Under Bed Clothes Storage: Settings, Products, and Timing
Under Bed Clothes Storage: Settings, Products, and Timing
You want to use the space under your bed for clothes storage. It’s wasted space that could hold out-of-season clothes, extra bedding, or bulky items. But the wrong setup can attract dust, trap moisture, or make clothes hard to reach. Here’s how to set up under bed clothes storage with the right products and layout.
Under bed clothes storage is the practice of storing clothing in the space beneath a bed using storage bins, bags, or drawers. Under bed storage uses space that would otherwise be wasted. It’s ideal for out-of-season clothes, extra bedding, and bulky items that don’t need to be accessed daily.
To set up under bed clothes storage, measure the space under your bed first, choose the right storage bins (flat bins with wheels, vacuum bags, or fabric boxes), wash clothes before storing, fold neatly, label each bin, add cedar or lavender for freshness, and check bins every 3 to 6 months. Don’t store dirty clothes, don’t use cardboard boxes, and don’t overstuff.
What Works
Measure the Space First
Measure the height, width, and depth of the space under your bed. Most beds have 6 to 12 inches of clearance. Choose bins that fit the space.
Choose the Right Storage Bins
Flat plastic bins with wheels: Best for easy access. Slide in and out easily. Choose bins with lids to protect from dust.
Vacuum storage bags: Best for bulky items. Compress comforters, blankets, and winter coats by up to 75%.
Fabric storage boxes: Best for breathable storage. Good for natural fibers like wool and linen.
Under-bed drawers: Best for beds with built-in storage. Slide out like drawers for easy access.
Rolling carts: Best for small items. Roll out from under the bed when needed.
Wash Clothes Before Storing
Always wash clothes before storing. Use Tide Free and Gentle. Dirty clothes attract pests and cause odors.
Fold Neatly
Fold clothes neatly to save space and prevent wrinkles. Use the file folding method for maximum space efficiency.
Label Each Bin
Label each bin with the contents and season. This makes it easy to find what you need without pulling out every bin.
Add Cedar or Lavender
Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to bins to repel moths and keep clothes smelling fresh. Arm and Hammer Baking Soda absorbs moisture and odors.
Use Vacuum Bags for Bulky Items
Use vacuum storage bags for comforters, blankets, and winter coats. They reduce volume by up to 75%, making it easy to fit bulky items under the bed.
Note: Don’t use vacuum bags for natural fibers like wool and silk, which need to breathe.
Check Bins Every 3 to 6 Months
Check stored clothes every 3 to 6 months. Look for pests, mold, and moisture. Air out the clothes and replace cedar or lavender.
Keep the Area Clean
Vacuum under the bed regularly to prevent dust buildup. Dust can get into bins and damage clothes.
What to Avoid
Storing Dirty Clothes
Dirty clothes under the bed attract pests and cause odors. Always wash before storing.
Using Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes attract pests and absorb moisture. Use plastic or fabric bins instead.
Overstuffing Bins
Cramming too many clothes into a bin causes wrinkles and makes it hard to find things. Leave some space.
Not Labeling
Not labeling bins means you have to pull out each one to find what you need. Label everything.
Storing Frequently Needed Items
Under bed storage is not for items you need daily. Store out-of-season clothes and extra bedding, not everyday clothes.
Not Checking Bins
Not checking bins for 6 months or more can lead to pest damage and mold going unnoticed. Check every 3 to 6 months.
Using Airtight Containers for Natural Fibers
Wool, silk, and linen need to breathe. Airtight plastic containers can trap moisture and cause mold. Use breathable fabric boxes for natural fibers.
Comparison: Under Bed Storage Products
| Product | Best For | Ventilation | Cost | Space Saved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat plastic bin with wheels | Out-of-season clothes | Low (airtight) | Low to medium | Good |
| Vacuum bag | Bulky items, comforters | None | Low | Excellent (75%) |
| Fabric storage box | Natural fibers | High (breathable) | Low | Good |
| Under-bed drawer | Easy access | Medium | Medium to high | Good |
| Rolling cart | Small items, accessories | Medium | Low to medium | Fair |
Recommended Products for Clothes Care
Detergent: Tide Free and Gentle
Stain removers: OxiClean Max Force Spray, Dawn Ultra Dish Soap, Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam
Odor absorber: Arm and Hammer Baking Soda
Machine cleaner: affresh Washing Machine Cleaner
Laundry sanitizer: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer
Ink remover: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover
FAQ
What is the best under bed clothes storage? Flat plastic bins with wheels for easy access, vacuum bags for bulky items, fabric storage boxes for natural fibers, and under-bed drawers for built-in storage. Choose based on your needs and the space under your bed.
How do you store clothes under the bed? Measure the space, choose the right bins, wash clothes before storing with Tide Free and Gentle, fold neatly, label each bin, add cedar or lavender for freshness, and check bins every 3 to 6 months. Don’t store dirty clothes or use cardboard boxes.
Can you use vacuum bags under the bed? Yes. Vacuum bags compress bulky items like comforters, blankets, and winter coats by up to 75%, making it easy to fit them under the bed. Don’t use vacuum bags for natural fibers like wool and silk, which need to breathe.
How often should you check under bed storage? Check under bed storage every 3 to 6 months. Look for pests, mold, and moisture. Air out the clothes and replace cedar blocks or lavender sachets.
What should you store under the bed? Out-of-season clothes, extra bedding, bulky items, and rarely used items. Don’t store everyday clothes or frequently needed items under the bed, as it’s less convenient than closet storage.
References
- The Spruce. “Under Bed Storage Guide.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Bedroom Storage Ideas.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- Better Homes and Gardens. “Under Bed Storage.” bhg.com.
- Container Store. “Under Bed Storage Guide.” containerstore.com.
