21 Under Bed Storage Ideas That Use Every Inch

Under bed storage ideas can add the equivalent of a dresser to a small bedroom. A typical bed leaves 6 to 18 inches of space underneath, enough for several bins of clothes, shoes or spare bedding. The trick is choosing containers that fit, that you can reach without moving the bed and that protect what is inside. This guide explains how to measure, shares 21 ideas, compares container types in a table, lists what to store and what to skip, and gives a plan for three bed types. For bedroom storage beyond the bed, read our guide to small bedroom storage ideas, and for the whole home, see small space organization ideas.

Measure the space first

Measure the clearance from the floor to the lowest part of the bed frame, including slats and any support bars. Measure the length and width of the open area, and note the location of the legs and any center support. Check the floor type: a rolling bin works on hardwood and low carpet but may stick on a thick rug. If you plan to slide bins out the side or the foot, measure the clearance on that side too.

Write the numbers on your phone and take them to the store. Choose bins that are 1 to 2 inches shorter than the clearance, since the bed frame and the floor are rarely perfectly level. If the clearance is under 6 inches, consider flat bags or add risers.

21 under bed storage ideas

1. Rolling bins with wheels

Shallow plastic bins on wheels are the most popular option. They roll in and out without lifting the bed and keep contents dust-free with a lid.

2. Fabric zip bags

Large zippered bags hold blankets, pillows and clothes. They are soft, so they squeeze into odd spaces.

3. Vacuum storage bags

Vacuum bags shrink bulky bedding and sweaters to a fraction of their size. Use them for off-season items, but not for down or delicate fabrics for long periods.

4. Wooden crates on casters

A crate with wheels looks nice if the bed skirt is short. Seal the wood and sand rough edges.

5. Bed risers

Risers add 3 to 8 inches of height, and turn a small gap into usable storage. Choose sturdy ones rated for the weight of the bed and the people in it.

6. A storage bed with drawers

A bed with built-in drawers adds the most storage and looks neat. It costs more, but replaces a dresser.

7. An ottoman bed or lift-up frame

A hydraulic lift bed opens the whole mattress platform to a large storage area. It is excellent for bulky items.

8. A trundle drawer

A pull-out drawer under a daybed or bed holds linens and clothing, or doubles as a guest bed.

9. A shoe organizer under the bed

Flat shoe boxes or a shoe drawer hold ten pairs. Add a clear front to see the pairs.

10. Under-bed baskets with handles

Woven baskets look good if the bed is raised, and the handles make them easy to pull out.

11. A wire basket system

Wire baskets let air circulate and are good for sweaters and sports gear.

12. A rolling cart under the bed

A low, narrow cart can hold books and shoes and rolls out when you need it.

13. Dividers inside bins

Dividers keep socks, scarves and accessories separate and neat.

14. A long, flat box for wrapping paper

A long flat bin holds gift wrap, posters and framed art.

15. A bag for out-of-season shoes

Shoe bags with clear windows protect shoes from dust.

16. A bin for spare bedding

A labeled bin holds a spare sheet set and a blanket for guests.

17. A rail or cord for easy pulling

Tie a cord to a bin handle for easy reach if the bed is low.

18. A skirt or valance

A bed skirt hides the bins and the dust. Choose one that is easy to lift.

19. A flat file for papers

A shallow box holds important papers or craft supplies, as long as the area stays dry.

20. A pet-proof setup

Choose bins with tight lids if you have pets, and avoid storing food or medicine under the bed.

21. A labeled map

Keep a note inside the closet door listing what is in each bin so you do not need to pull them all out.

Container types compared

Container	Height	Best for	Cost	Notes
Rolling plastic bin	5 to 8 in	Clothes, linens	Low	Choose a lid
Fabric zip bag	4 to 8 in	Blankets, pillows	Low	Not rigid
Vacuum bag	2 to 4 in	Bulky bedding	Low	Do not leave long
Wood crate	6 to 10 in	Shoes, books	Medium	Needs casters
Drawer bed	Built-in	Everything	High	Replaces a dresser
Lift-up bed	Built-in	Large items	High	Needs clearance above
Bed risers	3 to 8 in	Extra height	Low	Must be sturdy

What to store under the bed

Good choices

Off-season clothes, extra bedding, spare towels, shoes in boxes, travel bags, sports gear and wrapping paper. These items tolerate a dry, dark space and do not need frequent access.

