6 Under-the-Bed Storage Ideas to Maximize the Space in Your Bedroom

Lauren Wellbank, Alexandra Kelly

Mon, April 5, 2021 at 1:30 PM UTC

3 min read

This area offers prime organizational square footage—don't waste it.

The space under your bed is typically home to dust bunnies, but with the right storage supplies, it can be the perfect area for stowing lesser-used items. Depending on your bed frame, the space between your mattress and your floor boasts plenty of organizational opportunity—you can use it to store anything from family photo albums to bed sheets.

To determine the best ways to convert this oft-overlooked under-bed space into a premium storage area, we asked two experts to share their insights.

Meet Our Expert

Michele Goldsmith, professional organizer
Caitlin May, professional organizer and life coach

Upgrade to a Bed Frame With Storage

If your budget allows and you're ready for a bedroom refresh, consider upgrading your bed frame for one that includes built-in storage options. These types of storage bed frames typically include pull-out drawers either under the sides of the bed or under the foot of the bed, making it easy to store items without worrying about aesthetics. There are also bed frame options that offer a pop-up design, so the entire bed pops up off the platform to reveal one large interior storage space.

Utilize Vacuum Storage Bags

The space under your bed can get dusty, and that's because this area is difficult to reach with traditional cleaning tools like brooms and vacuums. That's why it is important to use airtight storage bins and bags that will keep your things clean while they are stowed away.

"Vacuum storage bags are a great way to maximize the storage space underneath the bed," says Michele Goldsmith, a professional organizer. "These are a great solution for storing away bulky pieces, such as comforters or winter jackets." And since the air is removed from the bags to make them smaller, they occupy less space and are resistant to mold and mildew, she says.

Store Items in Wheeled Bins

If the garments you are storing would fare better in bins, boxes, or drawers, Goldsmith suggests looking for models that come on wheels. "They are much easier to pull from underneath the bed," she says. "Especially if the boxes are too heavy to lift." Just make sure the bin closes all the way. "Whether it's a cover or a zipper, this will keep dust away from your items until you're ready to use them again," says Goldsmith.

Use the Space for Out-of-Season Clothing

One of the biggest drawbacks of stashing away your infrequently-used things? You might forget that they exist at all. Goldsmith suggests storing pieces that won't vanish from your memory. "Out-of-season clothing is one of the best things to store under your bed," she says. "Eventually, you will need the clothes when the seasons change."

During the winter, put bathing suits, coverups, and shorts in this area; then swap them out in the summer for your sweaters, turtlenecks, thermals, and boots. "Shoes are one of the most common item categories that people store in this space," she says. "Clean bedding can also be kept under here, but store them in sealed containers that will prevent them from getting dusty and dirty."

Try Bed Risers

Not all bed frames sit high enough to accommodate storage bins, which is why Caitlin May, a professional organizer and life coach, says you may want to make some adjustments to maximize this area. "If you want to increase the height of your under-bed storage space, you can try risers," she says. A set of four will give you enough room to use the bins you need under your bed.

Label Everything

If you're storing multiple items, be sure they are clearly marked. "Once you have your organizing container bought and everything placed in it, don't forget to label," May says. "This is one of the most important steps and is often overlooked."

Read the original article on Martha Stewart.

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