What should you store under your bed?

According to Sanchez, "Storing items you don't use as often under the bed will free up more storage space for those items you use everyday." She suggests using an under-bed bin for things like out-of-season clothing , off-season linens, holiday-themed books or toys , and luggage.

How can you cover under-bed storage?

Some under-bed storage solutions are pretty enough to put on display, but you may want to conceal clear plastic bins and shoe organizers. Your best bet in this case is to get some sort of bed skirt. Though it might seem old-fashioned, there are some excellent modern versions of bed skirts, like bed wraps.

How do you keep stored linens/clothes fresh?

Unlike the food in your fridge, sealed plastic containers aren't actually the best place to store linens and clothes. Plastic bins can trap moisture, and textiles will stay fresher longer if they have a little air to breathe. To keep dust away while allowing for airflow, go with a fabric bag, a wood drawer, or a lined basket.

The 8 Best Under Bed Storage Organizers of 2021

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If you're short on storage space in your bedroom (or your home as a whole), you might consider stashing a few things underneath your bed. According to Laura Bostrom, a professional organizer and the owner of Everyday Order, this can also help you free up much-needed wardrobe space. Instead of shoving extra pillows, bedding, and seasonal belongings in your closet, you can reserve the space for your clothes and shoes.

"If your bed has room for storage, we suggest storing items you don't need accessible often," adds Ashley Stewart of O.C.D. (Organize Create Design). When browsing under-the-bed containers, you'll want to consider what you plan to put in it, as well as the size and material. With insight and recommendations from these experts in mind, we found excellent options for every purpose and budget.

Here, the best under-bed storage solutions you can buy today.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

The Container Store Our Under Bed Box at The Container Store

With an easy-to-open latching lid, this plastic container is sturdy, durable, and clear so you can easily see the contents.

Read Review

Best Budget:

Onlyeasy Foldable Underbed Bags at Amazon

These affordable zip-up storage bags can be easily tucked away when not in use, and are great for storing out of season clothes.

Read Review

Best for Shoes:

StorageLab Under Bed Shoe Storage Organizer at Amazon

You can fit up to 12 pairs of shoes in this organizer, and it has adjustable dividers to fit different sizes and styles.

Read Review

Best Plastic:

Sterilite Underbed Storage Box at Amazon

Made of clear plastic, these versatile bins are stackable, and have wheels and a hinged lid to make items easier to access.

Read Review

Best Design:

Open Spaces Underbed Storage at Getopenspaces.com

These bins are made of felt material that won't scratch hard floors and have a minimalist look you won't mind having on display.

Read Review

Best Fabric:

The Container Store Farmhouse Under Bed Box at The Container Store

This stylish container folds flat for easy storage, has handles on three sides, and has a hinged lid to keep dust out.

Read Review

Best Drawer:

Rebrilliant Under Bed Stackable Storage Drawer at Wayfair

Clear and stackable, this bin has a drawer that allows for easier access to blankets or other items you want to keep handy.

Read Review

Best Baskets:

West Elm Modern Weave Underbed Storage Basket at West Elm

With a whitewash finish, this basket is sturdy, handwoven, and has a hinged lid that can be removed if you don't need it.

Read Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for
Why Trust The Spruce

View On The Container Store

Dimensions: 27.1 x 16 x 6.3 inches | Color: Clear | Primary Material: Polypropylene

What We Like

Reasonably priced
Virtually unbreakable
Multiple sizes available

What We Don't Like

Lid can be finicky

Stewart, Bostrom, and Tracy Bowers of Organize Simply are all partial to The Container Store's Under Bed Box. This simple yet practical bin is made of transparent, virtually unbreakable thermoplastic for full visibility and long-lasting durability. "The plastic helps keep dust and bugs at bay," says Bostrom. It's got an easy-to-open latching lid and stacks modularly with other plastic bins from The Container Store.

As Bowers explains, the Under Bed Box comes in two sizes, regular (27.1 x 16 x 6.3 inches) and long (35.6 x 18.3 x 6.3 inches). The long one opens halfway, allowing for easy access without pulling the whole thing out. There's also a wheeled option, which is great for bedrooms with hard floors.

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Dimensions: 39.4 x 19.7 x 5.9 inches | Color: Grey | Primary Material: Linen

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Foldable
Multiple colors available

What We Don't Like

Not very sturdy

On a budget? Consider getting a pair of wallet-friendly Onlyeasy Underbed Bags. Measuring 39.4 x 19.7 x 5.9 inches each, you'll have plenty of space to stash extra bedding, off-season clothes, holiday decor, wrapping paper, you name it. Made of linen-like polyester, these zip-up bags aren't as structured as other options, but you can fold them up when you don't need them.

StorageLab Under Bed Shoe Storage Organizer

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Dimensions: 30 x 24.5 x 5.3 inches | Color: Grey | Primary Material: Woven with plastic backing

What We like

Adjustable dividers
Transparent top
Multiple colors available

What We Don't Like

Not ideal for large shoe sizes

Whether you're short on space or just own lots of shoes, one of the best places to store out of season footwear is under the bed. Measuring 30 x 24.5 x 5.3 inches, this convenient organizer from StorageLab is big enough to accommodate 12 pairs. We also like that you can adjust the compartments to fit different styles and sizes, so you can use it to store sandals in the winter and boots in the summer.

The 9 Best Shoe Storage Solutions of 2021

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot

Dimensions: 34.88 x 16.63 x 6.13 | Color: Clear | Primary Material: Plastic

What We Like

Hinged lid
Stackable
Lots of sizes available

What We Don't Like

Slightly flimsy lid

For those looking for easy, durable plastic containers, Las Vegas-based personal organizer Anai Sanchez recommends Sterilite. "I love these bins because they are transparent so you can see exactly what you have stored under your bed at any angle," she tells The Spruce. Since they come in a range of sizes, you can use them for all sorts of purposes—holiday decorations, off-season clothing, or even smaller items like craft supplies or kids' toys.

