storage option,” says Hord. "[It's] paired with wheels and a half-cut lid so that you don't have to fully pull the bin out to open it.” And according to Summers, these clear boxes are great if you tend to forget where you put things, since you can peek inside without having to open the box.??
At only 6 inches tall, these bins will easily slide under low bed frames, and they have handles on all sides, making them easy to grab whether stored vertically or horizontally. Both bins have a handy label slot so you can remind yourself what's inside.
“The Tolkning Basket has a unique blend of functionality and natural beauty,” says Summers. “Handcrafted from rattan, it adds an eco-friendly, stylish touch to your storage solutions, perfect for under-bed use.”
These fabric bins are reinforced with two wire metal frames, making them sturdier than your typical collapsible baskets. The large size is ideal for storing sweaters, sweatshirts or spare blankets. Plus, they have easy-to-grab handles and an open top for quick access inside.
Carly Ortiz, owner of Tidy by CO, likes these Rubbermaid bins since they’re easy to access and give you lots of storage versatility. The latch-shut lid can help keep bulky bedding or jackets more compressed, plus the bin’s four wheels make it easier to roll out heavier items without scratching your floors.
For holding spare bedding, baby clothes or more, reviewers love these Open Spaces containers that you can load up and zip like a suitcase. Made of sturdy canvas with a smooth, tight-seal zipper, these containers are also a great option if you need something with a slightly shorter length.
Looking for a more decorative option? Hord likes the aesthetic this water hyacinth bin brings to a space. She also suggests this lined Montauk basket, which comes in four colors and two lengths.
An aesthetic and functional storage option, this rattan basket is woven around a metal frame for extra durability. And if it happens to show a little bit from under your bed, it’s stylish enough to look like a piece of intentional decor.
If you’ve got an Ikea Malm bed frame, these storage boxes make the perfect companion if you want an undetectable look. Set on wheels, these drawers easily roll in and out, lining up flush with your bed frame for extra storage you won’t have to worry about tripping over.
And if you don’t have an Ikea Malm bed frame, you can still get the same drawer effect under your bed with this wood option from Amazon, which will fit nicely under bed frames 7 inches or higher.
For a truly upscale storage option, Ortiz likes this set from Article. The uncovered, rolling wood drawers are “suitable for items that require ventilation in order to maintain longevity,” she says.
Combining easy-open drawers with easy-to-see clear containers, this under-bed system eliminates the need for pesky lids. They can even be stacked to create a custom storage system.
Got a bunch of gift wrap you’re unsure what to do with? Hargrove recommends this container for keeping it all together. “I prefer this option over a plastic bin with a hinged lid, where everything gets mixed together,” says Hargrove. “I’ve used both, and the organizer is definitely the way to go if under the bed is where you are storing these items.”
If your main storage concern is finding a place to put your shoes, this rolling organizer might be just what you need. Use it for off-season shoes, kids' shoes or for separating your office and athletic footwear.
If you don’t have room for a dresser but still need storage for more of your daily wear items, Hargrove says those with enough clearance under their bed can use these modular drawers. “They provide ample depth and width, making it easy to store clothes,” says Hargrove. “I suggest lining them up along one side of the bed frame, so you can easily pull out the drawers and access what you need.”
Got a dorm to decorate? These stackable bins can hold everything from clothes to towels to snacks to school supplies. Plus, the tinted door helps to prevent your items from being the focal point of the room.
Ortiz also likes this option if you’re short on spacefor your favorite footwear. With two tiers for storage, this rack also has one full paneled side to keep shoes discreetly tucked away and out of sight.?
This open rolling basket can hold anything from shoes to blankets to kids' toys, giving a home to those items you just need to tuck away and out of sight at the end of the day.
“This is a great option for those who swap out clothing and shoes on a seasonal basis,” says Hargrove. “I love how it’s divided, which helps prevent your shoes from getting damaged compared to just being thrown in a bin.”
Looking to take on multiple organization projects? You can grab a 10-pack, or even 20-pack, of these Sterilite plastic containers for all of your storage needs.
For a fabric option, Hord recommends this zippered storage bag from The Container Store. You can grab it in two colors (natural or gray) and each bag comes with a built-in label spot for clear marking.
Although collapsible for when you don’t need to use them, these fabric boxes come with a bottom insert to help increase sturdiness, plus a zipper-close, clear top for extra protection.?
Part metal rolling basket, part zippered fabric bag, these containers will smoothly roll on your hardwood floors while keeping dust from settling into your bedding and clothes.
