If your bed doesn’t have built-in storage, the space left under your bed is essentially wasted. With a good under-bed storage solution, you can stash things like extra sheets and blankets, winter clothes, and books.
We tested some of the most popular under-bed storage products on the market to find the best options based on each product’s material and quality, size and capacity, closure type and convenience, and overall cost. We also asked Nicole Gabay, founder of B. Organized, for her tips on choosing under-bed storage.
The Storage Lab Under Bed Storage Set is our top pick, earning top marks in all categories. The set includes two large storage bins made from a polyester blend material with a clear plastic window for easy identification. During testing, we found the organizer to be easy to fold out and we could fit several items in it, although the storage space above would be a bit larger. While the storage bin is a bit large to fit under our king-size bed, it’s not too intrusive.
The two zippers are very neatly sewn and are easy to remove from under the bed. However, we found that it was a bit difficult to remove the unit from the carpet, as the underside of the carpet is not smooth enough and tends to get stuck. However, the unit proved to be very durable during multiple tests, and the zipper never got stuck or broke – it even supported the weight of our 11-pound dog without showing any signs of wear. Each container is extremely durable and flexible at the same time, and after six months of use, they have exceeded our expectations.
If you’re on a budget, the package includes two large storage bags. We were able to fit a fair amount of laundry in it, and the flexible lid allowed us to move it around a bit. Because of the softer fabric, this organizer isn’t as sturdy as a hard plastic organizer, and you’ll need to use both hands to get it under your bed. However, the contents inside are still well protected from dust and dirt.
This storage box is easy to pull out from under the bed, especially when it is full of things. The storage box has handles along the entire length and width. The zipper has held up well, showing no signs of damage after six months of use. Overall, this organizer is a great value for the money, and if you only need things occasionally rather than every day, it will last you a long time.
Material: Polypropylene Non-woven Fabric | Dimensions: 39.4 x 19.7 x 5.9 inches | Closure Type: Zipper
It is completely transparent on all sides, and the smooth plastic allows you to easily slide it out from under the bed.
We are impressed by the large capacity and clear design of this plastic storage container from The Container Store, which allows you to see its contents from all sides. In our testing, it easily held about 20 pairs of summer clothes, and the lid closed very easily. It fits easily under our bed and even sits on our carpet. We especially liked the sturdy plastic construction of this organizer; it kept all of our belongings safe and secure.
The sturdy shape of the container means you can’t overfill it, otherwise the lid won’t close. However, considering its excellent durability, this price is really nothing. After six months of use, the box looks the same as the first day. Although these containers are a bit more expensive than their fabric counterparts, the price certainly reflects the value and functionality of the product.
This set of storage bags from Amazon Basics comes in a pack of two and folds flat to save space. This feature is useful when not in use, like when you’re taking out seasonal clothes, and you can stash them in almost any closet or at the bottom of a drawer until you need them again. We’re very happy with how roomy they are and how easy they are to use. They easily held our clothes and bath towels, and the sturdy canvas handles made it easy for us to lift them in and out from under our bed.
These storage bags feature a clear lid (more like a top flap) so you can see what’s inside and a zipper that keeps the flap securely closed without getting stuck. While we love how roomy and sturdy these organizers are, they lack structure and only maintain their rigid shape when filled with clothes. While the canvas material is thin, it’s still strong and durable enough to protect all of the contents. Even after six months of use, we’re still in love with these space-saving organizers.
Under bed storage boxes with wheels are very easy to carry and move around, and this one is no exception. We really liked the convenience of the wheels, which made it easy to slide the under bed storage box in and out, eliminating the need for tedious carrying or awkward maneuvering. The wheels also stayed smooth throughout our testing, never getting stuck or damaging the floor underneath the bed.
This set of storage boxes includes four sturdy plastic boxes, each with a lid that locks into place. There are no exposed handles, but there are molded handles underneath the closure that you can grab to move the box. The box is very long and can hold a lot of stuff. However, we found that they were quite heavy when full. If you don’t find yourself lifting the box often, letting the wheels do the work will eliminate this problem entirely.
