Under Bed Storage Options

Under bed storage is a great way of utilizing vacant floor space for storing various items. Space is always at premium, especially in apartments, and usually there is hardly any space left for stashing various items, once your closet area is full. It is a fact that we do keep accumulating things, and before we know it, there is a huge clutter in the house, when you have not thought of properly organizing your storage requirements. If you use beds that are raised off the floor, then the space underneath usually goes unnoticed. This space is excellent for storing various items, and there are readymade storage systems available, where you do not have to construct anything new under your bed.

 

What can be Stored

Under bed storage systems, can store almost anything, which can fit under the bed. The only limiting factor is the height of your bed from the ground. The space is ideal for storing items like bed sheets, pillow covers, gift-wrappings, craft items, toys, shoes, sewing kits, blankets, sweaters, Christmas ornaments, and all other knick-knacks you can find in your house.

Types of Under Bed Storage Systems

Boxes and drawers are the two main types of storage systems for under bed space. However, there are many variations in these two types, for different storage needs.

Boxes and Totes

You can find boxes made of hard plastic, canvas or a rubberized material with zips or latches. Boxes have big handles for easy dragging, or you could purchase units with attached castors. You can also opt for a cart with castors in which these boxes can be placed. Most of the box units are made for specific storage needs, and here are some of the popular types-

• A storage chest for storing gift-wrapping paper: The interior will be organized with the required compartments for the rolls of paper, ribbons, and scissors and so on.
• Shoe Organizer: The size of this box will differ as per the number of pairs of shoes you need to store. These boxes are made from a breathable material with multiple compartments, and usually have a transparent vinyl cover that can be zipped.
• For Storing Woolens and other fabrics: This under bed storage unit is made from natural cotton canvas, and has cedar inserts for protecting your fabrics from mildew, insects, and odors. These boxes will have a transparent cover of vinyl that can be zipped, and come in different sizes with various types of inner compartment arrangements.
• Vacuum Sealing Totes: These are made from sturdy canvas material, and can be vacuum-sealed with an ordinary vacuum cleaner. These are ideal for storing fabrics and other items that need to be protected against mildew, moisture, odors, and insects.
• General Bins and Boxes: These are made of hard plastic and come in various sizes with or without lids.

Drawers

Drawers are available in plastic or hard wood, in single units or stacked, and can be purchased as per the height of your bed frame, and requirements.

If you have not yet bought a bed, or planning to buy a new one, then you can consider models that have inbuilt drawers. If you do not mind a higher bed frame, you can even get models with twin rows of drawers.

Planning

Here are few points to consider when you are planning under bed storage-

• The height of the unit you opt for should fit easily under the bed frame. There should not be any obstructions while dragging it out.
• Keep items that are used often, nearer the edges, and items that are needed seasonally, can be placed towards the middle of the bed.
• Choose units according to the items needing storage. For example, fabrics, woolen blankets, and sweaters will need a vacuum-sealed tote or a box with cedar inserts.

Popular Models

DAZZ Jumbo Natural Canvas Box with Cedar

This box is made from a canvas material in natural cotton, and has cedar inserts that shields your items from mildew and odors. Standing six inches tall, this box has a width of 42 inches and depth of 18 inches. Side handles provide good grip for easy sliding under the bed. Ideal for storing blankets and linens, this box can be easily folded to a small size when not in use.

Richard Homewares Gift Wrap Chest in Red 

This beautiful chest is made from sturdy breathable material and is made for storing gift-wraps and accessories. It is just under six inches tall and about 40 inches wide, with several compartments for wrap rolls, ribbons, and other materials.

WBTS-9010UT Vacuum-Seal Space Bag Tote

This storage tote is equipped with a one way valve that works with any vacuum cleaner for creating a vacuum inside. The seal is an airtight plastic zipper, and can protect items from moisture, dirt, mildew, and odors. It has a transparent vinyl cover and handles at the sides. It is quite spacious measuring 25.5 inches in width, 19.75 inches in breadth and stands six inches tall.

Iris CSD-440S Drawers with Frame

This drawer comes in a stackable design with a sturdy frame, made from white polypropelene, which is semi-transparent for easy viewing of contents. Each drawer is six inches tall, 29 inches deep and around 17 inches wide. This unit is ideal for storing various household items including clothes, craft material, blankets, and shoes. 

If you are running short of space, and clutter is increasing in your house, then under bed storage systems provide the ideal solution.