Items to avoid

Food, open liquids, anything that can leak, important papers if the room is damp, fragile heirlooms and anything with a strong smell. Avoid storing items you need every day, since you will get tired of lifting and sliding the bins. Also avoid storing items that attract pests, such as pet food.

Keeping the space clean

Dust gathers under a bed, so use lids on every bin and vacuum around them each month. Slide the bins out when you vacuum and wipe the wheels. Check for moisture on the floor, especially against an outer wall, and use a moisture absorber if needed. Do not store anything directly on a carpet if the room is damp. Fold clothes cleanly before storing so they do not wrinkle, and add a cedar block or a dried lavender sachet to repel moths.

Plans for three types of bed

A low platform bed with 6 inches of clearance

Use flat rolling bins 5 inches high or vacuum bags. Store linens and light clothes. If your bed has no side access, add a cord to pull the bins out.

A standard bed frame with 12 to 14 inches of clearance

Use deep rolling bins, one for shoes, one for off-season clothes and one for linens. A box spring adds height, so measure carefully. See small bedroom ideas for layouts.

A bed with risers at 18 inches

Use tall bins, rolling carts or a pair of drawers. Keep a bed skirt so the space looks tidy, and use matching bins to keep the space calm.

Dorm and studio ideas

In a dorm or studio, the bed may be the only place for storage. Use risers to lift the bed 8 inches, and fit a small chest of drawers or tall bins. Add a bed skirt and a bedside caddy. In a studio, a platform bed with drawers can double as the room divider. Keep the closet for hanging clothes and the under-bed space for folded items. Label the bins on the end that you see, and keep a list inside the closet.

Safe bed risers

Raised beds must be stable. Choose risers rated for at least twice the weight of the bed plus the people. Make sure they fit the leg or the frame, and place them on a flat floor. Test the bed by pushing gently at each corner. If you rent, check the lease and protect the floor with felt pads. Never stack makeshift supports, such as books or bricks, which can slip or crack.

Organizing the bins

Group each bin by category, such as sweaters, shoes or spare linens, and label the end that shows. Put the heaviest bins closest to the edge so they are easy to pull. Keep a small, lighter bin at the front for items you use more often. Rotate the contents twice a year, and use the swap as a chance to donate what you did not wear. A system like this takes an hour to set up and lasts for years.

DIY under bed storage

A simple rolling crate

Screw four swivel casters to the corners of a sturdy wood crate or a shallow plywood box. Sand the edges, seal the wood and line the bottom with a washable cloth. This costs about $20, and fits any clearance you choose.

A bin from a drawer

An old dresser drawer can become a rolling bin with casters. Remove the handle on the side that faces the room, or keep it and add a cord. Paint or line the drawer for a clean look.

A bed skirt with a pocket

Sew or buy a bed skirt with pockets on the sides. The pockets hold slippers, books and a phone charger.

Under bed lights

A motion-activated LED strip lights the space as you pull out a bin. It also helps at night, and the battery lasts for months.

Storing clothes under the bed without damage

Clothes need breathing room and protection. Wash everything before storing, since body oils and stains attract pests. Fold sweaters instead of hanging them to avoid stretched shoulders. Use breathable cotton bags or boxes lined with acid-free tissue for delicate items, and reserve vacuum bags for sturdy fabrics. Add a cedar block or a lavender sachet to repel moths, and leave a silica packet to absorb moisture. Check the bins at the start of each season, and open them to air out clothes that have been stored for a while.