The most eye-catching storage item on our list, this storage box from Pottery Barn is perfect for dressing up the space under your bed, especially if you have a bed with obvious space underneath. At 6 inches tall, it fits easily under most beds and has a surprisingly large capacity—ours even managed to fit six small blankets perfectly. The hinged lid is easy to lift and lower, but there’s no latch to keep the lid securely closed, so the contents tend to spill out when the container gets a little full.
The main problem with this basket is the lack of sealing. The two handles on either side of the basket are essentially hollow, allowing dust, lint, and pet hair to easily get inside. If you want to use the basket to store and protect your clothes, we recommend adding some protective bags to it. Since the basket is woven from sea grass, it also prevents clothes from getting caught. However, after six months of use, we have nothing to complain about. While this basket may be more stylish than practical, its features justify its price.
This Rubbermaid storage box is very durable and has a high price tag, but we guarantee it will last a long time. In six months of testing, I felt it was sturdy and durable, and the wheels make it easy to move around, which is very practical considering the size of the box. With a capacity of 68 liters, it offers one of the most spacious under-bed storage spaces on this list. Luckily, access to your stuff is very easy, as the lid can be opened halfway (or completely removed) from either side.
While the wheels are convenient, it is worth noting that their design takes up valuable corner space inside the case. Since the box itself is quite spacious, some people may not find this a big issue. In addition to the capacity, this case is very durable and does a great job of protecting all the contents from damage and dust.
The Brightroom Under Bed Fabric Organizer is a cute under-bed storage option for those looking to organize smaller items. We love that you can access items from both ends of the box, and its compact size makes it easy to store. However, the small size also comes with the problem of limited storage. You can fit quite a few clothes in this organizer, but when it comes to storing larger items or multiple pairs of shoes, you quickly run out of space.
While the capacity of this storage box is a double-edged sword, it is surprisingly durable despite being made entirely of fabric. What’s more, all the items inside were in perfect condition, free of dust and debris. The only thing we had a little issue with was the water resistance, as the lid doesn’t close as tightly as other under-bed storage boxes. However, it is ideal for use on hardwood floors due to its scratch-resistant fabric structure.
Material: Fabric Covered Cardboard | Dimensions: 24.75 x 12.75 x 6.5 inches | Closure Type: Flip Lid
These organizers feature adjustable Velcro dividers, which are ideal for keeping your shoes organized. Each bag has two pockets for storing items, and each compartment has enough space for 12 pairs of shoes. You can also store other small to medium-sized items in there, or remove the dividers to store larger items like clothing and bedding.
The velcro dividers are great because they can be adjusted and moved around to accommodate items as needed. The box is also easy to open with a zipper, but you have to take it out from under the bed to open it fully. Since the boxes aren’t very tall, the zippers sometimes get stuck, and when we stuff them too much, the zippers catch on the clothes inside. The fabric pull tabs on the zippers started to wear out a bit after a few uses, which was a bit of a disappointment, but it doesn’t detract from its value – after six months of use, this bag is still an essential part of our daily lives.
The Storage Lab Under Bed Storage Set is our top pick thanks to its sturdy construction, lightweight design, and handles that make it easy to grab from under your bed. The zippers are strong and slide smoothly, and the clear top allows you to clearly see the contents of each storage drawer. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, we recommend the Onlyeasy Foldable Under Bed Storage Bag, which offers incredible storage capacity at a very affordable price.
To find the best under-bed storage options, we tested 17 units in our homes over a six-month period. We ran multiple tests, evaluating each unit on factors such as type, material, quality, size, capacity, closure, convenience, durability, extra features (like wheels), and overall value for money.
During our testing, we evaluated each organizer’s storage capacity, ease of opening and closing, how secure and protected the drawers were, and how easily the drawers slid under and behind the bed. We also tested each organizer for strength and durability, paying special attention to its overall construction, such as whether zippers snagged or broke, and whether lids warped or didn’t close properly. We also checked the boxes for wear and tear and inspected the bottoms to see how well the surfaces held up to pushing and pulling forces.
When it comes to finding the best under-bed storage solutions, Gabay emphasizes the importance of quality: You want a quality container that won’t break, fall apart, or be difficult to open or close. Plastic containers with lids are common under-bed storage options, but there are other options, like structured fabric bags made from polyester or linen, and woven baskets. If you’re looking for a durable, highly protective option, consider plastic containers, Gabay says. Fabric containers don’t provide the same long-term protection as airtight containers, and they don’t slide as easily.
