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Making use of the space you already have is a great way to make your home feel roomier and more put-together. Instead of buying larger items that take up even more space, finding storage options that work for the room you have can help keep everything organized without feeling overwhelming. It’s easy for the closet to start to overflow, shoes seem to multiply, and bedding takes over the hallway closet. There are parts of our home we may not think to use for storage. Using hanging storage to fill the vertical space in our closet or behind the door is a great idea, or looking for items that fold up and store neatly in the corner also works.
Another place that’s one of my personal favorites to use for storage, however, is under the bed. Under-bed storage bins can help transform the overlooked area into valuable storage space without adding any new furniture, and can help store everything from clothes and linens to holiday decorations and keepsakes. Keeping your items stored under the bed is a great way to keep them clean and out of the way while also still allowing them to stay accessible, which works well for clothing. In smaller apartments with limited closet space, you can create a disassembled dresser with storage containers that you can easily pull out from under your bed every morning to grab the clothes you need, while keeping your nicer clothing hung up in the closet for special occasions.
Another reason this type of storage is so popular is the variety of options. Some bins feature wheels for easy movement on hardwood flooring, while others skip the wheels to keep them a bit more low profile, which works well for sliding on carpeted areas. Some of the designs prioritize accessibility, while closed containers protect your items from dust and pet dander. There is also a wide range of sizes available, including slim rectangular ones, square bags with handles, larger rolling options, and more. Choosing the right style depends on your space, flooring, and what you plan to store.
Wheeled under-bed storage
Wheeled storage bins are designed to be easy and convenient. They’re easy to roll around the home if the contents are heavy, making them great for storing big decorations or heavy bedding, but they also work well for shoes, toys, craft supplies, and more. The wheels can also help extend the lifespan of your floor and the storage container, as traditional bins are often dragged across the floor.
Hard surface flooring is where wheeled storage shines. Hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile allow rolling bins to move with minimal effort, making it possible to retrieve your stored items with ease. For people who frequently rotate seasonal wardrobes or access stored belongings multiple times a week, their added mobility can make organization feel easier. The downside is that the wheels may add too much height to the bins, so make sure to measure your bed clearance before choosing an option.
Wheeled storage is also flexible, allowing it to be used in the garage, under the sofa, and other places that may not be used to their full potential. Hard plastic bins would work best if you’re looking to use them in multiple places around the home or for long-term storage, like seasonal clothing or decorations, as the hard material protects the items more if you decide to stack them up on a shelf for part of the year. However, I prefer the soft-top rolling bins that zip open for storing my clothing under the bed. These make it easier to see your items if you use them daily for everyday clothes or crafts, as most of them have a crystal clear top flap but still have a zipper that keeps everything dust-free.
Alternatively, they also have open bins that work well for toys or items used multiple times a day, offering the easiest accessibility. It also offers airflow, allowing shoes or other items to breathe well. They’re also useful if you have different-sized items to store in one place. Wrapping paper that may hang over the edge, extra-bulky comforters, or boots may fit best in these types of containers.
Mr Ironstone Open Under-Bed Storage
Keenstone 2-Pack Square Rolling Storage Containers
Lesbin 20-Quart Hard Plastic Rolling Bins
Non-wheeled under-bed storage
While wheeled storage can be practical and versatile, non-wheeled storage also has its own advantages. They work well on carpeted floors, where wheels can struggle to roll smoothly. On thick carpeting, a simple slide-in storage bin can be easier and more stable than the rolling alternative.
Non-wheeled containers also often maximize available storage space. Without wheels taking up room, more room is dedicated to the actual storage space. The extra space may not seem like much, but an inch or two can be the difference between fitting under your bed and being noticeable when storing extra bulky comforters or winter coats. For people trying to maximize their storage space, non-wheeled bins are the way to go.
Non-wheeled options aren’t just limited to plastic bins; they also offer softer options with handles that can be used under the bed, while also making a great option to hang in the closet or stack on shelves if needed. The large handles make them easy to grab from under the bed, while the soft shell makes it easy to fit as much as possible while still being able to zip them up and protect your items from dust. The softer ones also work well on hard floors; while they still may leave occasional scuffs, they can protect your floors better than hard plastic ones if using a wheeled bin is not an option. This works well for people who may have hard floors but use a rug under part of the bed. Non-wheeled containers are also often less expensive than ones with wheels, providing more storage space for less.
Kitstorack Clear Plastic Storage Container
Everpetal 95-Liter Clear Zipper Bag
Wepsen 4-Pack 90-Liter Clear-Top Containers
Want to save even more space?
While these storage bins work perfectly for most items, being able to squeeze in as much as possible can be helpful, especially with seasonal items or linens. Investing in a vacuum sealer to seal up clothes and bulkier items can help cut the size by up to 80%. They’re easy to use, and most kits come with everything you need. Simply place your items in the bag, seal it up, and pump out the extra air! It helps pack down large items and keep things 100% dust and moisture-free, and can make a huge difference in homes with limited storage.
Wepsen 20-Pack Vacuum Storage Set
What’s best for your needs?
The best storage for under your bed depends on how you plan to use it. If you have hardwood or laminate flooring, or will be using your bins often, finding a rolling option or soft plastic option would be the best option to preserve your floors and offer easy mobility. If your bedroom is carpeted or you want as much space as possible to store your items, non-wheeled options work well. Long-term storage may work best with hard-plastic totes that keep items neat and dust-free, while an open option might work well for kids’ toys, shoes, or oddly-shaped items. There are tons of options to choose from to turn your unused space into an easy storage option, and totes start at just $7.
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