The 8 Best Storage Beds of 2021

View On Getopenspaces.com

Dimensions: 26.26 x 26.26 x 6.75 inches | Color: Grey | Primary Material: Felt

What We Like

Won't scratch hard floors
Semi-rigid design
Aesthetically pleasing

What We Don't Like

Relatively pricey

Anytime you're placing something on your floor—whether it's furniture, a rug, or a storage container—felt can help protect the material. With this in mind, these under-bed bins from Open Spaces have recycled felt exteriors. Reminiscent of vintage suitcases with a contemporary appeal, they flaunt a semi-rigid design, rounded corners, and genuine leather handles. The low profile and minimalist, but cozy design make these containers a great pick for storage under platform beds.

View On The Container Store

Dimensions: 24.25 x 15 x 6.5 | Color: Beige and grey striped | Primary Material: Cotton

What We Like

Hinged lid
Folds flat
Aesthetically pleasing

What We Don't Like

Only one size available
Slightly flimsy

This charming lidded box from The Container Store is wrapped and lined with a soft poly-cotton fabric. Measuring 24.3 x 15 x 6.5 inches, it's designed to fit underneath most beds. We also like that it folds flat for easy storage and has convenient handles on three sides—and it has a hinged lid that won't slide off or get misplaced. Like other fabric options, these containers are not as durable as plastic ones, but that can be better for preventing linens from getting musty between uses.

The 8 Best Closet Organizers of 2021

Shanda Under Bed 17.3" Stackable Storage Drawer

View On Wayfair

Dimensions: 17.3 x 28.9 x 10.08 inches | Color: Clear | Primary Material: Plastic

What We Like

Made of durable resin
Stackable
No assembly required

What We Don't Like

Low weight capacity
May be too tall for some beds

Rebrillant's take on under-bed storage is this thoughtfully designed unit. The Shanda is made of durable resin with an opaque gray frame and a clear drawer that would be ideal for bedrooms with severely limited storage options, or storing items that you frequently need to access.

Measuring 28.9 inches deep, 17.3 inches wide, and 10.1 inches in height, it's the perfect size for elevated bed frames. The only downside is that it only has a 10-pound weight capacity, so it's best for smaller items.

West Elm Modern Weave Underbed Storage Basket

View On West Elm

Dimensions: 32 x 17 x 6.5 inches | Color: Whitewashed | Primary Material: Rattan

What We Like

Handwoven
Hinged lid
Aesthetically pleasing

What We Don't Like

Relatively pricey

If you're big on baskets, check out this beauty from West Elm. It measures 32 x 17 x 6.5 inches and boasts a sturdy handwoven rattan frame with a stunning whitewashed finish. We also like that this woven under-bed basket has a hinged lid and handles on either side. Not only that, but West Elm has an entire collection of matching pieces, so you can organize your bedroom with a stylish, cohesive touch.

The 10 Best Storage Baskets of 2021

Final Verdict

The best under-the-bed storage solution overall is The Container Store's Under Bed Box (view at The Container Store). This professional organizer-approved lidded bin is made of virtually indestructible thermoplastic and comes in two sizes, plus a wheeled option. Having said that, you can't go wrong with Onlyeasy's zip-up Foldable Underbed Bags (view at Amazon) if you're on a budget.

Type

There are a few different types of under-bed storage solutions, including lidded plastic bins, foldable zippered bags, fabric boxes, woven baskets, and free-standing drawers. "I think anything that is sturdy, on wheels, and clear is your best bet," says Sara Losonci, a professional home organizer and the founder of Shelfie in New York City.

Size

You'll want to measure the dimensions of your under-bed space before shopping around. While most bins will be narrow and shallow enough (you might even be able to fit two under your bed), some might be too high. Look for a bin at least a half-inch shorter than the bottom of your bed frame to allow for plenty of clearance.

Material

Another thing to consider is the material, which matters in terms of durability, function, and appearance. You'll find lots of clear plastic bins, which are generally durable and help keep dust out, plus you can easily see the content.

Then there are zippered fabric bins, which can be rigid or foldable with less structure. You'll also see some basket-style bins, which are aesthetically pleasing but won't offer the same dust seal.

FAQ

What should you store under your bed?

According to Sanchez, "Storing items you don't use as often under the bed will free up more storage space for those items you use everyday." She suggests using an under-bed bin for things like out-of-season clothing, off-season linens, holiday-themed books or toys, and luggage.
How can you cover under-bed storage?

Some under-bed storage solutions are pretty enough to put on display, but you may want to conceal clear plastic bins and shoe organizers. Your best bet in this case is to get some sort of bed skirt. Though it might seem old-fashioned, there are some excellent modern versions of bed skirts, like bed wraps.
How do you keep stored linens/clothes fresh?

Unlike the food in your fridge, sealed plastic containers aren't actually the best place to store linens and clothes. Plastic bins can trap moisture, and textiles will stay fresher longer if they have a little air to breathe. To keep dust away while allowing for airflow, go with a fabric bag, a wood drawer, or a lined basket.

Theresa Holland is a freelance content creator specializing in lifestyle, interior design, and home improvement. For this roundup, she spoke with six professional organizers and researched the various types and styles of under-bed storage solutions. She pored over user reviews, considered the specifications, and looked at the key features of dozens of products before making her final selections. Theresa has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, where she covers organizational solutions, cleaning products, furniture, and outdoor living.