The best under-bed storage bins will keep your belongings safely enclosed against encroaching dust and potential pests, while also being easy to access when you need to grab whatever’s inside. Unless you’re committed to a bedskirt, the bins will likely be visible, so you may also want to opt for a style that complements your bedroom decor. (Or try to stash it far enough back that it can’t be seen, though that may pose a different problem when you go to take it out.) Our pick for the best under-bed storage bin is The Container Store’s Our Long Under Bed Box with Wheels, which proves the brand’s storage expertise via smart design touches like wheels that can be installed two ways, a hinged lid, and low price tag. These are the best under-bed storage bins for storing clothing, shoes, and more. Keep in Mind: These aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing for people without a bed skirt. “Plastic storage is a great utility option,” says Meredith Goforth, founder and CEO of home editing firm House of Prim. “While you may not want these on display, some options like this come with wheels and can accommodate bulkier items like blankets. These are also clear, so it’s super easy to see what’s inside.” Price at time of publish: $30 Dimensions: 35.6 x 18.25 x 6.5 inches | Material: Polypropylene | Weight Capacity: 30 pounds Keep in Mind: The woven nature means they won’t protect against dust or smells. “For decorative options (ones you don’t mind if they show), I recommend rattan baskets, which blend utility and style,” says Goforth. “Rattan doesn’t tend to shed, unlike seagrass, which is softer and sheds a lot. Decorative options often do not have lids, which is something shoppers should consider.” Luckily for you, this attractive option does come with lids, as well as large cut-out handles that make them easy to grab and slide out when it’s time for a wardrobe change. The wrapped edges, meanwhile, help avoid any annoying fabric snags. Price at time of publish: $129 Dimensions: 32 x 17 x 6.5 inches | Material: Rattan, split buri fiber, and plastic | Weight Capacity: Not listed Keep in Mind: These are aren’t as protective (or neat-looking) as a harder covering would be. The interior is lined to be gentle on fabrics, so your sundresses will survive their winter hibernation, and the sides are just structured enough to make them easy to load and unload without being too challenging to fit into place. “Fabric options are more pliable and perfect for storing clothes and linens,” notes Goforth, who also loves this design for its handy features like the dual zippers, handles, and built-in label holder. Price at time of publish: $25 Dimensions: 30 x 18 x 8 inches | Material: Polyester and cotton | Weight Capacity: Not listed Keep in Mind: These aren’t sold individually, so you do have to buy both—which can be a bit of an investment if style isn’t a priority for your under-bed storage. Open Spaces says that the canvas is ideal for letting clothing breathe, so musty odors won’t build up in off-season clothing. The nylon interior and zipper should also keep dust and pests at bay, as long as you keep the bins fully closed. Price at time of publish: $148 for two Dimensions: 17.9 x 28 x 7.9 inches | Material: Canvas exterior, nylon interior | Weight Capacity: Not listed Keep in Mind: These are better for longer term storage since getting your belongings out will be a bit of an endeavor. If you’re super committed to the vacuum-sealing lifestyle, get a set of 20 (we think this might be a bit excessive if you just need to get under the bed, but useful if you want to use it for packing or closet storage as well). Mary Jo Contello, owner and organizer at Organized By MJ, recommends putting a dryer sheet in the bag with your items to keep them smelling fresh. Price at time of publish: $36 Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 2.7 inches | Material: Plastic | Weight Capacity: Not listed Keep in Mind: People with larger shoe sizes may find the compartments on the small side. Note that you don’t want to store anything too soiled under your bed, so make sure your shoes are at least somewhat clean before putting them way. Price at time of publish: $21 Dimensions: 23.5 x 37.5 x 5.5 inches | Material: 70% polyester, 20% vinyl, 10% polypropylene | Weight Capacity: 15 pounds Keep in Mind: They’re only sold in sets of two or four, and because they are designed to be foldable, the sides may feel a little less sturdy. Choose from soft-sided or firm-sided walls; both have a clear top to make it easy to tell where your preferred jacket is hiding. When you aren’t using them, these bags can fold down almost completely flat to roughly the size of a shoebox, but the folding ability does mean they aren’t as sturdy as other options and are best for occasional use. Price at time of publish: Starting at $13 for two Dimensions: 39.37 x 19.69 x 5.91 inches | Material: Polypropylene | Weight Capacity: Not listed Keep in Mind: Some people may find the plastic somewhat flimsy. “Air-tight plastic is the best material because it will keep dust mites, bed bugs, carpet beetles, larvae, and other awful pests out of your storage,” says Diana Ludwiczak, who has investigated many an under-bed storage area as the owner of NYC pest inspection company Doctor Sniffs Bed Bug Dogs. She also recommends Sterilite specifically to minimize pest infestation. Price at time of publish: $25 Dimensions: 34.6 x 18.75 x 7 inches | Material: Plastic | Weight Capacity: Not listed Keep in Mind: They’re not great if your main goal is to keep bulky or oversized items out of the way for long periods of time. We recommend these compact bins as the best under-bed storage for keeping small, distinct categories (like accessories, crafting supplies, or even nail polishes) organized and out of eyesight but still close at hand. Price at time of publish: $78 Dimensions: 24 x 20 x 7.3 inches | Material: Bamboo, cotton, and polyester | Weight Capacity: Not listed Keep in Mind: They require a bed clearance of at least 11.5 inches. The drawers roll on their own casters and also have a small grip at the top for easy opening. They’re made of solid rubber wood to stand up to whatever you toss in them for years to come. Price at time of publish: $226 Dimensions: 12 x 37.25 x 20.1 inches | Material: Rubberwood | Weight Capacity: 30 pounds
What to Know About Under-Bed Storage Before Shopping
Dimensions
“If you need the space, and decide under-bed storage is right for you, the first thing you need to do is measure. Then measure again!” says Laura Price, who runs The Home Organisation. “Look out for any supports under the bed which make parts of it lower than at the edges. Are there additional legs underneath and out of sight, which will reduce the space available?” Also be sure to note if wheels are included in your calculations.
