Have you checked under the bed?
No, not for monsters, but instead for extra storage space!
Under-bed storage is a great solution for those with smaller living spaces or for those who don’t want to invest in an expensive storage unit.
It’s also perfect for storing items that aren’t as great to look at, like bulky exercise equipment, seasonal clothing, and other bulky items.
However, if you want to store clothing, shoes, and smaller items, or even if you have pets that may crawl under the bed, you’ll need storage containers to, well, contain, all of your stuff nicely and neatly.
The New York Post consulted certified professional organizer Sarit Weiss for expert recommendations on under-bed storage and organizing your space. Weiss is the founder of the home organization service, Neat & Orderly. Read on for some of the best storage solutions from online retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, and more, that you can shop right now. Or, jump down to our interview with Weiss for more tips on de-cluttering with under-bed storage.
And, if you’re still in your spring cleaning era, be sure to check out our roundups of the best closet organizers and other helpful storage devices to make your space more livable. Happy cleaning!
- Best overall: Honeier Under Bed Storage Bags
- Best hard-sided: Sterilite 60qt Clear View Underbed Storage Bin
- Best soft-sided: iwill CREATE PRO Large Under the Bed Storage
- Best for shoes: 32 Pair Stackable Underbed Shoe Storage
- Best splurge: Quinn White Washed Lidded Underbed Storage
Best overall: Honeier Under Bed Storage Bags
Pros:
- Soft-sided for flexibility
- Lightweight
- Zipper to protect items
- Handle to transport easily
Cons:
- Soft-sided bags are a bit less sturdy than bins
Size: 40.6 x17.7x 5.9 inches
Material: Breathable Nonwoven Fabric
These soft-sided storage bags are a great way to store clothes, shoes, and more. Plus, the soft fabric won’t scratch wood floors like plastic may when being pulled out from under the bed.
“The zipper on this storage bag will ensure that your items stay safe from any dust or dirt that can collect underneath your bed,” said Weiss. “Compared to bins this bag is lightweight which may make it less of a strain to retrieve from under your bed. Pair that with a nice handle, and getting to the item you need will be super easy!”
Best hard-sided: Sterilite 60qt Clear View Underbed Storage Bin
Pros:
- Wheels for easy moving
- Lightweight
- Clear so you can see your items
- Secure lid
Cons:
- Some shoppers mentioned the bins did not fit under their beds (important to check height)
Size: 34.6 x 7 x 18.75 inches
Material: Platic
We love this bin for its wheels. Pulling this out from under the bed or couch has never been easier, as you won’t strain your back or scuff the floors.
“There are quite a number of aspects I like about this bin. Firstly, the wheels on this storage bin will make it a breeze to pull out from underneath your bed, and it should always be easy to access your items,” shared Weiss. “Rolling bins are great however ensure your floors are level before purchasing them to ensure your bins stay underneath your bed. Secondly, Since this bin is clear, you can see its contents without having to open it up and search through the entire bin. Finally, The secure lid will ensure your items stay dust-free.”
Best durable: Rubbermaid Under the Bed Wheeled Storage Box
Pros:
- Rolling wheels
- The lid protrudes so your hand can grab it easily
- Break-resistant material
- Under seven inches tall (fits under most beds)
Cons:
- Some reviewers mention locking mechanism is a bit week
Size: 43.1 x 19.5 x 6.6 inhces
Material: BPA-Free Food Safe Plastic
Why get just one bin when you could have two? From the beloved food storage brand, Rubbermaid bins have a great seal, keeping stale air and any bugs out and your items fresh and safe inside.
“This bin is very similar to the previous bin. As mentioned the wheels will make it easier to pull the bin out from underneath your bed. This bin does have one more feature which I like more than the Sterilite bin. The lid on this bin protrudes a bit making it easier for your hand to grab. Ease of access is key when talking about under-bed storage so the protruding lid on this bin definitely steals the show!” exclaimed Weiss.
Best for shoes: 32 Pair Stackable Underbed Shoe Storage
Pros:
- Dividers for separated storage
- Flexible non-woven fabric
- Clear waterproof PVC window
- Under seven inches tall, suitable for most beds
Cons:
- Less sturdy than some plastic bins
- Great for shoes but slots may be too small to store other items
Size: 38 x 24 x 6 inches
Material: Fabric, plastic, acrylic
Sneakerheads should utilize their beds! This shoe organizer can hold up to 32 pairs of sneakers, heels, slippers, and more, fitting nicely under the bed or couch.
“This bin is perfect for storing your shoes!” suggested Weiss. “Storing your shoes under your bed can get messy if you don’t use any boxes and using a box for every pair can get pricey. This bin will give every shoe of yours a home of their own ensuring they stay clean and ready for you to access them!”
Best splurge: Quinn White Washed Lidded Underbed Storage
Pros:
- Visually appealing, blends in with decor
- Handles to move easily
- Sturdy metal frame
Cons:
- The lid does not secure tight
Size: 32 x 17 x 6.5″ inches
Material: Woven of hapao rattan over metal frame
We know this is from Pottery Barn Kids, but all ages can use this stunning storage bin. The woven material will look great in a nursery, playroom, and an adult’s bedroom, fitting under the bed or on a shelf for decor.