Storing shoes under the bed

Shoes keep their shape and stay clean in clear boxes or in a shallow drawer. Put shoe trees or paper in the toes of leather shoes, wipe off dirt before storing and place a silica packet in each box. Stack no more than two boxes high so you do not crush the bottom pair. A fabric shoe organizer under the bed holds many pairs flat. Label the boxes with a quick photo of the shoes so you can find a pair at a glance.

Storing bedding under the bed

Sheets and blankets are ideal for under-bed bins, since they are soft and light. Keep a spare set of sheets for each bed and fold them into the pillowcase for easy access. Store comforters in a breathable bag, and wash them before storing. Use a vacuum bag for a heavy winter comforter that you do not use in summer, but do not leave it compressed for months. Store pillows loosely, away from damp. A single bin of bedding makes laundry day and guest prep easy.

Other places to look for bed storage

If the under-bed space is not enough, look at the headboard, the sides and the foot. A headboard with shelves or a bookcase headboard holds books and a lamp. A bench at the foot of the bed holds blankets and shoes. Narrow shelves beside the bed hold a clock and a book. Wall hooks beside the bed hold a robe and a bag. A tall plant stand can hold a basket of extra pillows. Combining these places with the under-bed bins can free up a dresser or a closet shelf. See small bedroom ideas for more layouts.

Under bed storage for kids, guests and pets

Kids

Children love low, wheeled bins they can pull out themselves. Use them for toys, books or dress-up clothes, and label them with a picture. Keep sharp or heavy items out of reach. Make sure the bed is stable and the bins do not trap small hands.

Guests

If you have a guest bed, store a spare set of sheets, a towel, a blanket and a pillow in a bin under it. When guests arrive, the bed is ready in minutes, and when they leave, the bin goes back.

Pets

Pets may hide or chew near the bed. Use rigid, lidded bins that a pet cannot open, and skip fabric bags that invite scratching. Vacuum often to remove fur, and keep pet food and treats elsewhere.

When under-bed storage is not the answer

If you rarely use the items, a high shelf or a closet may serve better. If you are allergic to dust, think twice about storing items under the bed. If the floor is damp or the room has mold, fix the cause first. For a room with a low platform bed, wall shelves or a tall dresser may beat flat boxes. Choose the option that fits your daily habits, not the one that looks neat in a photo, and edit regularly to avoid turning the space into a hidden junk drawer.

Budget guide

Under $30

A pair of plastic bins with lids, or a set of fabric bags. Use a marker for labels.

About $100

Rolling bins in a matching set, a few vacuum bags, a bed skirt and bed risers.

$400 and up

A storage bed or a lift-up frame, with drawers and a good mattress support.

Mistakes to avoid

• Buying bins before measuring
• Storing items that need airflow in sealed bags
• Using bins without lids
• Overfilling bins so they are too heavy to pull
• Using unsafe makeshift risers
• Storing food or liquids
• Forgetting to vacuum

Under bed storage checklist

• Measure clearance and floor space
• Choose bins slightly shorter than the clearance
• Use lids to keep dust out
• Group items by category
• Label the visible end
• Keep heavy bins near the edge
• Use safe, rated risers
• Avoid storing food or liquids
• Vacuum monthly
• Review the contents each season

FAQ

What are the best under bed storage ideas?

Rolling bins, fabric bags, vacuum bags, bed risers and a bed with drawers.

How much space do I need under the bed?

At least 6 inches for flat bins, and more for deeper ones.

What should I not store under the bed?

Food, liquids, important papers in damp rooms and items you use daily.

Do vacuum bags damage clothes?

They are fine for short periods, but avoid compressing down, wool or delicate fabrics for months.

Can I use under bed storage with a bed skirt?

Yes. Choose a skirt that is easy to lift, or use a short valance.

How do I stop dust under the bed?

Use lidded bins, vacuum monthly and keep the area dry.

How do I raise a bed safely?

Use rated risers made for beds, and check the lease before adding them.

Is a storage bed worth it?

For small bedrooms, yes, since it replaces a dresser and holds a lot.

Save this guide for later

Pin the ideas you like to Pinterest so you can come back to them when you plan your space.