Material
Plastic and fabric are the most common materials used for under-bed storage containers. “When you have your measurements, there are masses of options out there, but I’d normally choose a fabric option over plastic, to give you a bit more flexibility, plus more room for error if the space is a bit tight,” says Price. “However, if you’re storing something really heavy, plastic will stand up to being pushed in and out better, and there are options with wheels which will help you to move it more easily.” A woven material may be an enticing option, though, for those who want more decorative storage.
Weight Capacity
Weight capacity is generally less of a concern in terms of the bins’ contents and more about how easy it is for you to move the bins around. “You should always keep in mind that eventually you will have to remove the items from underneath the bed,” notes Price. “We recommend to not over-store and keep it light. It can be difficult to remove the storage from underneath the bed if the items are too heavy.” That being said, the weight capacity on most of these that list it is fairly low, so you should make sure you aren’t storing anything too heavy—stick to bedsheets, not books.
Your Questions, Answered
What should you store under the bed?
The only real limit to what you can store under the bed is size, but, for the sake of convenience, our experts recommend storing items under the bed that you don’t frequently use. “Generally, if items are under the bed, you don’t want to access them all the time,” Goforth points out. “I recommend storing seasonal items like clothes—things you switch out a limited number of times per year. For those with limited storage areas in their home, you can also use under the bed to store blankets, smaller holiday decor pieces, and holiday gift-wrapping supplies.” Don’t store anything that gets overly dirty or soiled, like outdoor gear.
How can you hide storage under the bed?
An easy way to disguise ugly storage bins under the bed is to get a bed skirt. You can also purchase a more decorative style box that won’t be an eyesore if you catch a glimpse of it. Goforth suggests moving a storage box closer to the middle of the floor under your bed as another way to forgo bed skirts. “If you want to disguise the storage, choose something smaller than your bed, so it tucks well inside the boundaries of the frame,” recommends Price. “Also choose something in the same colour as your bed or flooring, so it blends in more. There are clear options available, so you can see what you have stored, but to reduce the visual clutter, we favor an opaque option which you can label, so you know what is stored where.”
What under-bed storage will keep my belongings protected?
The best under-bed storage to protect clothing, accessories, or seasonal items has a secure lid and solid construction. “If dust is a concern, consider storage solutions that zip up or have a lid, so dust isn’t getting inside.” says Goforth. The less you are accessing the items, the more protected you’ll want them to be, since dust builds up more over time. Another thing to consider when shopping for the best under-bed storage is whether you need your items to be pest-proof. “When considering under-bed storage—the most important feature is to make sure it’s air tight,” points out Ludwiczak. “Doing this one simple thing will ensure that if you ever have to go through the experience of getting bed bugs then at least the items stored under your bed are protected. The air tight feature will not only help with bed bugs but also protect your belongings against dust mites, carpet beetles, and other unwanted pests that lurk around your bed."
Who We Are
Rena Behar has been researching and reviewing the best home products and more since 2014 for outlets including Wirecutter, Better Homes and Gardens, Apartment Therapy, and others. She also surveyed multiple professional organizers, including Mary Jo Contello. owner and organizer at Organized By MJ; Meredith Goforth, founder and CEO of home editing firm House of Prim; Diana Ludwiczak, owner of NYC pest inspection company Doctor Sniffs Bed Bug Dogs; and Laura Price, who runs The Home Organisation.