“This under-bed bin will help you maximize the space in your home in style. While most under-bed bins follow the same clear style, this one tells you that you can store your items in style,” Weiss noted. “The built-in handle will help you access the bin from under your bed so you don’t have to strain yourself to get to your desired items.”
Best soft-sided: iwill CREATE PRO Large Under the Bed Storage
Pros:
- zipper cover to prevent damage or dust from getting in
- Easy handles on every side for moving
- Collapsible design
- Multiple color options
Cons:
- Linen is less sturdy than some other materials
Size: 27.5 x 15.6 x 7 inches
Material: Cardboard, Linen, Plastic
Use your bed for your current bedding and then store your spare set of sheets and duvet underneath, with this bedding storage bin. The cloth bin has a wrap-around zipper to keep out any moths or dirt, keeping your sheets clean until you switch your bedding.
“This bin is great for storing extra bedding. In an apartment where storage space is limited you may want to keep extra duvets and other bedding underneath your bed. This large bin will help you do just that. The zipper cover will help keep your bedding clean from dust so when you decide to change your sheets you know you will be using fresh linens every time,” shared Weiss.
More Post Wanted Picks
Best foldable: Metal Underbed Storage
Pros:
- Sturdy metal material
- Foldable to reduce space
- Mesh grid so you can see items
- Wheels for easy moving
Cons:
- Some reviewers mentioned it is smaller than they expected
Size: 6.4 X 15.9 X 23.6 inches
Material: Metal
If you love to keep everything where you can see it, but also organized and tucked away, these mesh drawers are for you. The metal bins come on wheels for easy access and have a see-through design so you know what you have stored.
Customers are saying: “Really a great product for the things I’m storing.”
Best style: Fixwal Underbed Storage Bags Foldable Clothes Storage Bins
Pros:
- Easy-to-grab handles
- Stunning geometric design
- Two-way zipper
- Flexible material
Cons:
- Less sturdy than some other plastic bins
- Material is thinner so best to store lighter items
Size: 23.6 x 17.7 x 5.9 inches
Material: Fabric
Just because they’re being hidden under your bed, doesn’t mean style goes out the window. This under-bed solution is no eyesore. The sleek grey and white geometric pattern on these bags is the real selling point, but they also are equipped with a two-way zipper and front handles for easy portability.
Customers are saying: “These are great for our extra blankets in the closet, super lightweight and good size. Will keep our blankets free of dust and easy to store away.”
Best wood: 1-Pack Solid Wood Under Bed Storage Drawer with Lids
Pros:
- The wood material is sturdy enough for heavier items
- Wheels for easy transport
- Clear lid to see belongings
- Low profile to fit under most beds
Cons:
- Requires some assembly
Size: 31.5 x 15.7 x 4.3 inches
Material: Wood
For a more natural under-bed storage option, go with this lovely rolling bin from Amazon. This number is crafted from premium solid wood, providing more than enough strength for all your storage needs — including heavier items. It even comes with dust-proof transparent lids, so you can easily check on your belongings.
Customers are saying: “The wheels make it easy to slide in and out from under the bed. These bins have a low profile and were exactly what I was looking for.”
Best labeled: Under Bed Storage with Wheels and Labels
Pros:
- Small clear label holders for organization
- 360-degree rotating wheels
- Transparent top
- Removable metal frame
Cons:
- The fabric material is on the thinner side, not ideal for bulkier items
Material: Nylon
Size: 30.7 x 16.9 x 6.7 inches
There’s nothing that says pro-organization skills like labeling. These under-bed storage bins offer clear windows, so you can easily pop in your labels. The 360-degree rotating wheels glide across the floor easily, so when it’s time to take out your seasonal wardrobe, you’ll have no problem.
Customers are saying: “There are grab handles that are convenient to access and even a spot to label what’s inside if you are that diligent about labeling things. These are very smart and have a lot of impressive features that help you simplify anything you are organizing, making life a little simpler so you can concentrate on more important things.
Expert Recommendations
Why is an under-bed storage solution a good option for small apartments?
“Under-bed storage solutions are the perfect option for creating more space in your small apartment,” shared Weiss. “Small apartments come with very limited closet space and sometimes, it can be extremely challenging to fit all of your clothing in your apartment’s closet space. Utilizing the space under your bed can help solve the problem of limited storage space in your apartment.”
Which items should you store under your bed?
“It is best to store items that are not used as often or seasonal items underneath your bed. I recommend switching your wardrobe for each season and storing the clothes that are no longer in season under your bed so they don’t use the precious closet space you so desperately need,” Weiss suggested.
What should you look for in an under-bed storage solution?
Weiss has shared three features she looks for in under-bed storage solutions:
- When purchasing under-bed solutions I recommend buying containers that have secure covers. The area underneath your bed can get dusty and dirty and you want to ensure that your clothes stay protected.
- Another feature that is good for under-bed storage is wheels. Bins with wheels make it easier for you to pull out the bin from underneath your bed, creating a hassle-free process of getting the items you want.
- Finally, always make sure that the bin you buy fits underneath your bed. Before you buy the under-bed storage solution, measure the area underneath your bed to ensure that the storage solution will fit underneath your bed.
Hunting for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping with Post Wanted.