Under bed storage boxes come in a variety of sizes, so consider what you’ll actually be using them for before you decide to buy one. If you’re only planning on storing small items or a few pieces of clothing, you may not need a large storage box. On the other hand, if you’re planning on storing a whole season’s worth of clothing or need a box that can hold a blanket and sheets, a larger box may be ideal.
When choosing the size of underbed storage, the most important thing is the space between the bed and the floor. Before you buy anything, you should measure the height of the space under the bed to make sure the storage boxes will fit easily under the bed. “You can use the bed frame to create extra space if needed,” says Gabay. “Be sure to check under the bed for any obstructions, such as metal frames, that might prevent some storage boxes from being pushed in.”
Whatever under-bed storage solution you choose, it’s important that it’s easily accessible. That means you can easily pull it out from under the bed and put it back in place. “If you have to stretch or wave your arms to get the box, you’re probably not going to do it very often,” Gabay said. To avoid this, it’s best to choose storage solutions that aren’t too bulky, preferably on wheels.
In most cases, under bed storage boxes are a low-maintenance or low-maintenance storage option. So if you plan to keep your under bed storage boxes for a long time, you can safely leave them there and not think about them until you need to access them. You may notice dust accumulating on or around your storage boxes, so it is a good idea to dust them off occasionally. Remember to remove the storage boxes from under the bed and vacuum the floor thoroughly.
NestNeatly SmartCube Under Bed Organizer Set: These large organizers come in sets of three, and the pull-out sides allow you to fit more items as needed. In our testing, we found these storage bags easy to open and close, and we had no issues with the zippers. We did have a hard time getting them out from under our bed due to their large size and fabric bottom. The unstructured sides also feel quite flimsy. Overall, however, stored items remained clean, fresh, and well-protected.
Sterilite Heavy-Duty Locking Storage Bin Set: This set is sturdy and convenient, and the six storage bins included are stackable. All of our items fit easily, but we wish the storage bin was an inch or so deeper. The lid won’t close completely when overfilled due to the rigid material. There’s also a small space between the edge of the storage bins and the lid, making them less secure than other options.
Under-bed storage is ideal for storing out-of-season clothing, shoes, accessories, and blankets and sheets. However, you don’t have to limit yourself to these items. If you have items like fine china or holiday decorations that need to be stored, you can use the space under your bed for that. Gabay generally recommends using under-bed storage for items you don’t use very often.
Gabai believes that in addition to under-bed storage, a suitcase is also a good option. If your suitcase requires more space under the bed frame, you can also invest in a bed lift.
Gabai says plastic under-bed storage bins are great because they’re easier to get under the bed. “Plastic storage bins will slide around, whether they’re on carpet, wood, or tile,” she says. Many plastic storage bins are also airtight, which helps keep your belongings safer.
On the downside, fabric containers don’t seal well and can be difficult to remove if placed on a rug or carpet due to their rough surface. In contrast, fabric containers are often cheaper, lighter, and easier to store when not in use. They’re also a more eco-friendly option for those trying to reduce their plastic use.
One of the smartest ways to make the most of the space in your container is to use vacuum bags for your bulkiest items, like bedding and outerwear. Not only does compressing your items save more space, it also helps you organize them because you can group certain items of clothing and label them accordingly inside the container. In addition to keeping items compact, vacuum packing can also help protect the contents from dust and bugs if the container has a hole.
Similar to packing a suitcase, you can also roll your items instead of folding them. Rolling them will make your items more compact and manageable, allowing you to easily fit them into small, unused spaces and corners, ensuring that every inch of space is utilized to its fullest potential. It will also prevent deep creases from forming on the item, giving it a better look when you finally take it out. Lastly, before you fill the container, you should clean out the items. Getting rid of things you know you won’t need in the future not only makes storage easier, but it also frees up space for things that may accumulate later.
This article was written by Kat De Naum, who has over 10 years of experience writing about shopping. Kat is also the editor of Thomas-Xometry, the country’s leading online sourcing and product discovery platform. For this article, we tested a variety of under-bed storage solutions, researching and considering factors such as material, size, capacity, cover type, convenience, and overall value for money for each product. Kat also spoke with Nicole Gabay, founder of professional organization company B. Organized.